The Best Places you can Visit In Mongar: Town in east Bhutan

The town has a population of around 10,000 people and is classified as a Class B city in Bhutan.

Location: Mongar town is situated on a gentle slope along the Thimphu-Trashigang highway, approximately 30 kilometers from the ruins of Zhongar Dzong in Lingmethang. It is a two-day journey by car from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Mongar by car or public transportation. The journey from Thimphu to Mongar passes through high passes and low valleys, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, travelers can fly to Bumthang Airport and then drive to Mongar, which takes approximately 2-3 hours.

What Can See: Mongar is home to several notable attractions, including the Mongar Dzong, a fortress built in the 1930s without using nails or drawings, following the traditional Bhutanese architectural style. The town also features the Yakang Lhakhang, a privately owned monastery founded by Lama Sangdag, and the Drametse Lhakhang, one of the largest and most important monasteries in eastern Bhutan.

What Can Do: Visitors to Mongar can explore the town’s vibrant markets, sample local cuisine, and attend cultural festivals such as the annual Drametse Ngacham (Dance of the Drums of Drametse). The surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with Yongkola being recognized as one of the best birding spots in Asia.

Conclusion: Mongar is a fascinating destination that combines rich cultural heritage with stunning natural beauty. Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the eastern regions of Bhutan, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s unique traditions and way of life.

following the traditional Bhutanese architectural style. Unlike earlier dzongs that are situated in strategic positions, Mongar Dzong is located on a small, gently sloping area just above the town.

Location: Mongar Dzong is situated in the town of Mongar, which is the administrative center of Mongar District in eastern Bhutan. The dzong is located on a slope above the town, overlooking the surrounding area.

History: The original Zhongar Dzong, located in Lingmethang about 30 kilometers from Mongar town, was destroyed by a fire in 1929. After this, the construction of the present Mongar Dzong was ordered by King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan.

Architecture: Mongar Dzong was built using traditional Bhutanese techniques, without the use of nails or drawings. This demonstrates how traditional architecture has continued to thrive in Bhutan over the centuries. The dzong features two entrances, unlike most other dzongs in the region.

Significance: A visit to Mongar Dzong provides insight into the history and culture of eastern Bhutan. The dzong plays an important role in the religious life of the local people. It is a notable example of the continuation of traditional Bhutanese architecture in more recent times.