Sightseeing in Mongar

MONGAR (alt. 1,600m)

The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing 4,000m high Thrumshingla pass. Gushing waterfalls, steep cliffs with even steeper drops, blazing flowers and constantly changing vegetation combine to make this journey as varied as it is beautiful.

Mongar marks the beginning of Eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the sub-tropical east, Mongar like Trashigang further east, is situated on the side of a hill in the contrasts to other towns of Western Bhutan which was built on the valley floor.

Places of Interest in MONGAR

Mongar Dzong
It is site of one of Bhutan's newest Dzong built in 1930s. Yet the Dzong is built in the same method and traditions of all the other Dzongs; no drawings and nails have been used. A visit gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.

Lhuntse
Lhuntse is 77 km from Mongar (3 hours drive) and is one of the most isolated districts in the country. The landscape here is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is notably famed for its weavers and their special textiles generally considered to be the best in the country. The Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is also the ancestral home of royal dynasty.

Sightseeing in Haa

Himalaya

Haa valley (Altitude lies between 2700 mtrs)

Start the day early for drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and the climb up towards the chele-la pass starts. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass (4200 meters). From this point one can have superb views of Mount. Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hour’s drive), finally reaching Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After picnic lunch visit to the famous Monastery Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have no difference with that of Lhasa JOWO in Tibet. The construction of the Lakhang Karpo is believed to have been assisted by the locality. As a result the place came to be locally known as 'Hay' meaning' surprise' which later became 'Haa' due to the differences in interpretations and pronunciations of different people over time.

The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa valley were called 'Me Rig Puen Sum' especially after the incidence of the Lhakhang Kdarpo construction. Today the three hills are popularly known as 'Rig Sum Goenpa' signifying three deities-Jambayang Chana Dorji and Chenrizig.

Later, other Buddhist saints like Guru Rinpoche and 'Machi Labdorn' came to the Jungney Drag in Haa and blessed the locality. The principal religion followed is Drukpa Kagyud.
After the arrival of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the chief guardian deity of Haa became Ap Chundu.

Sightseeing in Bumthang

Guru

BUMTHANG (alt. 2,600m to 13,125 feet)

Bumthang has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprising of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Bumthang is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Linga to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin.

Places of Interest in BUMTHANG

Jambey Lhakhang
This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.

Kurje Lhakhang
Kurje Lhakhang consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru's body and is therefore considered the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.

Tamshing Lhakhang
Located opposite Kurje Lhakhang on the other side of the river, this temple was founded in 1501 by TertonPema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of GuruPadsambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddha’s and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century.

Jakar Dzong
Founded by great grand-father of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and houses the regional monk body.

Excursions around BUMTHANG

Tangbi Goemba
An ten minutes drive towards north of Kurje Lhakhang leads to this monastery, founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche of the Kagyupa religious school. The temple has two sanctuaries and a temple of terrifying deities. The sanctuary on the ground floor contains statues of past, present and future Buddha and three clay statues probably dating end of the 15th century. On the upper floor, the vestibule contains two remarkable paintings of Guru Rinpoche's heaven and the Buddha Amitabh's heaven.

Ngang Lhakhang
A few hours walk from the Tangbi Goemba is the small region of Ngang Yul (Swan Land) and this temple here is 100 m above the valley floor. The site was visited by Guru Rinpoche and present temple was built in the 15th century by Lama Namkha Samdup, a contemporary of Pema Lingpa. A three days festival is held here each winter with masked dances in honor of the founder of the temple.

Membetsho
This place is about five minutes walk from the road point towards Tang valley (Bumthang). Pema linga found several of Guru Rinpoche's hidden treasures here. A wooden bridge crosses the river and is a good vantage point to look down into the lake. The importance of this site is indicated by the extensive array of prayer flags and the small clay offering called 'tse tsa' in rock niches.

 Ura Valley
Jakar ot Ura is 48 km, about one and a half hour drive. To reach here, the road climbs to amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into forest. Large sheep pastures line the road up to 20 km behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The route crosses Ura la pass (3,600m) with a magnificent view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to prosperous valley.

