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.
Considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang is approximately two and half hours’ drive from Trongsa and eight hours drive from Thimphu. One can also take a domestic flight from Paro to access the district. Located at an altitude of 8530 – 13125 feet, Bumthang is the general name given to a complex of four valleys- Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Choekhor and Chumey are agricultural valleys while Tang and Ura depend mostly on the animal husbandry. Bhutanese from all over the country visit here on pilgrimage to pay their respect and to be blessed in some of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The valley is very fertile and come of the best buckwheat and rice originates from here. Dairy farms, apple farms and bee keeping are also common to this valley. The valley is host to some of the post popular festival including Kurjey festival, Nimalung festival, Ura festival and Jambay Lhakhang festival featuring the famous naked dance. Detailed listing at events page. Wide range of hotels in available from budget hotels to luxury hotel. Scroll our hotel in Bumthang page to access a wide range of selection. If you are beer fan, don’t forget to try the Red Panda beer, locally produced in this valley.
Phuentsholing is located at an altitude of 350 meters and is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains and southern part of Bhutan. The gateway hub is 5-6 hours’ drive from Paro and Thimphu. And 4-5 hours’ drive from Bagdogra International airport in India. Bedside, being the strategic trading zone for Bhutanese with other neighboring countries of South Asia, it also facilitates tourism with other popular tourist destination such as Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Phuentsholing shares boarder with the Indian city Jaigoan, therefore a wide range of accommodation and eating option are available, inside Phuentsholing as well as in Jaigoan. For detailed accommodation option please visit our hotels in Phuentsholing page. It is also imperative to note that tourist entering Bhutan through phuentsholing should bring along the approved bhutan visa along with them. Indian Tourist on the other hand may apply for permits at the immigration. Please note immigration offices are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
Located at an altitude of 1500 – 4,500 meters, Gasa is one of the most far-flung places in Bhutan. The valley is gifted with pristine natural beauty and very popular for nature trips .The nomadic layap tribe is indigenous to the valley and their lifestyle features Yak herding, Yak cheese & butter production, Yak textile and harvesting of rare fungi cordyceps. Comprising the northern part of Bhutan, the valley borders Punakha and Wangdi district in south and Tibet on the north. Home to 3000 odd inhabitants, Gasa is en-route to many popular treks such as Snowman Treks and Laya-Lunana Trek. It has some of the highest peaks in the country which forms a natural wall to Tibet. The entire valley falls under Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park and house hundreds of Himalayan glacier lakes. The national park is home to rare flora and fauna such as Snow leopard, Takin, Red Panda, the Mountain Goats, Blue Sheep and the Blue Poppy. The valley experiences long cold winters and short beautiful summers. The Annual Gasa festival is much sought after event amongst the highlanders.Please refer to our festival calender for event details. The valley is particularly popular for its natural hot springs amongst local Bhutanese. Quality hotels option is not available in the valley, except for one B&B establishment, Tshering Guest House ( Laya), nonetheless the place is perfect for avid outdoor adventurers and camping.
Located at an altitude of 2638 meters, Haa used to be off limits to tourist till 2002. Since opening it has gained instant popularity with nature lovers and campers. The valley is characterized with important landmarks such as the majestic Meri Phuensum Mountains or three brothers. Mystically the three mountain is believed to represent scared protecting deities of the valley, Majushri, Vajrapani and Avaloketeshvara. The Dzongs are magnificent, the Dumchung Dzong is said to have been built at right side of Chenrezi mountain and the Wangchucklo Dzong on the left side of same mountain. It is believed that the two dzongs is instrumental in maintaining peace and harmony in the region.
The valley is an easy one and half hour drive from Paro via scenic Chela la pass (3700 meters). The route is highly popular for picnics, cycling tours and motorcycle tours. Furthermore, it can also be accessed through alternate route from Chuzom causeway. The valley features popular nature treks and is ideal for overnight camping admits pristine natural forest and bountiful impressive biodiversity. The white rhododendron is common to the valley. Modest accommodation option catering to tourist is available and one may also choose to stay in local farm houses for a more authentic experience. The popular Haa summer festival offers rare insights into lives of nomad herders and is an excellent opportunity to interact with local villagers and taste the yak meet, yak cheese, Yak butter and local brew Ara. Please refer to our festival calendar for more details. Bhutan Tours program is not complete without a day tour or an overnight stay in this beautiful valley.