SIMANACHARIYA TOURS AND TRAVELS
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(iv) MONGAR SECTOR:-
Mongar District is one of the 20 dzongkhags (districts) comprising Bhutan. Mongar is the fastest-developing dzongkhag in eastern Bhutan. Mongar town is administrative head of Mongar district in Eastern Bhutan. Mongar, one of the six districts that make up eastern Bhutan borders along with Bumthang, Lhuentse, Pema Gatshel and Trashigang. The district covers an area of 1,954 sqkms with elevations ranging from 400m to 4,000m and has a population of about 38,000. Perched on a hill, the old bazaar area has been expanded extensively in recent years, making the town one of the region's largest settlements. Mongar is noted for its lemon grass, a plant that can be used to produce an essential oil. It also has a hydro power plant on the Kuri Chhu River. Mongar is one of the most beautiful spots in the Himalayas, crossing 3,800 meter highThrumshingla pass. Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan, the largest town in the subtropical east. Mongar Town, overlooking the Kurichu Valley. A very peaceful town, it is the head quater of Mongar district of East Bhutan. Mongar is noted with its lemon grass,a plant that can be used to produce an essential oil.It also has a hydropower plant on the Kuri Chhu river.Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan. It is situated on the gentle mountain slopes at an altitude of 5575 feet above sea level. Unlike western Bhutan, most of the towns in eastern Bhutan including Mongar, are on the top of hills or ridges; this is because the valleys in the east are usually narrow and steep. Mongar is the gateway to Eastern Bhutan. Flushed with scenic beauty, the place resides on the gradual slope of the cliff of a hill. Every side of this quiet town opens to a wonderful sight, the best one being Lungtze valley. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges and dense conifer forests. The region is known for weavers and textiles and fabrics considered one of the best in the country. The mountains, all dressed in snow, brings out the hidden photographer in every soul. It is the second largest town in the subtropical East. The place is a living example of the preserved architecture that has been kept safe for centuries. It is also a place flooded with Lemon grass which is used to make essential medicinal oil etc.The main attraction of Mongar has always been its Dzong and the Mongar High School. Mongar High School, which has been recently converted into a junior college, is a co-ed boarding school located on a high platue overlooking the town. In winter when the surrounding mountains are covered with snow, perhaps it is the best scene you would like to keep in your memory.
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. The Mongar district is the northern portion of the ancient region of Khyeng. Shongar Dzong, Mongar’s original dzong, is in ruins, and the new dzong in Mongar town is not as architecturally spectacular as others in the region. Drametse Goemba, in the eastern part of the district, is an important Nyingma monastery, perched high above the valley. Mongar also offers many places to visit of its visitors amongst those the impotent once are:-
Mongar Dzong:
Although built in the 1930s and one of Bhutan’s newest dzongs, it is constructed in the same way as all earlier dzongs, without plans or nails. However unlike the earlier Dzongs, that are located in strategic positions, Mongar Dzong is located on a small gentle slopy area just above the town. A visit to Mongar Dzong shows one how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.
Zhongar Dzong:
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. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the village of Themnangbi and is visible as one descends to Lingmenthang from the highway. 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.
The most uncommon sight of the Zhongar Dzong ruins, also called Shongar Dzong, is like a time travel to the history. The place is believed to be destroyed by fire. The mother nature, not very happy by destruction, forwarded the earth quake that lasted for few days and turned this rich living place into rich unforgettable ruins. The ruins, being once ruled by few of the most powerful people, is said to be haloed by some mystical powers and is believed to be guarded by giant snakes. To the common eye, the ruins will be nothing more than just another sight, but once inside, the place echoes its history frozen in the time and dumbstruck the person visiting there.
Dramitse Lhakhang:
One of the most notable religious sites is the Dramitse Lhakhang built in the 16th century by Ani Cheten Zangmo, the daughter of the renowned terton Pema Lingpa. The Dramitse Ngacham or the “Dance of the Drums of Dramitse,” was born in this lhakhang in the 16th century. Today, it is a popular dance performed at all major festivals. It is also on the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage list.
Aja Ney:
Another sacred site in the district is the renowned Aja Ney where pilgrims from all other parts of Bhutan converge to receive blessings and wash away their sins. A rock that bears 100 renditions of the sacred syllable “Aa,” is said to have been discovered by Guru Padmasambhava. It is located at an altitude of more than 3,500 meters and falls under Ngatsang geog. It is approximately a two days trek from Serzhong village.
Yagang Lhakhang:
The Yagang lhakhang in a small village next to the town is another sacred monument in the Dzongkhag. It was built in the 16th century by Sangdag, the youngest son of Terton Pema Lingpa. 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 Jarung Khashor Choeten in Lingmethang next to the bridge over the Kurichu river is another monument in the district that is worth paying a visit. The Choeten is modelled after the Jarung Khashor Choeten in Nepal.
Dunkar Lhakhang
The land of the place was once inhabited by the great kings. Their footprints on the sand have made this place 'a thing of beauty forever'. A walk of a full day leads to an isolated village with rich ancestry. The Jigme Namgyal Naktsang and Dunkar Naktsang crown the village making it a perfect camera click. The eyes, at this place, move along with the nature.
Latongla Limithang Trek
For this trek, one has to have ample time and patience, which is of course worth it. The trek takes around five days and is considered as one of the best treks. One comes across the multiple species of birds that are seen flying around, doing recce of the place. The trek is filled with narrow paths, so narrow at few places that only one person can pass through it
Thrumshingla National Park
Recognized as an important Bird Area in the Sino-Himalayan mountain forests Bird life International, its development is also supported by World Wildlife Fund. Covering 768 sq km it has spectacular scenic views showcasing alpine forest, broad-leaf forest, snow leopards, red pandas and tigers.