EASTERN CAR RENTAL SERVICES

Hilux

Prado

Prado

Coaster Bus

Hice Bus

Santa Fe

Tucson

 Eastern Car Rental Services

 Location: Tashigang 

Type of Car	Rate after 100 KM (Charges in KM)	Rate before 100 KM (Halt Charges)	Service Quality	Other Expenses
Land Cruiser	Rs. 50	Rs. 5000	As per reservation and booking made based on client services
Prado	Rs. 45	Rs. 4500
Santa Fe	Rs.  25	Rs.  2500
Toyota Hilux	Rs. 30	Rs.  3000
Coaster Bus	Rs. 48	Rs. 4800
Tucson	Rs. 25	Rs. 2500
Haice Bus	Rs. 35	Rs. 3500

Eastern Car Rental Service is a leading car rental service provider in Bhutan for both self-drive service and chauffeur-driven service. Car Rental Services has been a fast growing ground transportation service company in Bhutan and earning many awards throughout the years from the Government Official Guest. The company dedicates itself into car service and guests' reception, as well as the core business of providing top-grade business vehicles. The company has excellent human resources in administration and business management. The professional English speaking driver (or driver with English speaking guide) those are careful, courteous and highly trained by the Government of Bhutan and our representative will chauffeur you to take your destination quickly, safely and stress-free. For reservation and booking May kindly email us at bhutantraveler@gmail.com or contact, phone number +975 17451313

Rinchen Bumpa Monastery

Temple

Hike to Rinchen Bumpa Monastery in Kurtoe Dungkhar

About a two hours hike from the road to the sacred place name called Rinchen Bumpa, the Vase of Jewel.  Which is a fascinating and charming place located on the hill top of mountain side. It is very pleasing and mind-elevating place that makes ones hair stand on end at the instant one reaches the site. It is a place where the beings with karmic connection had attained accomplishment, a place where every beings pay homage and make offerings, and where sinful cleanse their defilement. The place where Guru Rinpoche lived for three months is located towards the west of Khen valley. The place was visited by Omniscient Longchen, Pedma Lingpa and was prophesized by great emanation RatnaLingpa.

There is a white cliff bearing the shape of stupa, (chorten) and many facial images of wrathful and peaceful Buddhas. There is a foot print of Yehsey Tshogyel and a possession of Moen Mo Tashi Khe-Doen and many other concealed treasures. A Lamp of Kalpa (aeon) is also there, a cave of Samten (meditation or concentration) and numbers of foot prints of Guru Rinpoche. There is Yeshey Tshogyel’s meditation cave called “point of a knife” and other meditation caves and caverns. The hill behind named “smile at sight” looks a lot like a heap of grain. Chagtshel Gang “a hill of prostration” and Lu len gang “a chanting hill” exist.

There is a place known to be a cremation ground, where, at the nightfall, all the eight classes of god and demon assemble. Vultures, carnivores in huge number gather. The river resounds “Hoo, Hung and Joo”. Eight classes of god and demon are said to be circumambulating. Hills and trees are bent towards it. As perceived by Terton Choeching Lingpa in a vision, there is the trident of Guru Padma Sambhava and the print of Kapala, the skull, the print of a fang of Ruta thrust downward. There are two foot prints of hero (pawo) and Dakini and much pleasurable display of spontaneously arisen images.

ü  Whoever makes feast offerings at this sacred site will attain the supreme taste of meditative stabilization.

ü  Offering of flower and incense will obtain beautiful body figure and sweet odor.

ü  Offering of scented water and makes sacrificial offerings will be rewarded with decent retinue and wealth.

ü  Offering of songs and music will have voice as pleasant as the melody of Brahma.

ü  Whosoever renders service to this sacred site will enjoy the pleasure of the Lord of Immense Wealth (Zambala) for countless number of lifetimes.

Rangjung Town

Rangjung Woesel Chholing Monastery

Rangjung Woesel Cholling Monastery

Rangjung town is tiny town which was located in Eastern part of Bhutan under Tashigang District. It is about 18 km drive towards Northern part of Bhutan and town falls under the Shongphu Geog and Sakteng, Merak, Phongmay, Radhi and Bidung of five other Geog come to this town for shopping. In a small community people are very friendly and kind hearted. The language they speak is Sharchop. In the same town there is very famous and well known of the people of Bhutan and worldwide Monastery name call Rangjung Woesel Chholing Monastery.  The monastery was founded by His Eminence Dungsey Garab Dorje Rinpoche in the year 1989 with few monks and nuns. The objective of monastery is to provide a conducive haven for the study of Buddha dharma as expounded in the Dudjom New Treasure Lineage and carry out dharma activities for the benefit of the Buddhist community in and abroad the country. It has a flourishing community with branches monasteries and retreat centers. The Monastery traces its root to the Gelong Gonpa which was established by Rinpoche and H.H. Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche his father. Gompa or Temple is situated in a mountainous region.

