Deothang (also spelt 'Dewathang') is in Samdrup Jongkhar District in eastern Bhutan.

Understand

The main bazaar in the village is one long tree lined street, giving the village an appearance more similar to an Indian hill station than a traditional Bhutanese settlement. The entrance to the village is dominated by army barracks of the Royal Bhutan Army, while on the hill beyond the town is a technical college, a large hospital and Deothang Middle Secondary School. Due to the large population of army families and students, the village is relatively prosperous and enjoys a more pleasant climate than Sandrup Jongkhar 18 kilometers down the mountain on the plains. On a hill overlooking the village is the Chyoki Gyatso Institute of Buddhist Studies - a college in the Nyingma tradition of Buddhism founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche - the famous director of the movies 'The Cup' and Travellers and Magicians.

During the Duar War (1864-65), the town, which was known at the time as Dewangiri, was taken by the British and a small garrison was based there. The Bhutanese regained control in 1865.

Get in

Deothang is on the main Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar highway.

Get around

• This small village is easily covered on foot.

See

• the view over the lush Himalayan foot hills as they spill out onto the Assam plain below.

Do

• Visit the Chokyi Gyatso Institute of Buddhist Studies - while the monastery is still under construction and therefore of no architectural interest to tourists, many of the monks speak English and would be happy to field any questions on Buddhist philosophy.
• The hospital in Deothang is considered one of the best in Bhutan, so it is a good place to seek treatment. Dr. Tenzin Tashi, the head doctor and surgeon, enjoys a very high reputation in Bhutan.

Buy

• The Food Corporation of Bhutan (left side of bazaar when entering from main highway, opposite the football field) has fresh home-grown vegetables and delicious home made cheese.

Eat

• Yang Yang's Corner (right side of the bazaar when entering from the main highway) offers good, simple meals - the cheese momos are especially delicious.

Drink

• Yang Yang's Corner has tea, coffee and soft drinks.