Travel Information on Eastern Bhutan — Swan Tour

Swan Tours
Aug 8, 2017 · 5 min read
Eastern Bhutan

Bhutan is the latest entry to the popular travel holiday destinations in and around India, Bhutan Tour Packages from Delhi are getting more guests than anytime before , One of the reasons for the same is increased flight connectivity from Delhi . Majority of the travellers to Bhutan travel to Paro , Thimphu and Punakha , Few travel to Eastern Bhutan as well , some travel information on Eastern Bhutan is as below :

EASTERN BHUTAN

The Thumsing La Pass (3,802 m/12,465 ft) is the highest motor pass in the kingdom. The climb is breathtaking, and watches out for the descent: it’s one of the most exhilarating drives in the eastern Himalayas. The road plunges in a long series of bends, through dark pine forests, wild green pastures, and a variety of fruit orchards. Farther along the descent are gushing waterfalls and sheer cliffs that drop down to the river gorge, all surrounded by a stunning blend of wild-flowers and constantly changing vegetation. The journey brings you to the warmer, subtropical climate of the lower elevations of eastern Bhutan.

This is an area infrequently visited by travelers. Many Bhutanese have never been to this part of the kingdom. Yet it is rich in cultural and architectural treasures, and full of pleasant surprises. The dominant language of the eastern region is Sharchop, literally, the “language of the east,” of which there are several dialects. Since Sharchop is so different from Dzongkha, the language spoken in the west, residents from the two regions often have trouble communicating with one another.

The region is rugged and sparsely populated; thus, the quality of the hotels and food here is not as high as that in other areas of the country. Be prepared for rougher conditions, basic accommodations, and a lack of hot water and Western toilets.

Mongar

Mongar District in Eastern Bhutan

486 km (302 mi) east of Thimphu; 141 km (88 mi) east of Ura. After a long journey filled with hairpin twists and turns, reaching Mongar, the entrance to the eastern region, is a relief. The town is built on a ridge, because the valley floors are too narrow to suit develop-ment. It’s a small town with just a few shops and restaurants.

The Mongar Dzong was built in the early 19th century and is modern in comparison to others in the kingdom. The original dzong was de-stroyed by fire, and its reconstruction was ordered by the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1953. The original building was at a lower elevation; the current site was chosen for its better climate. The small dzong is only two stories high, with an utse and a lhakhang in its cen-ter. Above the dzong on the hill is the local high school and a hospi-tal. The new Kurichu hydroelectric project will change the industrial emphasis of the eastern region after its completion early in the new mil-lennium. Upon its completion, it will have the capacity to output 60 megawatts of hydroelectricity.

Dining and Lodging

Shongar Lodge. Run by BTCL, the Shongar Lodge is on a hill directly across from the dzong. Built in traditional Bhutanese style, the charming guest house has simple, very clean, comfortable accommodations, with handwoven upholstery and carpets. The sitting area, furnished with lots of couches and chairs, is a great place to talk with fellow travelers, enjoy afternoon tea, or relax after a long day’s drive. The dining room serves the four main cuisines, and the Bhutanese dishes are particularly excellent. Stroll around the grounds where there are beautiful gardens teeming with flowers.

Lhuentse

563 km (350 mi) east of Thimphu; 77 km (48 mi) north of Mongar. Although it a short distance from Mongar to Lhuentse, the trip takes about three hours. When the weather turns bad, the roads can easily become blocked, making Lhuentse the most isolated district in Bhutan. However, the road follows the Kuru Chhu, and the landscape is beau-tiful. At times, sheer cliffs flank both the side of the road and the op-posite side of the river. There are few cars in this very rural region, and you will often pass villagers eager to catch a ride.

The thuentse Dzong is perched on a rocky outcrop above the river, usually shrouded in clouds. Its hulking form dominates the small village. Pema Lingpa’s son, Kunga Wangpo, established a small gompa on the spot of the dzong in the 16th century. The dzong was built in 1654, by the Penlop of Trongsa, Minjur Tenpa, after a successful military cam-paign against the lords of Kurtoe. The building has been restored several times over the years, and now holds the administrative offices for the district, as well as the area’s monastic community.

There is very little to see and do in Lhuentse, since the town consists only of the dzong, a school, and a few food stalls and shops. The area’s main claim to fame is that the Kurtoe region of Lhuentse is the ancestral home of the Royal family. The town is also known for its weavers who produce what are considered to be the finest textiles and fabrics in the country. The distinctive embroidered brocade dresses made in Lhuentse are called kushutara. Women come down from the hills to sell their wares. If you are interested in purchasing these beautiful handmade garments, mention it to your hotel proprietor, who will put the word out that you’re looking.

Dining and Lodging

Government Guest House. It’s almost worth making the trip all the way here just to stay in this guest house. The location is exquisite, on a hill opposite the dzong, sitting high above the river. On a clear day you can see the snowcapped peaks at the far end of the valley. Al-though the rooms are basic, the cook takes requests and serves delicious Bhutanese food.

For more information on Bhutan Tour Packages, contact the most popular travel agency in India — Swan Tours at 011–23415601