Central Bhutan

Central Bhutan is exciting destination for all visitors for associating with most significant historical and religious sites in the country. The district of Trongsa has always been of great political importance to the leaders of Bhutan due to its authoritative location in the center of the nation while Bumthang district has some of the most ancient and important temples and monasteries in Bhutan and is aesthetically aweinspiring.

Central Bhutan is a region blessed with great natural beauty and there are miles of pristine alpine and subtropical broadleaved forests teeming with all manner of flora and fauna. The Thrumshingla National Park is located in this region and is famous for the many rare and endangered birds that inhabit it including the Rufous necked hornbill, Rufous-throated wren-babbler, Satyr Tragopan, Beautiful nuthatch, Ward’s trogon and Chestnut-breasted partridge. Visitors as they travel across the breathtaking forests of blue pine draped with lichen may even catch a glimpse of the exotic animals that live in the park such as the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger or the adorable Red Panda.

BUMTHANG

Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the most popular Buddhist temples and monasteries. The Dzongkhag is divided into four valleys Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. Choekhor is the largest of the four mountain valleys and is widely considered as ‘Bumthang Valley’. The wide and scenic valleys attract large number of tourists each year. Bumthang is one of the fertile regions in Bhutan and the farmers grow buckwheat, apples, rice and potatoes. The locals also produce chhugos(hardened cheese) and Yathra (colourful costumes made of yak and sheep wool)
This dzongkhag is blessed with abundance of historical and spiritual legacy. Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest and venerated temple is located here. The temple was built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 659 A.D. as part of a chain of 108 simultaneously constructed temples in order to subdue an evil demoness that lay over the Himalayan region. Read More

TRONGSA

Trongsa is situated on a steep ridge and offers spectacular views of the deep valleys surrounding it. The Dzong is provides spectacular view from the town as it is situated atop a steep ridge that drops off into the clouds on its south side. Trongsa also boasts an impressive museum. It is also considered as the forefront of the warriors. The watchtower of Trongsa has been converted into a museum dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty and provides in-depth knowledge of Bhutan
Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan and housed the throne of the first and second king of Bhutan. Because of the dzong’s highly strategic position, on the only connecting route between east and west, the Trongsa Penlop was able to control effectively the whole of the central and eastern regions of the country from here. The crown prince of Bhutan must first serve as Trongsa Penlop before ascending to the throne. Read More

DAGANA

Dagana is a lush green region with over 80% vegetation covered. The common vegetations are Champ, Augury, Chirpine and Sal. One of the most iconic features of Dagana are the three stone Megaliths, known as “Sky Pillar Rock” (Do Namkhai Kaw), “The Rock of Ancient Steps” (Do KelpaiGenthey) and “The Frontier Sky Fortress” (ThaNamkhai Dzong). Legend has it that when Dzong was being constructed, the megalith known as the Frontier Sky Fortress emitted telepathic messages to the builders stating that the Dzong would collapse if it was built any higher than it currently stands. Even today the golden cupola of the Dzong is said to be level with the tip of the megalith. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the inhabitants of the Dzongkhag. Farmers grow rice and oranges. The district is mainly inhabited by two major ethnic groups, the Ngalops and the Lhotshampas though in recent year’s people from other regions have migrated to the region. Read More

ZHEMGANG

Zhemgang Dzongkhag has rich bio diversities and is home for 22 endangered animal species including the Golden Langur. It has diverse climatic condition ranging from cool temperatures in the north to hot and humid regions in the south. Zhemgang dzong stands on top of a ridge that rises sharply from the Mangdechhu, facing the village of Trong and Zhemgang town. It was founded by Lama Zhang Dorje Drakpa who came to Bhutan from Tibet in the 12th century. Lama Zhang is considered the greatest Buddhist saint to settle at present day Zhemgang. In 1655, where he had built a hermitage, a small dzong was constructed to symbolize the unification of the three Kheng divisions. Besides the Dzong, tourist can visit typical local village nearby and there are wonderful views from around Shemgang on a clear day. The areas around Shemgang is also rich in bird species and flora. Read More

GELEPHU

Gelephu is part of Sarpang district and is one of the business hubs of the country. The climate is hot and humid. Gelephu is a gateway to the Royal Manas National Park, the oldest nature preserve in the Kingdom of Bhutan providing home for some of the most endangered species in the world such as Golden Langurs, Gangetic Dolphins and the Asian One-horned Rhinoceros. The park is the most biologically diverse protected area in the kingdom as well as one of the most outstanding nature preserves worldwide. The two most defining aspects of the Gelephu region are the new Gelephu Airport and the Gelephu Hotsprings (Tshachu). Read More