The Drukgyel Dzong overlooks the beautiful Phondey village with Mount Jomolhari in the background. This Dzong (Fortress) was built in 1646 by  Zhabdrung Ngawang to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolion warlord, Gushri Khan. The ancient fortress served as an important defense base in the region and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National Geography magazine. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and was preserved as heritage site. However, it was re-commissioned to build in 2016 to commemorate the birth of Crown Prince of Bhutan. The construction is still not complete.

Carved into the rugged, pine-carpeted hills of southeastern Bhutan, Pema Gatshel—meaning the “Lotus Grove of Happiness”—is a tranquil, culturally distinctive district renowned for its sacred pilgrimage sites, ancient craftsmanship, and rich musical traditions. The region is anchored by the newly completed Dungkar Pelri Dzong perched atop a central ridge, and the historic Yongla Gonpa, an 18th-century clifftop fortress-monastery that played a decisive spiritual and strategic role during the Duar War as the stronghold of Jigme Namgyel.

A journey through Pema Gatshel takes travelers off the standard routes and into the authentic heart of eastern Bhutan’s living artisanal culture. The district is celebrated nationwide as the home of traditional musical instrument makers—crafting ceremonial horns, lutes, and ritual drums—as well as master stone-carvers who shape indigenous gypsum and slate into intricate household millstones and sacred carvings. Local guides lead visitors through quiet agrarian hamlets cultivating maize and sugarcane, along ancient ridgeline footpaths, and into secluded village shrines where traditional Tshogyal folk dances and warm mountain hospitality thrive.

Positioned at the southeastern tip of the kingdom where the rugged Himalayan foothills descend into the Assam plains, Samdrup Jongkhar is Bhutan’s oldest and most historic southern trading gateway. The district serves as the primary eastern overland entry point into the country, anchored by the bustling border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, the commanding Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong, and the historic inland hill station of Dewathang—a strategic mountain redoubt famed for its role in the 19th-century Duar War.

A journey through Samdrup Jongkhar offers travelers an authentic, multi-layered look into eastern Bhutanese border culture, commerce, and pristine nature. Local guides lead visitors through lively markets filled with handwoven textiles and regional spices, past historic defensive fortifications, and up winding mountain roads through dense subtropical rainforests alive with rich birdlife. It provides a scenic, culturally vibrant transition zone connecting the raw biodiversity of the lower foothills with the ancient spiritual heartlands of eastern Bhutan.

Tucked deep into the rugged, vertical gorges of the far northeast, Lhuentse is one of Bhutan’s most remote, culturally pristine, and historically revered districts. Historically known as Kurtoe, it is the ancestral homeland of the Wangchuck dynasty and the spiritual birthplace of many of the kingdom’s greatest treasure revealers. The landscape is anchored by the dramatic Lhuentse Dzong—a medieval clifftop fortress perched like a ship’s prow high above the rushing Kuri Chhu—and the monumental bronze statue of Guru Nangsa Zilnoen at Takila, rising 154 feet above the valley floor.

A journey into Lhuentse provides travelers with an authentic immersion into ancient craftsmanship, sacred geography, and untouched rural life. The district is celebrated nationwide as the undisputed cradle of Kishuthara—the most intricate, supplementary-weft silk textile in Bhutan—handwoven by master women artisans in secluded villages like Khoma. Local guides lead visitors along ancient pilgrimage paths to sacred cliffside hermitages like Singye Dzong, through fragrant forests of lemon grass and oak, and into close-knit farming hamlets where centuries-old pastoral customs and warm Kurteop hospitality remain entirely preserved.

Perched high on a steep, pine-clad ridge above the Kuri Chhu river basin, Mongar marks the vibrant gateway to eastern Bhutan and the starting point of the kingdom’s historic heartlands. The district is anchored by Mongar Dzong—a commanding fortress that uniquely blends modern 20th-century construction with centuries-old architectural traditions without the use of nails or architectural blueprints—and the clifftop spiritual hermitage of Zhongar Dzong, whose dramatic stone ruins echo tales of ancient eastern rulers and folklore.

A journey through Mongar offers travelers a transition from high rhododendron mountain passes like Thrumshing La down into warm, fertile agrarian valleys celebrated for exquisite textile craftsmanship. Local guides take visitors into historic weaving hamlets like Khoma in adjacent Lhuentse and regional cooperatives where master weavers craft the revered Kishuthara (intricate silk-patterned brocade). With its terraced fields of lemongrass, maize, and citrus, alongside winding trails through virgin temperate forests, Mongar delivers an authentic, scenic exploration of eastern Bhutan’s living culture and pastoral heritage.

Tucked into the far northeastern corner of the kingdom along the border with Arunachal Pradesh, Trashiyangtse is a tranquil, culturally rich district renowned for sacred pilgrimage sanctuaries, master craftsmanship, and pristine wilderness. Carved by the rushing waters of the Kholongchhu river, the valley is anchored by the iconic Chorten Kora—a striking 18th-century whitewashed stupa built in the style of Nepal’s Boudhanath—and serves as the spiritual heart of the eastern frontier. The district is celebrated as the national center for traditional woodturning (dapa bowls) and handmade desho paper production, traditions nurtured within the prestigious Institute of Zorig Chusum.

