Trashigang

Trashigang

Trashigang considered to be the ‘Jewel of the East’, lies in the eastern regions of the kingdom and is the largest district with an altitude ranging between 600m to 4000m. The largest river of Bhutan, Drangme Chhu flows through the district. The district used to serve as a trade centre between Bhutan and Tibet in the past, however, today nonetheless, it serves as the principle market place for the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng. The most reputed and the first accredited college of Bhutan, the Sherubtse College, founded in 1966 under the leadership of William Mackey, also lies in the region near the Yonphula Domestic Airport.

Some of the major attractions are:

Trashigang Dzong, The Fortress of the Auspicious Hill, was built in 1659 atop a spur, as a means to strategically defend against invading forces. Due to the location of the dzong which could be accessible only through the north via a narrow path, Trashigang dzong could defend against enemies in all directions. It is considered to be the most strategically placed fortress in Bhutan. 

The village of Radhi in Trashigang is famous for two things, the paddy fields and the skilled weavers. Referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ by the locals, the Radhi Village is abundant with rice fields and is one of the major supplier of rice tot he eastern regions of Bhutan. With regard to weaving, the people in Radhi are specialised in weaving high quality traditional textiles from ‘bura’ (raw silk).