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Trashigang, འབྲུག་ཡུལ། - Things to Do in Trashigang

Things to Do in Trashigang

Trashigang, འབྲུག་ཡུལ། - Complete Travel Guide

Trashigang, located in eastern Bhutan, is the country's largest dzongkhag (district) and serves as the gateway to the remote eastern regions. This charming town sits at an elevation of 1,150 meters and is dominated by the impressive Trashigang Dzong, which overlooks the Drangme Chhu river valley. The dzong, built in 1659, is considered one of the most strategically important fortresses in Bhutan's history. The town offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life away from the more touristy western regions. Trashigang serves as an important trading hub with neighboring India and is known for its vibrant weekend market where locals from surrounding villages come to sell their produce, textiles, and handicrafts. The area is also famous for its traditional weaving, particularly the production of kishuthara, a raw silk textile that is highly prized throughout Bhutan.

Top Things to Do in Trashigang

Explore Trashigang Dzong

Visit this magnificent 17th-century fortress that houses the district administrative offices and monastic quarters. The dzong offers stunning views of the Drangme Chhu valley and showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture at its finest. The best time to visit is during the morning hours when monks conduct their daily prayers.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but requires permission from the dzong administration office. Visit between 9 AM and 5 PM, avoiding lunch hours (12-1 PM). Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering temples within the dzong.

Visit Trashigang Weekend Market

Experience the vibrant local market that comes alive on weekends with vendors selling fresh produce, yak cheese, traditional textiles, and handicrafts. This is one of the best places to interact with locals and purchase authentic Bhutanese goods. The market reflects the diverse ethnic communities of eastern Bhutan.

Booking Tip: Visit on Saturday or Sunday mornings between 8 AM and 2 PM for the best selection. Bring cash in Bhutanese ngultrum and practice basic bargaining. Look for authentic kishuthara silk textiles and locally made wooden bowls.

Hike to Gom Kora Temple

Take a scenic drive and short hike to this sacred temple located about 23 kilometers from Trashigang. The temple is built around a large rock where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated and subdued a demon. The site offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Booking Tip: Arrange transportation through your hotel or local guide for about $30-50 for the round trip. The temple is open from sunrise to sunset, but visit in the morning for better lighting and fewer crowds. Bring offerings like incense or butter lamps.

Explore Radhi Village and Weaving Centers

Visit this picturesque village famous for producing some of Bhutan's finest raw silk textiles. Watch skilled weavers create intricate kishuthara on traditional looms and learn about the entire silk production process from silkworm cultivation to finished products. The village also offers stunning views of terraced fields and traditional farmhouses.

Booking Tip: Hire a local guide for $20-30 per day to fully appreciate the weaving process and village culture. Best visited during daylight hours when weavers are active. Purchase textiles directly from weavers for authentic pieces at fair prices.

Trek to Merak and Sakteng Villages

Embark on a multi-day trek to visit the semi-nomadic Brokpa communities known for their unique culture and traditional yak-hair clothing. These remote villages offer insight into one of Bhutan's most distinctive ethnic groups and provide excellent opportunities for photography and cultural exchange.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed tour operators 2-3 months in advance as permits are required. Expect to pay $200-300 per person per day including guide, permits, and accommodation. Best undertaken between October-November or March-May for favorable weather conditions.

Getting There

Trashigang is accessible by road from Thimphu via the scenic East-West Highway, a journey that takes approximately 10-12 hours covering 555 kilometers. Most visitors fly into Paro International Airport and drive to Trashigang, often breaking the journey with overnight stops in Punakha or Bumthang. The road journey, while long, offers spectacular mountain scenery and passes through several climate zones. Some tour operators arrange helicopter transfers from Thimphu, but this is significantly more expensive and weather-dependent.

Getting Around

Local transportation in Trashigang is limited, with most visitors relying on hired vehicles with drivers arranged through their tour operators or hotels. The town center is compact enough to explore on foot, but visiting surrounding attractions requires a vehicle due to mountainous terrain and limited public transport. Taxis are available but scarce, so it's best to arrange transportation in advance. Walking is pleasant within the town, but be prepared for steep inclines and varying weather conditions.

Where to Stay

Trashigang town center
Near Trashigang Dzong
Radhi village area
Kanglung vicinity
Rangjung area
Khaling region

Food & Dining

Trashigang's dining scene is modest but authentic, centered around traditional Bhutanese cuisine featuring red rice, yak meat, and spicy chilies. Local restaurants serve ema datshi (chilies with cheese), phaksha paa (pork with radish), and various momos (dumplings). The weekend market offers fresh local produce and traditional snacks. Most guesthouses and hotels provide meals featuring both Bhutanese and basic international dishes. For the most authentic experience, try eating with local families, which can often be arranged through guides or guesthouse owners.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bhutan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Bosu Japanese Restaurant & Bar | Phuket

5.0 /5
(846 reviews)

Bhutan House Sandy

4.6 /5
(525 reviews) 2

Krystal Bowl Chinese Restaurant

4.9 /5
(295 reviews)

MERENGMA' Bistro

4.9 /5
(154 reviews)

Willing Waterfall Cafe

4.6 /5
(124 reviews)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Trashigang is during the dry seasons from October to November and March to May when the weather is clear and roads are in better condition. October-November offers excellent mountain views, comfortable temperatures, and post-harvest festivities. Spring (March-May) brings blooming rhododendrons and pleasant weather for trekking. Avoid the monsoon season (June-September) due to heavy rains, landslides, and poor road conditions. Winter months (December-February) can be quite cold, especially at higher elevations, but offer crystal-clear mountain views.

Insider Tips

Bring warm clothing regardless of season as temperatures can drop significantly at night and weather changes quickly in the mountains
Stock up on any medications or special items in western Bhutan as shopping options are very limited in Trashigang
Learn a few basic Dzongkha phrases as English is less commonly spoken here compared to western Bhutan, and locals greatly appreciate the effort

Explore Activities in Trashigang