Why Visit Eastern Parts of Bhutan!

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.    

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4.  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. 
5.  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. 
6.  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!