Places to visit in Mongar
Gateway to eastern Bhutan, with Drametse Monastery and excellent birdwatching.
6 places in this guide
About Mongar
The road from Bumthang crosses Thrumshing La and drops through forest to Mongar, the first major town of eastern Bhutan. The east sees far fewer visitors than the west, and Mongar is a good place to begin exploring it.
- RegionEastern Bhutan
- Known forDrametse Monastery, forests and birdlife, the road over Thrumshing La
- Combine withBumthang, Lhuntse, Trashigang
Places to see
Mongar Dzong
Mongar Dzong stands above the town of Mongar, the first major settlement in eastern Bhutan after the long descent from Thrumshing La. It is a relatively recent dzong, built in the 20th century after the earlier dzong in the district was moved, and it was constructed in the traditional way without architectural plans or nails, following the methods used for centuries.
Like other dzongs, it serves as the administrative centre for the district and the home of a monastic community. Its carved woodwork and painted interiors show that traditional dzong building remained a living craft, and the views over the town and the surrounding hills are pleasant. Mongar is often an overnight stop on journeys to the east, and an evening or morning visit to the dzong fits easily into the itinerary.
Drametse Monastery
Drametse Goemba stands on a hilltop above a village in Mongar district, reached by a winding side road. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingma school in eastern Bhutan, founded in the early 16th century by Ani Choten Zangmo, a granddaughter of the treasure revealer Pema Lingpa.
The monastery is the origin of the Drametse Ngacham, the dance of the drums of Drametse, which UNESCO recognises as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The dance, performed by men wearing animal masks and beating drums, is performed during the monastery’s festival and is now seen at festivals across Bhutan. A visit to Drametse offers a sense of eastern Bhutan’s strong religious traditions and wide views over the surrounding valleys.
Aja Ney
Aja Ney is a remote and sacred pilgrimage site in Mongar district, associated with Guru Rinpoche. The original website describes it as a place known for sacred water and for rocks bearing impressions believed to be associated with Buddhist masters, where pilgrims come to bathe and receive blessings.
The name is often linked to the Tibetan syllable “A”, said to appear on a rock at the site. Reaching Aja Ney involves a long walk from the road and an overnight stay, and it is visited mainly by Bhutanese pilgrims rather than tourists. If you are interested in pilgrimage sites off the beaten track, ask us about the time and fitness required, and we will check current access and arrangements with local contacts before including it in your itinerary.
Weaving in Mongar
Eastern Bhutan is the home of the country’s finest weaving traditions, and the original website describes visits to weaving centres in Mongar where artisans demonstrate intricate patterns on traditional looms and sell their work directly.
Bhutanese weaving is done mainly by women, often on backstrap looms at home, and complex patterns can take months to complete. The famous kishuthara silk textiles are most closely associated with neighbouring Lhuntse, but weavers throughout the east produce outstanding work in cotton, wool and silk using both natural and modern dyes. Visiting weavers is a chance to understand the patterns and their meanings, and to buy directly from the people who make them. Your guide can arrange visits to households or cooperatives along the route.
Birdwatching
Birding between Bumthang and Mongar
The road from Bumthang to Mongar crosses Thrumshing La, at about 3,800 metres, and then drops steeply through every forest zone from high conifer to warm broadleaf forest. Much of the route passes through Phrumsengla National Park, and it is regarded as one of the finest birdwatching routes in Bhutan.
The original website mentions species such as Ward’s trogon and the rufous-necked hornbill, along with various pheasants, which are among the birds that keen birdwatchers hope to see in these forests. Sightings depend on season, weather and patience, and an experienced birding guide makes a great difference. Spring, from March to May, is generally the best season, when many birds are breeding and calling. Allow plenty of time for stops along the road, which is long and winding.
Mongar forest trails
Beyond the main road, forest trails in Mongar district offer quieter opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks. The original website describes guided walks through prime habitats, with species such as the beautiful nuthatch and dark-rumped swift among the birds that may be seen.
The forests here range from subtropical at lower elevations to temperate higher up, which supports a remarkable variety of birdlife. Walks can be planned for casual birdwatchers or for dedicated birders with specific target species, and local guides can explain the ecology of the forests as well as how communities use them. As with all birding in Bhutan, early mornings are best. Tell us your level of interest when you enquire, so that we can plan walks and pace accordingly.
Tours that visit Mongar
The Dragon Kingdom's Complete Journey
12 days. Across the country to Trashigang in the east.
More in Eastern Bhutan
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