Trashigang, or Tashigang, is a lively town and a good place to stay if you want to explore the eastern part of Bhutan. The region around Trashigang is the most densely populated part of Bhutan, but it is also its most remote and rarely visited by travellers.

After selling their produce, many locals from the villages around Trashigang start boozing. It is not unusual to see drunken people sleeping at the roadside. If you feel like trying the local 'arra' and get a feel of the atmosphere, just step into one of Trashigang's many bars. Most villagers come to Trashigang on holy days, which occur on the 1st, 10th and 15th of every month on the Bhutanses calendar.

Trashigang is home to the Trashigang Dzong, which is one of the largest dzong fortresses in Bhutan. The fortress was built in 1659 to defend against Tibetan invasions.

Accommodation is available in Trashigang. You can get there from Thimphu by jeep and although Trashigang is only 200 km east of the capital, the road-distance is around 300 km and it can take many hours to cover that distance, as the road is not in a very good condition.

Trashigang is on the Drangme Chhu river, not far south from its confluence with the Gamri river.

Trashigang Dzong ©Chandan Chaurasia

Trashigang Dzong ©Chandan Chaurasia

Trashigang-Semtokha Highway ©Tanay Dedhia