Trashigang

Sakteng festival is celebrated in Sakteng valley which is located in the eastern part of Bhutan at an elevation of 3000 meters. The people based here are semi nomadic and they are often referred as Brokpas. This is one of the secluded places of Bhutan where influence of the modern world is yet to reach. The Sakten Tshechu Festival stretches for 3 days almost next to the village grounds. Apart from being a festival where the natives come together in religious influence for worshipping, it also serves as a occasion for social gathering and merry making. The festival is quite colourful where every person remains adorned in traditional clothes and celebrates with Ara, the local wine. Music and folk dances are essential part of festivity. Highlights: Yak dance and Ache Lhamo.Festival time: In the month of June

It can be one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Bhutan because this Sakteng Sanctuary was apparently established to shelter the infamous snow mountain men ‘Yeti’ or ‘Migoi’. Albeit the character has not yet been witnessed by the tourists, the villagers claim to have seen their footprints at night. The landscape is shadowed by broad stretch of rhododendrons trees. The park looks spectacular during the spring season when the landscape is adorned with colourful blooms of Blue Poppy, rhododendrons, gentia etc. Satkeng wildlife sanctuary preserves the most isolated semi nomadic tribe, Brokpas who are not very friendly with tourists. Highlights: Capture with your camera snow leopards, red fox, barking deer, Hoary Bellied Himalayan Squirrels during your traverse in the forest; bird watching is allowed and you shall get to see blood pheasants, grey headed woodpecker, dark breasted rose finch, grey backed shrike during your jaunt.Location: Trashigang. Best seasons: March to September

Merak Sakteng Trek offers you an opportunity to have a unique experience unlike any other trek. The Sakteng valley is one of the most picturesque valleys with vast expanse of lush pastoral lands and the trek lies within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. The trekker can experience the semi nomadic life and rich traditions and culture navigating through the nomadic villages. Follow the trail along the river bank, enjoy the spectacular view of mountains, with flourishing rhododendron trees, rest in one of the idyllic villages and enjoy the hospitality of the villagers.   Location: This unique trek begins at Chaling and takes you to Damnongchu, Merak, Miksa Teng, Sakteng, and Jyonkhar Teng and Terminates at Phongmey. Best Time: The best time to take this journey is between March to June and September to November. Approx Price: The approximate price per person for the 7 day trek is 350,000 BTN. Difficulty Level: Moderate.

Gomphu Kora festival is a three day religious festival which is popular not only for the local tribes but also among Dakpa tribe from the neighboring Arunachal Pradesh. Gomphu means Meditation Cave. According to the locals the name came into existence from a cave made of rock face where there is also a temple which is built to pay tribute to this location. The festival comprises of many local tradition and customs. According to a popular song played here by the locals one should go round the cave today or may be tomorrow would be too late. It is a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The place seems too come alive during the festive days and the blessing at this time is considered extremely pious and that is why thousands of devotees travel during that time.   Highlights: Sight of Meditation cave Festival time: In the month of March

If you have a knack for trekking then you might tour to Bhutan. The whole of Bhutan is a soulful place, and visually pleasing. The salt trek route is a very popular trekking expedition in the kingdom. Years back when Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar national highway was not laid, the villagers use to travel via this route to gather salt and silk from the Samdrup Jongkar town border.The voyage used to take 8 days and thus the trek expedition originated. The journey takes you to through spectacular landscapes of broadleaved forests and alpine pathways. Highlights: Low altitude trek amidst mountain valleys, cute villages and breathtaking fields and meadows. Overnight camping under the Bhutanese air is just what you need to activate your inner soul. Difficulty level: Above moderate (highest altitude – 1442 M); steep ascents and descents included Location: Cheya (Bhutan) Best Season: Late summer (June to September)

In Trashigang Dzongkhag district of eastern Bhuta, Murak valley is a pristine destination with unmatched scenic beauty and remains inhabited with people referred as Brokpas. The Brokpas are exceptionally rooted to their traditions and are quite secluded from the happenings of outside world. The culture of this place is unique and quite different from any other communities of Bhutan. The Merak Tshechu is celebrated at Merak Lhakhang for a continuous three days and it provides a much needed break to the Brokpas from the monotonous life of cattle herding. Traditional dances and music are performed by the locals here to celebrate the occasion. Famous dance performance AcheLhamo is also performed during this festival. It is a unique spectacle and many visitors from other communities and travelers visit the festival to enjoy the beauty of the festival. Highlights: Yak Dance performance Festival time: In the month of November

Trashigang Tshechu is one of the prominent festivals which gets held in Trashigang Dzongkhag which is the largest district of Bhutan. The Trashigang Dzong was based on one of the maximum elevated ridges which overlook Dangmechu and Gamrichu. Though all the villages have their own distinctive annual festivals but it is the Tshechu held in Trashigang Dzong which is more attractive. This is a 3 day affair and usually the festival is attended by people from all kinds of communities from various corners of Bhutan. Usually the preparation of the festivals starts 2 days prior to actual date of the festival. The three day affair consists of ceremonial ablution, rehearsals, preparation and on the last day it concludes with the display of Thongdrol. The celebration is made grander with mask dance performance. Highlights: Sight of Guru Tshengyed, Thongdrol. Festival time: In the month of December

One of the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan, Drametse Goemba is a place of religious significance. The Drametse literally translates into ‘a peak without enemy’. It was founded in 1511 Ani Choten Zangmo. The complex houses a gold funeral Chorten and a statue of Pema Lingpa. It also consists of a thondrol depicting Pema Lingpa in a box which only opens up during a yearly festival. Apart from that there are also chapels in remembrance of Palden Lhamo and Tamdrin. Highlights: Partake in the sacred ritual where you can receive a holy thread on making an offering and get blessings by the holy dagger. If you want, you can roll a dice to get the divine reading from their ancient book of divination. Location: The monastery is an eighteen kilometre detour and hour drive from the road that takes you to Trashigang from Mongar. Timing: N/A Price: N/A