After H.H. Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche departed from Bhutan, the Bhutanese fervently requested Rinpoche to remain and turn the dharma wheel of Dudjom New Treasure Lineage in the monastery. Rinpoche, realizing the deep faith and genuine devotion of the Bhutanese, accepted the heavy responsibility to continue the dharma activities and welfare services for the Buddhist fraternity living in and around the monastery.

VISA Information

Visa is required for traveling to Bhutan. Following information along with full tour payment shall be emailed / faxed / couriered to us about 4 weeks prior to date of arrival in Bhutan, to process visa with the concerned authorities : Full Name, Permanent Address, Nationality, Date & Place of Birth, Profession / Occupation, Passport Number, Date of Issue, Place of Issue, Date of Expiry, Nature of Passport : Diplomatic / Official / Ordinary / UN Laissez Passer

On the basis of these information, visa is processed in Bhutan and upon approval, Visa Clearance is issued by Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan and we email you the same copy. Tourists need to produce this Visa Clearance copy at the time of check-in for Druk Air flight while those entering Bhutan by surface via Phuentsholing, they are required to produce this Visa Clearance at the Immigration counter. Actual visa is stamped at passport, on arrival in Bhutan.

Visa fee is US $ 20 and Tourism development fee USD 10 which are charged along with tour cost.

Tourists entering Bhutan by surface via Phuentsholing also need to carry 02 copies of passport size photographs and handover it to our representative on arrival while for those arriving by Druk Airways, photos is not required.

Download VISA form here: Bhutan VISA

 

Tour Guide

Tour Guides

All our tours are escorted by well trained, knowledgeable guides who are certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan. We generally provide English speaking guides however the services of Japanese, French & German speaking guides can be provided with sufficient prior information and on an additional cost.

Culture Guide

Name of the Guide:   Tashi Penjor

Type of Guide:          Culture Guide 

License No:             TCB/2028/13

Specialist:               English Speaking Guide

For booking and reservation information email at bhutantraveler@gmail.com

 

Shopping

Shopping

Items that are most frequently purchased by travelers to Bhutan include postage stamps, lovely hand-woven fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets, thangkhas, wooden bowls, handmade paper and finely-crafted metal objects. In Bhutan, the buying and / or selling of antiques is strictly forbidden.

MoneyBhutanese currency is Ngultrum (Nu.) and is officially pegged to the Indian Rupee. Also Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan except Rs. 500/- and Rs. 1000/- currency notes.Credit Cards have limited acceptability and payment through credit card is accepted mainly by Deluxe hotels and few selected Handicrafts establishments only.There are ATMs in Bhutan but currently they only operate with their respective Bhutanese banks. Since these ATMs currently do not function with outside banks, so ATM facility can not be used by visitors. Traveler's cheques / cash  are best option if you need additional money.Cash and Travelers Cheques exchange facility is available for most of the main currencies including the US dollar, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, Thai Baht, Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong dollar, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Danish kroner, Norwegian kroner, and Swedish kroner. Exchange rates vary.It is also possible to have funds wired with the services of Western Union but funds cannot be accessed in all locations, and are limited in amounts and days of availability.

Photography

Photography
Bhutan’s landscape, buildings and people are some of the most photogenic in the world. While photographic local people, it is always better to take permission first. There are certain places such as monasteries and temples, where photography is prohibited however there is no restriction on Photographing Dzongs and Goembas from outside. If you are uncertain about whether or not photography is permitted, please check with your local Guide. You should refrain from taking pictures of military installations.

Customs and Immigration

Paro Dzong

Customs and immigration

Visitors are required to fill up the Custom Form and hand over to concerned authorities on arrival. Following articles are exempted from duty:-

a) Personal affects and articles for day to day use by the visitor

b) 2 liters of alcohol, 400 cigarettes, 150 grams of pipe tobacco

c) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use

d) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.

The articles mentioned under c & d). Must be declared in Custom Form and If such items disposed off in Bhutan by sale of gift, they are liable for custom duty.

Import and Export of following goods are strictly prohibited:-

a) Arms, ammunitions, explosives and military stores

b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs

c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species

d) Antiques

Also visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Custom authorities will not allow any old / used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antiques. Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.

