About Trashigang
Trashigang — The Fortress of the Auspicious Hill — is unlike anywhere else in Bhutan. As the country's largest district, spanning from 600m to over 4,000m in altitude, it contains extraordinary ecological and cultural diversity within a single region. The town itself perches on a dramatic hillside above the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu rivers, surrounded by terraced fields and dense subtropical forest.
For centuries, Trashigang served as a vital trading crossroads between Assam, India and Tibet — a junction of cultures that is still palpable in the district's layered traditions, languages, and crafts. The dominant language is Tshangla (Sharchopkha), spoken throughout eastern Bhutan, and the people — the Sharchops — are among Bhutan's oldest communities, of mixed Tibetan, Southeast Asian, and South Asian heritage.
What sets Trashigang apart most dramatically is its communities. The Brokpas of Merak and Sakteng are semi-nomadic yak herders who live at altitudes up to 4,500m, dressed in distinctive yak-wool clothing including their famous conical "mushroom hats." Their lifestyle, largely unchanged for centuries, represents one of the last surviving nomadic cultures in Asia. The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary — officially created in part to protect the migoi (a Bhutanese yeti) in whose existence most locals firmly believe — protects their homeland.
The Drametse Monastery, 18km from Trashigang, is home to the Nga Cham drum dance — proclaimed by UNESCO a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This is eastern Bhutan at its most extraordinary, most authentic, and most rewarding.
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Top Attractions
Trashigang rewards patience and preparation. Its treasures are spread across wide distances — plan at least 4–5 days in the district to do it justice.
Trashigang Dzong
Built in 1659 by Trongsa Penlop Mingyur Tenpa to defend against Tibetan invasions, this magnificent fortress sits on a thin peninsula above the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu rivers. Unlike other dzongs, both the administrative and monastic bodies face onto a single shared courtyard. The interior is remarkable — half a dozen lhakhangs, murals depicting a yeti, slate carvings of the half-human half-female deity Seng Doma, and a chapel dedicated to Choegi Gyelpo (Yama, god of death). Several tame goral (mountain goats) roam the exterior courtyards.
Drametse Monastery
Founded in 1511 — its name means "the peak where there is no enemy" — Drametse is the largest and most significant monastery of eastern Bhutan. Home to 100 monks and married Nyingma practitioners, it is the birthplace of the Nga Cham drum dance, proclaimed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The monastery sits at about 2,100m on a spectacular ridge, 18km from Trashigang. Accessible via a dirt road (4×4 recommended) followed by a short walk.
Merak & Sakteng — Brokpa Villages
Two remote highland communities at 3,500–4,500m where the Brokpa people — semi-nomadic yak herders — maintain a lifestyle virtually unchanged for centuries. Famous for their unique dress: yak-wool clothing and distinctive conical "mushroom hats" called shamo, made from a single yak tail. Merak is accessible by 4×4 from Trashigang; Sakteng requires a two-day trek through forest and highland pastures. The surrounding Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary was partly created to protect the migoi (yeti) in whose existence the Brokpas firmly believe.
Radhi Village — Rice Bowl of the East
Known as the "Rice Bowl of the East" for its extraordinarily fertile paddy fields, Radhi is also one of Bhutan's foremost weaving villages. Located 27km from Trashigang on a north-facing hillside, women here produce some of the finest raw silk textiles in the country using traditional back-strap looms and natural dyes. The terraced rice fields create a picture-perfect landscape. Visit in September–November for the harvest season, when the valley turns golden and the weaving workshops are most active.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Created in 2003 and covering 650 sq km, Sakteng is the only protected area in the world officially designated for the protection of the migoi (yeti). It encompasses the eastern third of Trashigang district and is a paradise for rhododendrons — hosting 35 of Bhutan's 46 species. Wildlife includes red panda, leopard, Himalayan black bear, wolf, and hundreds of bird species. Connected to Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary via biological corridor. Access requires a trekking permit through your guide.
National Handloom Weaving Centre, Khaling
Just 3km from Khaling town (50km from Trashigang), this centre operated by the National Women's Association of Bhutan is dedicated to preserving Bhutan's textile traditions. Watch master weavers produce handspun cotton, woolen yathra, and traditional garments using natural dyes and traditional looms — the same techniques passed down through generations. Authentic textiles can be purchased directly, supporting local weavers. One of the best craft shopping experiences in eastern Bhutan.