A journey through Trashiyangtse offers an intimate immersion into living heritage and undisturbed sub-alpine ecosystems. Local guides lead visitors through historic craft hamlets, across ancient cantilever bridges, and into the protected forests of Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, the winter roosting grounds of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes. With its serene village atmosphere, centuries-old sacred caves, and deep-rooted artisanal heritage, Trashiyangtse presents an unhurried, off-the-beaten-path look into the spiritual and cultural soul of eastern Bhutan.

Known as the “Jewel of the East,” Trashigang is Bhutan’s largest district, spanning high-altitude alpine ridges down to steep subtropical river valleys along the Drangme Chhu basin. The region is anchored by the historic Trashigang Dzong—an imposing 17th-century clifftop fortress that historically unified and defended eastern Bhutan—and serves as the commercial, educational, and cultural crossroads of the east. It is renowned for its vibrant textile traditions, particularly the hand-spun raw silk (bura) weaving of Radhi village, and its deep connection to indigenous artisan crafts.

A journey through Trashigang takes travelers deep into the authentic cultural mosaic of eastern Bhutan. Local guides lead visitors through tiered mountain villages, across rushing foothill rivers, and toward the remote highlands of Merak and Sakteng—home to the semi-nomadic Brokpa people who preserve ancient pastoral lifestyles and unique folklore. With its sweeping canyon vistas, rich spiritual hermitages, and bustling hillside town bazaars, Trashigang offers an immersive, unhurried exploration of eastern Bhutanese heritage.

Occupying the rolling mid-altitude hills of south-central Bhutan, Tsirang is an emerald-green agrarian haven celebrated for its pleasant, temperate climate, rich organic farmlands, and gentle scenic topography. Anchored by the charming hillside town of Damphu and the commanding Tsirang Dzong, the district is widely regarded as one of the kingdom’s primary organic breadbaskets, famous for its flourishing mandarin groves, black cardamom plantations, terraced rice paddies, and vibrant weekend farmers’ markets.

Exploring Tsirang offers an authentic immersion into rural tranquility, biodiversity, and warm southern Bhutanese hospitality. Local guides take travelers along gentle walking routes through lush broadleaf forests on the Centennial Forest Trails, across pristine subtropical river tributaries, and into welcoming multi-ethnic farming communities where ancient agricultural traditions, harmonious interfaith heritage, and community-led agro-tourism flourish away from crowded travel circuits.

Zhemgang is located in the central part of Bhutan, south of Trongsa. Spread over an area of 2125 sq. km, Zhemgang is an offbeat tourist destination popular for its rich biodiversity. The valley is home to more than 22 endangered animal species and forms a part of important biological corridors and protected areas dotting bhutan such as the Manas national park, Thrumshingla National park and Jigme Singye Wangchuk national park. The Manas national park is the oldest protected area in the country and features many interesting animal species such as Golden Langurs, Gangetic Dolphins, Rufous-necked Hornbill and the Asian One-horned Rhinoceros. Others include, tigers, clouded leopards, elephants, wild gaurs and many more. Excursions on the great Royal Manas Park and Kayaking on the Manas River offers visitors a remote safari experience.

Zhemgang is also the last region in Bhutan were ancient BON (Animist) religion is still practiced today. Agriculture and cattle breeding is the main livelihood for locals, besides bamboo woodcrafts. Some villages still live traditionally in bamboo huts roofed in traditional bamboo leaves and it is interesting to notice that water is still being carried in small bamboo containers.

The remoteness of Zhemgang region is itself a trekker’s delight. The valley is perfect place for bird watchers and nature trekkers. There are several hiking trails within the Manas National Park and most are connected to the eight natural salt licks found in the area. Visitors can also enjoy a 4 day eco-trek from Gomphu to Norbugang. Gomphu can be reached via Zhemgang (3 hours) or from Gelephu (5 hours).The famous Dunmang natural hot spring in Zhemgang district is another interesting highlight. While the valley has limited tourist accommodation, however the area makes for a perfect place to camp, especially the Manas national park. The park also offers log cabins as accommodation options. Each eco-camp has two eco-lodges with twin beds in each lodge and camping area with kitchen, dining, toilet/bathroom, fencing and drinking water facilities. Zhemgang can be accessed through Trongsa or alternatively from Gelephu in southern Bhutan. One may also choose to combine the visit during the annual Zhemgang festival to get a glimpse of rural Bhutanese culture. Refer to our festival calender for details.

Spanning the southern frontier where the forested Himalayan foothills open into the fertile plains, Sarpang is an expansive district defined by rich biodiversity, agricultural abundance, and transformative visionary growth. The region is anchored by the historic border hub of Gelephu, a dynamic gateway known for its restorative natural hot springs (Gelephu Tshachu) and vast tracts of protected subtropical wilderness inside Royal Manas National Park, where Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and golden langurs roam undisturbed. Today, Sarpang stands at the threshold of modern Bhutanese innovation as the designated heart of the visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Special Administrative Region, designed to harmonize mindful living and sustainable economic development.

A journey through Sarpang offers an authentic, multifaceted perspective that bridges raw nature, rural heritage, and future-focused development. Local guides lead visitors through lively border markets scented with dried spices, across expansive riverbeds like the Mao Chhu, and into peaceful agro-farming hamlets producing betel nut, ginger, and citrus. With its warm climate, diverse multi-ethnic communities, and direct access to virgin lowland rainforests, the district presents an unhurried, welcoming look into Bhutan’s southern gateway at a pivotal moment in its living history.