Trashigang

Understand

Trashigang is the largest town in the district, and serves as a convenient base for tourists venturing into the surrounding villages and mountains. It was once the centre of an important trade route with Tibet. Kanglung is a village about a 30-minute drive from Trashigang. It is primarily known as the site of the government college, Sherabtse, which has a student population of around 1,300.

Getting there

By plane Yongphula Airport: Drukair ply the 45-minute Paro route every Tu, Th, and Su. However, due to the swift changing weather conditions at Yongphula, the airport has a high rate of flight cancellations, and so it is recommended to check flight updates before leaving for the airport.

By bus From Thimphu there are two routes, both requiring two days:

On the northern route, there are direct buses that make a night stop at Bumthang and pass through Mongar. The southern route starts in Phuentsholing and passes through the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam. From Samdrup Jongkhar, there are direct buses to Trashigang. It is a two-day journey, with buses departing from Phuentsholing at around 06:00. There are also direct buses from Thimphu to Samdrup Jongkhar, a journey of around 13-14 hours.

Getting around

The small town can easily be covered on foot.

See

1 Trashigang Dzong. Built in 1659. Functions as the administrative headquarters of Trashigang district. Houses the local branch of the monastic body. (updated Sep 2024) The town's old bazaar area around the prayer wheel.

Do

Trashigang Tshechu. A colourful religious festival held annually in either November or December.

Eat

Druk Deothjung Hotel offers local cuisine and some international dishes. 1 Tashi Gaylek Bakery, Kanglung Lower Market (below the road on right just before Sherabtse College gate when travelling from Trashigang/Mongar.), ☏ +975 17616411. Pizza, pasta, Bhutanese cuisine. Pastries. Large windows offering views over mountains. (updated Sep 2024)

Sleep

Budget There are a number of basic drop-in hotels around the prayer wheel at the centre of town.

Mid-range Druk Deothjung Hotel, Phomshing (3km the town centre of town), ☏ +975 44521440. A large resort. Views over the Drangmey Chhu River. Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, Continental cuisine. Bar. (updated Sep 2024) 1 Lingkhar Lodge, Kanglung (midway between Trashigang and Yongphula Airport), ☏ +975 77116767. The closest tourist standard hotel to Yongphula Airport. Uninhibited views over rice paddies and mountains. Individual cabins. Bar and cafe. Outdoor seating. Friendly and helpful service. (updated Sep 2024)

Go next

Within Trashigang district Bartsham and Bidung. Twin villages on facing mountain slopes. Chador Monastery in Bartsham is impressive and houses a revealed spiritual treasure. A 90 minute drive from Trashigang town. Khaling - a small town famous for its weaving center operated the National Women's Association of Bhutan. Pasaphu Village in Thrimshing district - famous for its handmade cane baskets and other cane products (ringshu). Rangjung - a quaint village about 16km from Trashigang. Home to Woesel Chokling Monastery and Sip and Savour Cafe - good coffee and simple but tasty pastries. Sakten, in the northern most part of Trashigang district. A great area for trekking. Yak and dzo (female yak) are common in this area.

Outside Trashigang district Jakar - the main town in Bumthang. Sacred sites. Resorts. Around 7 hours 30 mins from Trashigang town. Tashiyangtse - a quaint town about a 90 minute drive from Trashigang Town