20. Zhemgang

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Starting in the 1990s, Assamese separtists maintained guerilla bases in the forests of southern Zhemgang from which they would launch attacks on targets in India and then return across the border. In late 2003 the King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck led a military operation which largely swept the guerillas out of the region. Because of the risk of attack, foreign tourists are not yet allowed to visit Zhemgang.

It is a three-storied Lhakhang, which was, constructed with, among others, financial contribution from His Majesty the King and His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choeda, who once headed the Zangtopelri. The lhakhang’s story begins in the early 1960s when Lam Yeshey Pema Thinley built a small monastry in Tali and established its first dratshang.
At that time it had student strength of only 30 monks. Other renowned Buddhist teachers such as Penlopkhen Rinpoche, who came to teach and bless the student in 1967, visited the monastry. Later a winter resident was added for the Tali dratshang in Gelephu.

19. Dagana

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Legend has it that the people of Dagana were a lawless bunch in the 17th century, and that the Shabdrung had to send in soldiers to gain control over the dzongkha.

Dagana Dzongkhag is one of the remotest Dzongkhags in the country. Dagana Dzongkhag comprises of Daga Lingsum and Daga Lungsum. The Lingsum are Peling (Tseza Geog), Lhaling (Kana Geog) and Dhaling (Kana Geog), And Daga Lungsum are Tasha (Lajab Geog), Dagana and Getana (now under Chukha Dzongkhag).

The total area of Dagana Dzongkhag is approximately 1389 km2. It lies between 26 Degrees 50 minutes North to 27 Degrees 17 minutes North and 89 degrees 41 minutes East to 90 Degrees 5 minutes east approximately. It shares its borders with Thimphu and Chukha Dzongkhag to the west, Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag to the north, Tsirang Dzongkhag to the east and Sarpang Dzongkhag to the south. The elevation ranges from 600 m to over 3800 m above sea level. The Dzongkhag falls within the Temperate Zone in the north and sub-tropical in south with hot and wet summers and cool and dry winters.

About 79% of the total area in the Dzongkhag are under forest cover with tree species like Champ, Arguray, Chirpine and Sal, etc.

18. Lhuntse

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It consists of 2506 households. Located in the northeast, Lhuntse is one of the least developed dzhongkhags of Bhutan. There are few roads, the first gas station was opened as recently as September 2005, electricity is not well distributed and the difficult terrain makes distribution of social welfare difficult. Despite its favourable climate, farming is also hindered by the difficult infrastructure.

Lhuentse is 77 km. from Mongar (3 hours’ drive) and is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular, with stark cliffs towering above river gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is famous for its weavers, and their distinctive textiles are generally considered to be the best in the country. The Kurtoe region of Lhuentse is the ancestral home of the monarchy.

17. Tsirang

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Tsirang Dzongkhag is administratively divided into 12 Gewogs namely Barshong, Beteni, Dunglagang, Gosarling, Kikhorthang, Mendrelgang, Patala,
Phuntenchu, Rangthangling, Semjong, Tsholingkhar and Tsirangtoe. Changchey which is located under Gosarling Gewog is the satellite town and
Mendrelgand which is located under Mendrelgang gewogs is also one of satellite town. Damphu which is located in Kikhorthang Gewog is the main town and the administration center. Under 12 Gewogs there are 96 villages and 65 chiwogs. Each chiwog has one Tshokpa and one chipon.

The Dzongkhag has good development potential. Favorable as well as diverse agro-ecological features provide the Dzongkhag with potential for the cultivation of many different types of cereals as well as horticulture crops. Paddy, Maize and Millet are the major cereal crops grown while orange, cardamom and vegetables are the principal cash crops. Mandarin constitutes an important source of cash income for most of the farmers. Livestock rearing is also an important economic activity contributing to both subsistence consumption and income generation although livestock productivity is limited due to the dominance of local livestock population.

16. Pemagatshel

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Pemagatshel is located in the south east of Bhutan with an area of 517.8 sq.km and has a total of 2,547 households. The dzongkhag is characterized by highly dissected mountain ranges, steep slopes and narrow valleys with little flat land. The elevation in the dzongkhag ranges from 1,000 meters to 3,500 meters above the sea level. The dzongkhag experiences an average annual rainfall of 1500 mm to 3000 mm.

The dzongkhag is administratively divided into seven gewogs namely, Chhimung, Chongshing Borang, Dungme, Khar, Shumar, Yurung and Zobel. Rugged terrain and scattered settlements make the delivery of services in the dzongkhag both difficult as well as expensive.