Health Information

Health Information

No vaccination is currently required for entry into Bhutan. However if you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you are required to have a yellow fever vaccination

If you are arriving from Cholera infected area then officials may ask for evidence of Cholera vaccination. Anti-malarial medication is recommended for all travelers to Bhutan who is visiting rural areas in the districts that border India

It is suggested that you assemble a traveler's medical kit appropriate to destination, length of trip and general health. On a tour in Bhutan, there are long drives, and roads are winding so medication for motion sickness is strongly suggested. You should also pack an adequate supply of any prescribed medications you may require while traveling

Travelers who plan to visit Bhutan should consult a physician about high-altitude travel. After a brief period of acclimatization, most people do not suffer from altitude sickness; but elderly travelers or those with high blood pressure or heart conditions need to exercise caution at high altitudes

Special Events

Government Holidays and Special Events

Winter Solstice	02 Jan
Traditional Day of Offering	09 Jan
Losar, Bhutanese New Year	08, 09 Feb
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty, the fifth King	21, 22 & 23 Feb
Shabdrung Kuchoe, Birth Anniversary of the Shabdrung	15 April
Birthday of the Third King	02 May
Lord Buddha's Parnirvana	19 May
Birthday of Guru Rimpoche, Trindha Tshechu	12 July
First Sermon of Lord Buddha	05 August
Dashain	09 Oct
Descending Day of Lord Buddha	19 Nov
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the fourth King	11 Nov
National Day of Bhutan	17 Dec

List of Dzongs, Monasteries, Festivals, open for visitors

Not all religious institutions are open for visitors but still they get good insight into Kingdom's unique cultural heritage. The closure of religious establishments is to ensure that monastic life can continue unhindered and works of art can be protected and sanctity of such places can be preserved.

Western Bhutan

Paro: Ta Dzong (National Museum), Drukgyel Dzong, Bitekha Dzong (en route to Haa valley), Taktsang Monastery (view from Tourist cafeteria), Paro Tshechu

Thimphu: Trashichhoedzong, Memorial Chorten, Changlimethang Lhakhang and Jigmeling Lhakhang, Thimphu Tshechu

Punakha: Punakha Dzong (open in summer months when monks are in Thimphu), Punakha Dromche

Wangduephodrang: Wangduephodrang Tsechu, Wangduephodrang Dzong

Central Bhutan

Bumthang: Jakar Dzong, Wangduechholing Dzong, Member Tsho,Peling Sermon Chorten, Ura new Lhakhang, Kurje Tsechu, Nemalung Tsechu, Tamshing Phala Choepa, Tangbi Mani, Jambey Lhakhang Drup, Prakar Tsechu

Trongsa: Chendbji Chorten, Ta Dzong, Trongsa Tsechu

Eastern Bhutan

Mongar: Mongar Dzong, Mongar Tsechu

Trashigang: Trashigang Tsechu, Zangtho Pelri, Kanglung Lhakhang, Khaling Lhakhang, Radhi Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse Dzong

Samdrup Jongkhar: Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang

Phuentsholing: Kharbandi Goemba, Kamji Monastery, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang

General Information

General Information

Bhutan is best known to the world today as the last Shangrila. The few visitors who make the rare journey into this extraordinary kingdom will discover that there is no other destination like this land of pure and exotic mysticism. In this country known as Druk Yul, or the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon', the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, amidst a landscape of incredible natural beauty

The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for developing countries like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism.. The Bhutanese tourism industry is based on principle of sustainability that is 'tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable'

News Paper

Kuensel, Bhutan Observer and The Bhutan Times are the local news papers published in English. Kuensel is also published in local language Dzongkha and Nepali

Radio and TV

Bhutan Broadcasting Service has programme in Dzongkha, English and Nepali. Television started in year 2000 and various channels are now available for the viewers such as BBC, CNN, Discovery, Star TV, ESPN etc

Language

'Dzongkha', one of the Tibetan families of languages is Bhutan's national language. English is commonly spoken in main towns and also it is the medium of education in schools throughout the country

Detail Temperature Chart….. (Read more)

Distance

Distances and Driving Time between places of tourist interest

All mode of transport with in Bhutan is by road and there are no domestic airlines and trains. The motor-able roads are well maintained and connect most of the places. However the mountainous terrain and winding road restrict the average driving speed of vehicle to about 35 KM per hour.

Temperature

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: - (In Degree Celsius)
Source: Meteorology Unit, Department of Power, Ministry of Trade and Industries, Thimphu, Telephone: 00975-2-323703