Mongar
Mongar marks the beginning of Eastern Bhutan. The district covers an area of 1,954 sq.kms with elevations ranging from 400m to 4,000m and has a population of about 38,000. Mongar town is the second largest town in the sub-tropical east. Mongar town, like Trashigang town further east, is situated on the side of a hill in the contrasts to other towns of Western Bhutan which was built on the valley floor. The region is known for weavers and textiles and fabrics considered one of the best in the country. It was known in the past as the bastion of the Zhongarps for it produced some of the finest administrators in the country whose descendants still continues to lay an active part in the political scene of Bhutan.
- Mongar Dzong
Mongar Dzong, one of Bhutan’s newest Dzong was built in 1930 (the original Shongar Dzong was destroyed by fire) on the orders of the third King, Jigme Dorje Wangchuck. Yet the Dzong is built in the same method and traditions of all the other Dzongs; no drawings and nails have been used. A visit gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.
- Zhongar Dzong
Zhongar Dzong once represented the power house of eastern Bhutan by covering a total area of about 8 acres. The ruin of Zhongar Dzong endures to this day as a testimony to the skill of its builders, most notably the renowned master craftsman, Zowo Balip. On East West highway, when we come across the valleys of Truethangbi village, the view of Zhongar Dzong ruins is visible. Built in the 17th century, the Dzong is believed to have been built at a site where the master architect Zow Balip saw a white bowl. Embedded inside is a life frozen in time, a wealth of history that can be still recounted orally by those who also heard it from their grandparents. A visit to the ruins can be a memorable experience and will give you a sense of the medieval Bhutanese administration.
- Dramitse Lhakhang
Dramitse Lhakhang is built in 16th century by Ani Cheten Zangmo, the Daughter of Great Terton Pema Lingpa. It is located in eastern Bhutan under Mongar District. The popular dance known as Dramitse Ngacham or the “Dance of the Drums of Dramitse,” was first introduced from this lhakhang. This dance is also on the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage list.
- Aja Ney
Aja Ney is one of the popular and sacred places blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. It is one of the important places of religious pilgrimages in Bhutan. It is approximately a two days trek from Serzhong village and falls under Ngatsang geog.
- Yagang Lhakhang
Yagang Lhakhang is built by Sangdag, the youngest son of Terton Pema Lingpa in 16th century. It is located in a small village next to the town. It was built after having built the Kupijigtsam Lhakhang in Yangneer village in Trashigang. Today, the lhakhang plays an important role in the religious life of the people.
- Jarung Khashor Choeten
The Chorten is designed and build after the Jarung Khashor Choeten in Nepal. The Jarung Khashor Choeten is located in Lingmethang next to the bridge over the Kurichu river.