15. Sarpang

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The Sarpang Dzongkhag is situated in the central southern foothills bordering India. The area of the dzongkhag stretches from Lhamoy Zingkha in the west to Manas National Park in the east. It encompasses a total gewographical area of approximately 2288 km2 (Source- LUPP). Its topographic features have undulated terrain with an elevation ranging from 200m to 3600 m above mean sea level.

The Dzongkhag is administratively divided into two Drungkhags viz. Gelephu and Lhamoy Zingkha, and consists of 15 gewogs. Five gewogs, namely Hilley, Dekiling, Senghe, Doban and Sarpangtar are under the jurisdiction of Dzongkhag headquarter. Seven gewogs namely Gelephu, Chhuzagang, Umling, Serzhong, Taklai, Jigmechhoeling and Bhur are under Gelephu Drungkhag while Lhamoy Zingkha, Deorali and Nichula gewogs are under Lhamoy Zingkha Drungkhag. The dzongkhag has 186 villages with 4395 households.

14. Samtse

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Historically, Samstse was sparsely populated as the mountain-dwelling Bhutanese considered the low-lying district to be prone to tropical disease. During the early 20th century the district experienced a large influx of Nepalese who were invited to the area to assist in forest-clearing. Overall the district population has recently been increasing, and there presently is a housing shortage in Samtse as reported by Kuensel.

Samste is home to the Lhopu people, a little-studied ethnic group of approximately 1000 persons. The Bhutanese believe them to be the aboriginals who predated the Tibetan migration from the north. The Lhopus are noted for their animistic religious beliefs, their practice of marrying cross-cousins, and their unique burial customs.

13. Haa

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The high altitude Haa valley lies south of the Paro valley. The staple crops of this large, fertile valley are wheat, potatoes, barley and millet. Yaks are herded in the upper reaches of the valley, and yak meat from Haa is considered a great delicacy by the townspeople of Thimphu. A day trip to Haa with picnic lunch by the river near new Haa Dzong is very pleasant in the warmer months of the year, when one can drive from Paro to Haa over the Chele-la pass (3,810m/12,573ft). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Jhomolhari & Jichu Drake from the pass.

12. Chukha

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The major town is Phuentsholing which is the gateway city along the sole road which connects India to western Bhutan (cf. Lateral Road).Chukha is the commercial and the financial capital of Bhutan.With Bhutan’s oldest hydropower plant completed in 1985 and Tala Power plant, the country’s largest power plant, Chukha is the top dzongkhag which contributes the maximum to the GDP of the country.also located are the country’s oldest industries like the Bhutan Carbibe Chemical Limited(BCCL) and the Bhutan Boards Products Limited(BBPL).
Chhukha Dzongkhag was established in April 1987, coinciding with the beginning of the sixth plan. The dzongkhag has one Drungkhag and 11 geogs Viz Bhalujhora, Bongo, Bjachho, Chapchha, Darla, Dungna, Getena, Geling, Lokchina, Metakha and Phuentsholing.

Chhukha is the main entry points for import and commercial hub of the country. Major hydro power plants, which are key source of national income are also located in Chhukha dzongkhag. This comparative advantage can foster rapid economic growth of the Dzongkhag

11. Gasa Dzong

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It is located in the far north of the county and spans the Middle and High Himalayas.It is the least developed of all the dzongkhags and has a population of just over 3500 although it has become a hot tourist destination because of its pristine forests and notably, the hot springs. The high altitude makes farming difficult, although government programs seek to establish mustard and summer vegetable planting programs. Residents herd yaks and dzos, and a small number benefit from the nascient tourism industry. More recently a small feeder road is being constructed and it shall be completed by the end of 2007. Electricity is also being supplied to some of the geogs and all electrification programmes is expected to be complete by 2012.

Gasa is most famous for its Layap people, and for the Snowman Trek, one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. Gasa is bordered by Tibet to the north and by Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang dzongkhags to the south.

10. Samdrup Jongkhar

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The Dzongkhag has eight Community Schools, seven Primary Schools, six Junior High Schools and one High School with a total of students of 6,995 as of December 2001.
Samdrup Jongkhar is the gateway to and commercial hub for five Eastern dzongkhags. The dzongkhag’s potential is further enhanced by the commissioning of Kurichu hydropower. Availability of reliable hydropower combined with modern Telecom facilities will change the development landscape of the dzongkhag by offering tremendous opportunities for household, business and industries. Lack of adequate road network also has direct impact on socio-economic development and quality of lives of the people in the dzongkhag.

9. Trashiyangtse

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Trashiyangtse is the administrative center for this district. Situated in a small river valley, it is a lovely spot from which to take walks in the surrounding countryside. The Dzong overlooking the town was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful mementos of a visit to this remote region. The Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students study the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, is also worth a visit.