Mongar District is one of the 20 dzongkhags (districts) comprising Bhutan. Mongar is the fastest-developing dzongkhag in eastern Bhutan. Mongar town is administrative head of Mongar district in Eastern Bhutan. Mongar, one of the six districts that make up eastern Bhutan borders along with Bumthang, Lhuentse, Pema Gatshel and Trashigang. The district covers an area of 1,954 sqkms with elevations ranging from 400m to 4,000m and has a population of about 38,000. Perched on a hill, the old bazaar area has been expanded extensively in recent years, making the town one of the region's largest settlements. Mongar is noted for its lemon grass, a plant that can be used to produce an essential oil. It also has a hydro power plant on the Kuri Chhu River. Mongar is one of the most beautiful spots in the Himalayas, crossing 3,800 meter highThrumshingla pass. Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan, the largest town in the subtropical east. Mongar Town, overlooking the Kurichu Valley. A very peaceful town, it is the head quater of Mongar district of East Bhutan. Mongar is noted with its lemon grass,a plant that can be used to produce an essential oil.It also has a hydropower plant on the Kuri Chhu river.Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan. It is situated on the gentle mountain slopes at an altitude of 5575 feet above sea level. Unlike western Bhutan, most of the towns in eastern Bhutan including Mongar, are on the top of hills or ridges; this is because the valleys in the east are usually narrow and steep. Mongar is the gateway to Eastern Bhutan. Flushed with scenic beauty, the place resides on the gradual slope of the cliff of a hill. Every side of this quiet town opens to a wonderful sight, the best one being Lungtze valley. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges and dense conifer forests. The region is known for weavers and textiles and fabrics considered one of the best in the country. The mountains, all dressed in snow, brings out the hidden photographer in every soul. It is the second largest town in the subtropical East. The place is a living example of the preserved architecture that has been kept safe for centuries. It is also a place flooded with Lemon grass which is used to make essential medicinal oil etc.The main attraction of Mongar has always been its Dzong and the Mongar High School. Mongar High School, which has been recently converted into a junior college, is a co-ed boarding school located on a high platue overlooking the town. In winter when the surrounding mountains are covered with snow, perhaps it is the best scene you would like to keep in your memory.
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. The Mongar district is the northern portion of the ancient region of Khyeng. Shongar Dzong, Mongar’s original dzong, is in ruins, and the new dzong in Mongar town is not as architecturally spectacular as others in the region. Drametse Goemba, in the eastern part of the district, is an important Nyingma monastery, perched high above the valley. Mongar also offers many places to visit of its visitors amongst those the impotent once are:-
Mongar Dzong:
Although built in the 1930s and one of Bhutan’s newest dzongs, it is constructed in the same way as all earlier dzongs, without plans or nails. However unlike the earlier Dzongs, that are located in strategic positions, Mongar Dzong is located on a small gentle slopy area just above the town. A visit to Mongar Dzong shows one how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.
Zhongar Dzong:
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. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the village of Themnangbi and is visible as one descends to Lingmenthang from the highway. 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.
The most uncommon sight of the Zhongar Dzong ruins, also called Shongar Dzong, is like a time travel to the history. The place is believed to be destroyed by fire. The mother nature, not very happy by destruction, forwarded the earth quake that lasted for few days and turned this rich living place into rich unforgettable ruins. The ruins, being once ruled by few of the most powerful people, is said to be haloed by some mystical powers and is believed to be guarded by giant snakes. To the common eye, the ruins will be nothing more than just another sight, but once inside, the place echoes its history frozen in the time and dumbstruck the person visiting there.
Dramitse Lhakhang:
One of the most notable religious sites is the Dramitse Lhakhang built in the 16th century by Ani Cheten Zangmo, the daughter of the renowned terton Pema Lingpa. The Dramitse Ngacham or the “Dance of the Drums of Dramitse,” was born in this lhakhang in the 16th century. Today, it is a popular dance performed at all major festivals. It is also on the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage list.
Aja Ney:
Another sacred site in the district is the renowned Aja Ney where pilgrims from all other parts of Bhutan converge to receive blessings and wash away their sins. A rock that bears 100 renditions of the sacred syllable “Aa,” is said to have been discovered by Guru Padmasambhava. It is located at an altitude of more than 3,500 meters and falls under Ngatsang geog. It is approximately a two days trek from Serzhong village.
Yagang Lhakhang:
The Yagang lhakhang in a small village next to the town is another sacred monument in the Dzongkhag. It was built in the 16th century by Sangdag, the youngest son of Terton Pema Lingpa. 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 Jarung Khashor Choeten in Lingmethang next to the bridge over the Kurichu river is another monument in the district that is worth paying a visit. The Choeten is modelled after the Jarung Khashor Choeten in Nepal.
Dunkar Lhakhang
The land of the place was once inhabited by the great kings. Their footprints on the sand have made this place 'a thing of beauty forever'. A walk of a full day leads to an isolated village with rich ancestry. The Jigme Namgyal Naktsang and Dunkar Naktsang crown the village making it a perfect camera click. The eyes, at this place, move along with the nature.
Latongla Limithang Trek
For this trek, one has to have ample time and patience, which is of course worth it. The trek takes around five days and is considered as one of the best treks. One comes across the multiple species of birds that are seen flying around, doing recce of the place. The trek is filled with narrow paths, so narrow at few places that only one person can pass through it
Thrumshingla National Park
Recognized as an important Bird Area in the Sino-Himalayan mountain forests Bird life International, its development is also supported by World Wildlife Fund. Covering 768 sq km it has spectacular scenic views showcasing alpine forest, broad-leaf forest, snow leopards, red pandas and tigers.