Bhutan
is well known for its unique national identities and her uniqueness of life
styles of people living there, their culture and traditions, the architecture
and breathtaking landscapes are the main focus point of the visiting tourists.
And tourism sector is one of the accelerating forces of Bhutanese economy. But
sadly the eastern part of Bhutan do not receive tourist as much as those
fortunate in the western region of the country. One reason could be the winding
roads that they have to pass and rapid changing climatic conditions as we
ascend and descend the mountain passes. But now with the development of
domestic airports in Trashigang and Bumthang,
I think it is time for the people in
the eastern region to grab the opportunities. For these reasons, I want to
explore the significant places in the six eastern districts for the kind
information of the tourists and their associated guides to plan accordingly.
- In
Mongar we have Aja Ney, a place for trekking and it’s very religious.
We also have Yakgang lhakhang, Shami lhakhang, Jayphu Lhakhang,
Pongchola lhakhang, Tsanphu etc... Out of these, Shami, Jayphu and Tsanphu are
located in an adventurous place; have to trek through dense forest
enjoying the pristine flora n fauna. And also people there celebrate many
local festivals.
- In
Lhuntse we have Singye Dzong one of the sacred places in
Bhutan. It is also a place where famous textiles popularly
known as Kishuthara are produced by local men and women and also
earthen pots which are a good sources of income for people there. In
Lhuntse there is also a giant Guru Statue overlooking the valley.
- In
Trashigang, there are diverse group of people having diverse culture and
traditions. Merak Sakteng is a place for adventurous trekking
through beautiful hills and valleys. Beside this, we have Rangjung
Woesel Choling gonpa, a replica of many other Buddhist temples in world
like Potala and Mindroling monastery, also Yangnyer
Chorten which is a replica of Dorji Dhen Chorten, Barshong Temple
newly founded by Zuri Tulku, Rangshikhar which a place of
meditation of Rangshikhar Rinpoche and many others Dupthobs. Youngphula also
provides a very good view of the valley below. It’s a place where newly
operated domestic airport is in place.
- In
Trahi Yangtse, we have Chorten Korwa and Gomphu korwa as
u have mentioned in your profile. There are very interesting histories
about these two sacred places. There are annual event organized in these
places where people from all walks of life come to pay their homage.
People from neighboring states (Monpas) of Arunachal Pradaesh also
participate in the event because they have the historic connections with
the Festival. Yangtse is also a famous place for Black necked
crane (Bomdelling) and Bomdelling sanctuary provides very
good views of various flora and fauna. There are also many
religious sites like Ombah Nay (Aa is Aja Ney and Hung is Hungrel
Ja in Paro), Rigsum Goenpa, one of the three important Goenpas in
Bhutan (the other two are Yongla Goenpa in Pemagatshel and Talo
Goenpa in Punakha), Dechen phodrang, Thrichu Goenpa.and many
more…. Also a place for Dapa (wooden plate & mug)
productions.
- Pemagatshel-
The name “Pemagatshel” itself literally means lotus garden of
happiness. It was named by Duejom Rinpoche astonishing upon
having seen the mountain structures resembling the lotus petals. We have Yongla
Goenpa (aforementioned) which is considered one of the sacred places
in Bhutan. It is also famous for the productions of Dung and Jaling (
Religious trumpets) and also people there produces locally made sugarcane
chocolate popularly known as Tshatshi buram. Recently established Dungsam Polymers
and Gypsum cement factory are also located in Pemagatshel.
- Samdrup
Jongkhar – This place is a business hub for eastern people. People from
all regions gather there to do business. Shingkhar Lowri is a remote
place in the district which is a good place for trekking. People in that
village perform local dance known as Acho Lhamo Chham. This unique
dance has got a very good history. It is a bordering town which borders
with India and is considered one of the oldest towns in Bhutan. Samdrup
Jongkhar was also an important place where many battles were fought in
early days.
These
are some of the important historic sites in the eastern region which are so far
unexplored. I know it would be very expensive for a tourist to make a tour to
these places and they don’t want to but these are some of the significant
places to convince them. Tourism is one of the driving forces in poverty
alleviation and if the concerned agency like travel agent and tourism council
could operate well in east, it would help the people of eastern Bhutan.
ALL
THE VERY BEST.
Thank
You!