Trashigang, Bhutan

Discover Trashigang

The gorgeous town of Trashigang is found in eastern Bhutan. From its lofty hilltop perch, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley above the Drangme Chhu river. Trashigang is a useful stopover if you’re travelling between Eastern Bhutan and India, and as a useful base if you’re attempting the Merak Sakten Trek through the Sakten Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is rumoured to be the home of the legendary Yeti, and also houses some other seldom-spotted creatures, the endangered snow leopard and red panda.

Trashigang was once a busy centre of trade and is still a popular marketplace for the semi-nomadic Merak and Sakteng people.

One of the main attractions is Trashigang Dzong which has recently been under reconstruction. Nicknamed the ‘Fortress of the Auspicious Hill’, it was built in 1659 and still houses the rifles that Indian soldiers were required to deposit after the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Bhutan allowed the soldiers returning home to pass through Eastern Bhutan but they had to do so unarmed.

Each year, the dzong hosts a four-day Trashigang Tshechu festival with around 1,500 people attending the celebrations on each day.