8. Trashigang

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Trashigang lies in the far east of Bhutan, and is the country’s largest district. Trashigang town, on the hillside above the Gamri Chu (river), was once the center for a busy trade with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east-west highway, with road connections to Samdrup Jongkhar and then into the Indian state of Assam. This town is also the principle market place for the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng, whose way of dress is unique in Bhutan.

7. Mongar

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Mongar is the fastest developing Dzongkhag in eastern 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.

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. A visit to Mongar Dzong shows one how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.

6. Bumthang

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“Bumthang” directly translates as “beautiful field”. “Thang” means field or flat place, and “Bum” is said be an appreviation of either “bumpa” (a vessel for holy water, thus describing the shape and nature of the valley), or “bum” (”girl”, indicating this is the valley of beautiful girls in Bhutan).

Jakar Dzong, Constructed in 1549 by the great grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery. It was upgraded in 1646, after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power. Jakar Dzong is now used as the administrative center for Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional monk body.

Bumthang farms yield buckwheat, dairy products, honey, and apples among other products.

5. Trongsa

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Trongsa is the most central district of Bhutan and the geographic center of Bhutan is located within it. Trongsa Dzongkhag is located in the heart of the country. It covers an area of about 1807 km², with elevation ranging from 800 meters to 4,800 meters above sea level with a total population of about 13,428. It shares boundaries with Bumthang Dzongkhag to the northeast, Wangdiphodrang Dzongkhag to the west and Zhemgang Dzongkhag to the south. Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk who was guided, in a vision, by the guardian deity, Palden Lhamo, to go to a place in the central Bhutan which resembled a bow and which was in food grains (mang-dru) where the name Mangdue has its origin, arrived in Trongsa in 1541 where he took residence in the village of Yueli. One night while he was meditating his attention was drawn by a flicker of light, resembling that of butter lamp burning in the open air, at the spot where the present day Goenkhang of the Trongsa Dzong is located. In 1543, he established a small Tshamkhang (meditation quarter) in the sacred spot and meditated there. He soon attracted a number of disciples who built their own meditation unit around the main Tshamkhang. The cluster of newly built meditation quarters appeared to the people of Yueli above like a new village and hence they called it “Trongsa” meaning “new village.”

4. Wangdue Phodrang

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Wangdue Phodrang is district of Bhutan. Wangdue is the second largest district in Bhutan, comprising of 15 vast and diverse geogs. They are Athang, Bjena , Daga, Dangchu, Gangtey, Gasetshog Gom, Gasetshog Wom, Kazhi, Nahi, Nyisho, Phangyul, Phobjikha, Rubeisa, Sephu & Thedtsho. Food security and rural access is the most obtainable in Thedtsho geog (were the present town and the developing Bajo town are located). They are the least accessible and found lacking in Athang (the most remote geog). This is also the name of the Dzong, which was built in 1638. The name is said to have been given by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who was searching for the best location to build the Dzong to prevent incursions from the south. At the chosen spot the Shabdrung encountered a boy named Wangdi playing beside the river and hence named the Dzong “Wangdi’s Palace”. It is located on top of a high ridge between the Puna Tsang Chu and the Dangchu, offering a spectacular view.

3. Punakha

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Punakha is one of the 20 districts of Kingdom of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong is one of the most historic Dzongs in the whole country. Built by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyal in the 17th century, it is located between the confluence of two rivers: Pho(male) chhu and Mo(female) chhu. Punakha Dzong, the administrative and religious centre of the district, is the winter home of Bhutan’s Central Monk Body. Since the 1680’s the Dzong has also been the site of a continuous vigil over the earthly body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the country, which lies in a special chamber in the Dzong. Punakha was the formal capital of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

2. Paro

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Paro is one of the most historic valleys in Bhutan with the population of 20,000. Both trade goods and invading Tibetans came over the past at the head of the valley, giving Paro the closest cultural connection with Tibet of any Bhutanese district. Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, the massive fortress/monastery which is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag. Scenes from the movie Little Buddha were filmed in and around this Dzong.

1 Thimphu

There are 20 Districts in Bhutan



1. Thimphu

Thimphu is the Capital City of Bhutan and the largest city in the whole kingdom.Thimphu Dzongkhag is located in the western part of the country. It shares boundaries with Gasa, Punakha &Wangduephodrang Dzongkhags in the east, Chukha & Dagana in the south, Paro Dzongkhag in the west. In the north, it borders the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. Thimphu is more developed Dzongkhags in the country. It has a relatively good road network, especially in the lower Gewogs. The Gewogs in the northern part of the

Dzongkhag, which have rugged and mountainous terrain with extreme cold climate, are connected only by mule track making access and delivery of development

services difficult and expensive.