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: Drukair ply the 45-minute Paro route every Tu, Th, and Su. 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 06:00. 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.