Destination
Mongar
Over Thrumshing La into the east
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
The valley
About Mongar
Mongar is where eastern Bhutan begins. The road from Bumthang climbs to Thrumshing La at 3,780 m, the highest point on the highway that crosses the country, and then winds down through forest towards Mongar town.
Mongar Dzong is unusual in two ways. It stands on a gentle slope, where most dzongs command a ridge or a cliff, and it has two entrances, where most have one.
Most travellers stay a night here between Bumthang and Trashigang. Further afield are Drametse Lhakhang, one of the district’s main temples, and Aja Ney, a place of pilgrimage at more than 3,500 m.
See and do
What to see
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Thrumshing La
The pass at 3,780 m between Bumthang and Mongar, the highest point on the east to west highway.
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Mongar Dzong
A dzong on a gentle slope above the town, with two entrances.
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Drametse Lhakhang
One of the main temples of the district, in the hills east of the town.
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Aja Ney
A pilgrimage place at more than 3,500 m, reached on foot.
Go there
Trips that visit Mongar
Cultural tour
Bhutan from East to West
Trashigang and the east, Bumthang, Trongsa and 1 more
Seventeen days across the whole country, out to Trashigang and the weaving villages of the east and back to Paro.
Festivals
Festivals in Mongar
Gomphu Kora
A night-long walk around a rock, in the far east
Chorten Kora
Two walks round the white stupa of Trashi Yangtse
Trashigang Tshechu
The festival the whole east comes to
Mongar Tshechu
The festival at the gateway to the east
Lhuentse Tshechu
Midwinter in the valley of the weavers
Pemagatshel Tshechu
A festival in a new dzong, in the land of the lotus
Where it is
Mongar on the map of Bhutan
Next door: Bumthang Lhuentse Pemagatshel Trashigang Trashiyangtse Zhemgang
Choose a district to read about it.