Trashigang is an important commercial and administrative centre serving much of eastern Bhutan. The district contains valleys, mountain settlements, monasteries and communities known for weaving and traditional agriculture.
Places to visit in Trashigang
- Trashigang Dzong: A historic fortress overlooking the meeting point of the Drangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu rivers.
- Trashigang Town: A compact hillside town with shops, restaurants and a lively local atmosphere.
- Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery: A large Buddhist monastery located in Rangjung Valley.
- Radhi Village: Often known for its rice fields and traditional raw-silk textiles.
- Khaling Handloom Centre: A place where visitors can learn about traditional weaving and view Bhutanese textiles.
- Kanglung: A peaceful educational town that is home to Sherubtse College.
- Yonphula: A high-altitude area known for mountain scenery and a domestic airport serving eastern Bhutan.
- Bartsham Chador Lhakhang: An important temple associated with local religious traditions.
- Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary: Accessible through carefully planned journeys into the remote eastern highlands.
Trashigang is an excellent base for exploring eastern Bhutan, visiting weaving communities and continuing towards Merak and Sakteng.
Food
Trashigang offers distinctive eastern Bhutanese food, with maize, rice, chillies, cheese and dried meat forming the main ingredients.
Visitors can try:
- Kharang: Crushed maize served alone or mixed with rice.
- Ema datshi: Chillies cooked with cheese.
- Shakam paa: Dried beef prepared with chillies and vegetables.
- Sikam paa: Dried pork cooked with chillies.
- Local vegetable dishes: Prepared from seasonal farm produce.
- Momos: Dumplings commonly available in Trashigang town.
- Bangchang: A traditional fermented grain beverage.
- Ara: A stronger locally distilled grain drink.
Local markets provide opportunities to see regional chillies, maize, vegetables, cheese and other eastern products.
Language
Tshangla or Sharchopkha is the most widely spoken regional language. Dzongkha and English are used in schools, offices and tourism services.