Discover the Enchanting Charm of Trashiyangtse

Saidpiece
Mar 23, 2023
5 min read

Trashiyangtse is a small town located in eastern Bhutan that has gained popularity among tourists in recent years. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique handicrafts. If you are planning to visit Trashiyangtse, here are some of the things you should not miss.

Trashiyangtse Dzong

Trashiyangtse Dzong is a historic fortress located in the small town of Trashiyangtse in eastern Bhutan. It is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the region and is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore Bhutan's rich heritage.

The dzong was built in the 17th century and served as a strategic fortification to protect the town from invading forces. Over the years, the dzong was renovated and expanded to accommodate the growing population and serve as a center for religious and administrative activities.

Trashiyangtse Dzong is an impressive example of Bhutanese architecture, characterized by its massive walls, towering watchtowers, and intricate woodwork. The dzong is built on a hill overlooking the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Chorten Kora

Chorten Kora is a stupa that is located on the banks of the Kulong Chu river. It is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan and is known for its unique architecture. The stupa is surrounded by prayer flags and is a popular destination for pilgrims.

Lam Ngawang Loday, the 3rd Lam of Rigsumgoenpa, constructed Chorten Kora to subdue demons that were causing harm to humans and animals in the Dhuerong valley. The stupa was modeled after the famous Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal and was built over a 12-year period, starting in the 1740s. It is said that during the construction of the vase (Bumpa) section, a 16-year-old Khandum from the Dhagpa community of Tawang, India entered the chorten and disappeared.

The Chorten is a major attraction in Trashiyangtse and is believed to have wish-fulfilling powers. The 15th day of the First Bhutanese month is celebrated as Dhagpakora or Chengyakora, and the 30th day of the First Bhutanese month is celebrated as Namgangkora or Drukpakora. These festivals are visited by many people from the Dhagpa community in Tawang.

The consecration of the Chorten was performed by HH the 13th Je Khenpo, Yonten Thayey, on the 30th day of the First Bhutanese month. The Chorten is considered to be a symbol of Bhutanese culture and religion and is an important pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists.

Rigsum Goenpa

The Trashiyangtse Goenpa is a monastery that is located on top of a hill overlooking the town. The hike to the monastery takes around two hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the monastery and learn about Bhutanese Buddhism.

The original construction of Rigsum Gonpa was undertaken by Lama Tshering Gyamtsho, who was a disciple of the 9th Je Khenpo Shacha Rinchhen (1744-1755). Subsequently, his nephew, Lama Jangchhub Gyeltshen, oversaw the renovation and expansion of the monastery. Later, Lama Ngawang Loday, who was appointed as the 3rd Abbot of Rigsum Gonpa by His Holiness Yonten Thaye, the 13th Je Khenpo (1771 – 1775), further extended the monastery and brought the Jowo Shakya Muni statue, which is a replica of the one in Lhasa, from Punakha Dzong.

The Jowo statue is believed to have spoken in front of the fifth abbot. Visiting Rigsum Gonpa is considered an alternative to pilgrimage in Tibet, as it is believed to offer the same level of merit.

In 2004, the gonpa was restored or rebuilt. It is located on a ridge and can be reached after a 3-hour walk from Dungzam in Boomdeling. The monastery offers breathtaking views of the Boomdeling valley and Trashi Yangtse Dzong. Currently, a traditional religious school for around 40 gelongs is operational at Rigsum Gonpa. In the 11th Five Year Plan, there is a proposal to construct a road to the gonpa, which would enable visitors to also visit Dechenphodrang monastery on the same day, after a 4-hour walk.

Trek to Pemaling Ney

Situated at an elevation of 4500 meters, Pemaling Ney is a cave located in an alpine area surrounded by immaculate lakes, where Guru Rimpoche is said to have meditated. During the months of August and September, monks from Singye Dzong embark on a pilgrimage to Pemaling to meditate there for a period of 1-2 months.

The trek to Pemaling takes around three days from the end of the road near Tobrang. Pemaling boasts several pristine lakes that are considered sacred (Latshos), including Pel Dechog Khorlo Latsho, which is one of the primary sources of the Kholong chhu river in Trashi Yangtse.

Legend has it that the Kholong chhu river was initially called Khorlo chu river as it originates from Pel Dechog Khorlo Latsho but was later misinterpreted as Kholong chhu. Devotees and monks from Singye Dzong, Kurtoe, and Lhuntse undertake a pilgrimage to Pemaling Ney during the autumn season to meditate and pay their respects.

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

Covering an area of 1,545 square kilometers with an additional buffer zone of 420 square kilometers that spans across parts of Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntshe, and Mongar district, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary can be found in the north-western region of Bhutan. It shares its international borders with China's Tibetan region to the north and India to the northeast. The sanctuary boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including approximately 100 mammal species, among which are globally endangered animals such as snow leopards, Royal Bengal tigers, and red pandas.

Additionally, Bumdeling serves as a wintering ground for around 150 black-necked cranes that arrive in mid-November and depart in early March. Visitors can also marvel at the sanctuary's butterfly population, with 130 species currently recorded and an estimated 120 more species expected to inhabit the area. Besides its natural beauty and diversity, the sanctuary also features numerous religious and cultural landmarks such as Rigsum Gompa, the mystical Singye Dzong, and Dechenphodrang Lhaghang, which is considered one of the most picturesque monasteries in the country.

Dechenphodrang Ney

Located at an altitude of 2260m beneath Bumdeling Gewog, Dechenphodrang Ney is nestled within a picturesque valley adorned with sizable boulders of religious significance, adjacent to a stream. One notable feature of the area is a slender waterhole carved out of the rock face near the monastery, which is said to be as deep as the towering Tsenden (cypress) tree situated nearby.

The primary ney, situated approximately thirty minutes above the monastery, is accessible after a 4-5 hour hike from Rigsum Gonpa, or a brief half-hour journey from the terminus of the farm road in Woogmanang valley. For international travelers, this could be one of the most enchanting monasteries in Bhutan. A campsite is available along the pathway spanning the Woogmanang river.

In summary, Trashiyangtse presents a distinctive amalgamation of natural allure, cultural richness, and traditional values, making it a precious find in Bhutan. Regardless of your preferences in history, religion, or nature, this picturesque town has something to offer for all. Therefore, prepare for an exceptional expedition to Trashiyangtse by packing your bags and setting out for an unforgettable experience.