Pemagatshel translates to ‘the Lotus Garden of Happiness”. It lies in the south eastern regions of Bhutan with altitudes ranging from 1000 – 3500 metres. Pemagatshel is renowned for its artisans and weavers, whereby several religious instruments used widely by the monks and raw silk kiras, known to be some of the most expensive, are produced here in Pemagatshel. The region is also known for its various festivals and folk songs and the Yongla Goemba, one of the oldest sacred shrines in the country.
- Yongla Goemba
Situated atop the dagger-shaped mountain of Pemagatshel, the Yongla Goemba is one of the oldest and holiest shrines of Eastern Bhutan. During the ‘Duar War’, Jigme Namgyel, who was the Trongsa Penlop at the time, used it as the base of operations to fend off British military troops that attempted to invade Bhutan. Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel is the father of our first king, Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck. There are also many other ancient shrines and temples nearby that adds to the mysticism of the place.