Trashigang (also spelt 'Tashigang') is an administrative town of 4,500 people in Eastern Bhutan. The traditional architecture and narrow streets give the town a quaint and snug feel, not unlike an Italian or Cornish fishing village.
The nearby village of Kanglung is included in this article.
Understand
[edit]Trashigang is the largest town in the district, and serves as a convenient base for tourists venturing into the surrounding villages and mountains. It was once the centre of an important trade route with Tibet.
Kanglung is a village about a 30-minute drive from Trashigang. It is primarily known as the site of the government college, Sherabtse, which has a student population of around 1,300.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]Yongphula Airport was officially opened for domestic flights in December 2011, and Drukair ply the 45 minute Paro route every Tu, Thu, and Sun. However, due to the swift changing weather conditions at Yongphula, the airport has a high rate of flight cancellations, and so it is recommended to check flight updates before leaving for the airport.
By bus
[edit]From Thimphu there are two routes, both requiring two days:
- On the northern route, there are direct buses that make a night stop at Bumthang and pass through Mongar.
- The southern route starts in Phuentsholing and passes through the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam. From Samdrup Jongkhar, there are direct buses to Trashigang. It is a two day journey, with buses departing from Phuentsholing at around 6AM. There are also direct buses from Thimphu to Samdrup Jongkhar, a journey of around 13-14 hours.
Get around
[edit]
The small town can easily be covered on foot.
See
[edit]- 1 Trashigang Dzong. Built in 1659. Functions as the administrative headquarters of Trashigang district. Houses the local branch of the monastic body.
- The town's old bazaar area around the prayer wheel.
Do
[edit]
- Trashigang Tshechu. A colourful religious festival held annually in either November or December.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- Druk Deothjung Hotel offers local cuisine and some international dishes.
Drink
[edit]Coffee
[edit]- 1 Tashi Gaylek Bakery, Kanglung Lower Market (after driving past Sherabtse College from Trashigang through Kanglung), ☏ +975 17616411. In an area bereft of real coffee, Tashi Gaylek is an oasis. Excellent pastries.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]Mid-range
[edit]- 1 Druk Deothjung Hotel (in the town centre). A tourist standard hotel with clean, spacious rooms. Views over the town. Restaurant and bar.
- 2 Lingkhar Lodge, Kanglung (midway between Trashigang and Yongphula Airport), ☏ +975 77116767. The closest tourist standard hotel to Yongphula Airport. Uninhibited views over rice paddies and mountains. Individual cabins. Bar and cafe. Outdoor seating. Friendly and helpful service.
Go next
[edit]- Bartsham and Bidung. Twin villages on facing mountain slopes. Chador Monastery in Bartsham is impressive and houses a revealed spiritual treasure. A 90 minute drive from Trashigang town.
- Khaling - a small town famous for its weaving center operated the National Women's Association of Bhutan.
- Pasaphu Village in Thrimshing district - famous for its handmade cane baskets and other cane products (ringshu).
- Rangjung - a quaint village about 16km from Trashigang. Home to Woesel Chokling Monastery.
- Sakten, in the northern most part of Trashigang district. A great area for trekking. Yak and dzo (female yak) are common in this area.
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