Mongar
Eastern Bhutan

Mongar

The gateway to the east: lemongrass hills, a young dzong built the old way, and a long descent.

Altitude 1,600 m Best season October to April Worth 1 to 2 nights Getting there Six hours east of Bumthang over Thrumshing La

The road east from Bumthang climbs over Thrumshing La at nearly 3,800 metres and then falls,  into warmer, steeper country scented with lemongrass.

Mongar is where eastern Bhutan begins. Its dzong was built only in 1930, but entirely by traditional methods, with no nails and no drawings. It anchors a market town where the east’s roads meet. Nearby Drametse monastery gave the kingdom its most celebrated dance, the Nga Cham drum dance, recognised by UNESCO.

Few travellers make it past Bumthang. Those who do find people who are curious, hospitable and surprised to see them.

Mongar is about six hours east of Bumthang over Thrumshing La, so most guests stop at the pass on the way. One night is enough to see the dzong and the market. A second night lets you visit Drametse. October to April is the best time, and the Mongar Tshechu in November is a good reason to come.

While You Are Here

Things worth your time

  1. 01 Cross Thrumshing La The great pass between central and eastern Bhutan. Fir forest, then rhododendron, then warm broadleaf in a single descent.
  2. 02 Mongar Dzong Proof the old building knowledge never left. Raised in the twentieth century without a single drawing.
  3. 03 Drametse Lhakhang The monastery of the drum dance, above the Gamri valley. Time a visit with morning prayers.
  4. 04 The market at Mongar Where the east trades: chillies, lemongrass oil, handwoven textiles and talk.
Festival Season

Festivals in Mongar

Mongar Tshechu each winter draws the eastern valleys to the dzong courtyard.

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