Things to Do
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Trek
One of Bhutan's most remote and rewarding treks — a 4–5 day journey through highland forests, rhododendron meadows, and high pastures into the heart of Brokpa country. The trail is challenging but the landscape is extraordinary and genuinely pristine. Reaching Sakteng village itself takes two days from the trailhead. Wildlife encounters include red panda and various high-altitude birds. A licensed guide and special area permit are mandatory.
Rafting & Kayaking on Dangme Chhu
The Dangme Chhu — Bhutan's longest river — flows through the entire Trashigang district, offering exciting white-water rafting and kayaking for much of the year. The river cuts through deep subtropical gorges that are inaccessible by road, making a float trip a unique way to experience the landscape. Grades II–IV depending on section and season. Arrange through your operator in advance.
Trashigang Tshechu Festival
The three-day Trashigang Tshechu — held each November or December — is the biggest and most significant festival of eastern Bhutan, culminating in the unfurling of a giant thangka and the display of Guru Rinpoche. Uniquely, the festival features rare mask dances from traditions specific to eastern Bhutan, including performances from the Drametse monastery. Far less crowded than western festivals, it offers an intimate glimpse into the spiritual life of the east.
Trashigang Old Bazaar
Trashigang town's old bazaar area — centred around the ancient prayer wheel near the bus stand — is one of the most authentic local markets in Bhutan. Farmers and traders sell fresh produce, traditional spices, handwoven textiles, cane and bamboo items, and local handicrafts. The Brokpa community members are regular visitors, identifiable by their distinctive dress. Mornings are busiest. No tourist shops here — this is the real, everyday Bhutan.
What to Eat & Buy
Eastern Bhutan has distinct culinary traditions shaped by its subtropical climate, highland herder communities, and proximity to Assam.
Sip Rice Wine
A mild, home-brewed fermented rice drink specific to eastern Bhutan. Sweeter and lighter than ara, it is offered at homestays and community events. Try it in Radhi village.
Shamu Datshi
A variation of the classic ema datshi using wild mushrooms instead of (or alongside) chilies, cooked in yak cheese. The forests of eastern Bhutan produce extraordinary mushrooms.
Kishuthara Silk
The most intricate and prestigious textile in Bhutan — produced in Khoma village near Lhuntse. The distinctive pattern takes up to six months to complete. Available at the National Handloom Centre and Radhi village. A genuine collector's piece.
Yathra Woollen Textiles
Striped woollen cloth handwoven in bold geometric patterns and natural dyes, unique to eastern Bhutan. Available as shawls, blankets, and cushion covers. Excellent quality, reasonable prices, and a direct contribution to weaving communities.
Cane & Bamboo Crafts
Eastern Bhutan's subtropical forests supply abundant bamboo and cane, and local artisans produce beautifully crafted baskets, hats, and containers. The old bazaar in Trashigang town is the best place to find authentic pieces at fair prices.
Local Herbal Teas
The eastern forests produce medicinal herbs used for traditional teas. Local guesthouses often serve these alongside meals. Ask your host — most have a favourite recipe.
When to Go & Practical Info
⭐ Spring (Mar–May)
Rhododendrons peak, ideal for trekking into Sakteng. Clear days.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Very wet. Not ideal for trekking. Road conditions variable.
⭐ Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Rice harvest at Radhi, Tshechu festival, best overall conditions.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Milder than western Bhutan. Festival in Dec. Low-altitude areas are warm.
Getting Here
- Domestic flight: Paro → Yonphula (Druk Air)
- By road: 2-day drive from Paro via east-west highway
- Road via Bumthang → Mongar → Trashigang
- Advance booking essential for Yonphula flights
Permits
- Special area permit required for eastern Bhutan
- Arranged by your tour operator via Dept. of Immigration
- List all eastern destinations on your itinerary
- Carry permit + passport at all checkpoints
Where to Stay
- Limited but comfortable guesthouses in town
- Sherubtse College guesthouse (good option)
- Homestays in Radhi and Merak villages
- Book at least 6–8 weeks ahead
Tips
- Minimum 10 days recommended for eastern circuit
- 4×4 vehicle strongly recommended
- Carry extra cash — ATMs unreliable in remote areas
- Download offline maps before leaving Thimphu
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Discover the Jewel of the East
Trashigang is for travellers who want the real Bhutan — raw, extraordinary, and completely unforgettable.