"The Land of Lemongrass in the East"
Mongar Tourism
Mongar is a small town situated in Eastern Bhutan, widely known for its lemongrass production in the country. It is also one of the oldest education centres in the country. With a population of about 40,000 people, Mongar is one of the fastest developing districts in Bhutan. It is also the site of Bhutan's newest Dzong - The Mongar Dzong was built in the similar traditional architectural style of Bhutan.
Best known for textiles, it produces some of the finest of Bhutanese fabrics. The lemongrass produced here is an ingredient used in therapies and manufacturing essential oils. Mongar holds the honour of housing Thrumshingla National Park and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. Mount Gangkhar Puensem, the world's highest unclimbed mountain, can be seen from Mongar as well. There is also a hydroelectric powerplant on the river Kuri Chhu. Once you are here, you will see a bunch of eucalyptus trees lined up on both sides, adding to the charm of the already spectacular area.
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Things to do in Mongar
1. Mongar Dzong
Mongar Dzong is one of the newest Dzongs in Bhutan and unlike other traditional dzongs, it has two entrances and is built on a flatter and gentle slope. A significant tourist attraction of Mongar, the (Read More) Mongar Dzong was constructed in the early 1930s after the original Zhongar Dzong was burnt down in a fire. It is a classic example of how the Bhutanese have tried to preserve their culture. Surrounded by Rhodendrons and dense coniferous forests, it is relatively newer and still has no nails or drawings, just like other historical Dzongs.
2. Yagang Lhakhang
Located on the outskirts of Mongar district, the��Yagang Lhakhang is an important architectural structure for the locals and it is believed to battle against evil and safeguard locals. The sixth son o (Read More)f Terton Pema Lingpa, Lama Sangdag founded Yakang Lhakhang in the 16th century. It is of great significance in Mongar due to its classic architectural style. The temple treasures colourful masks, musical instruments, ancient weapons and even a statue of Gautama Buddha.��
3. Phrumsengla National Park
Earlier known as Thrumshingla National Park, Phrumsengla National Park is home to more than 340 species of birds, including 6 species of endangered birds. The lateral road bisects it which contains th (Read More)e Thrumshingla Pass. Providing a beautiful view of mountains, Phrumsengla National Park is spread around the area of more than 900 square kilometres. The national park houses many species of mammals including Black Bear, Red Panda, Capped Langur, Himalayan black bear etc. and birds like the rufous throat wren babbler, rufous necked hornbill, nuthatch, satyr tragopan, chestnut breasted partridge, Wards trogon etc.
4. Ruins of Zhongar Dzong
Looking majestic even in its ruins, Zhongar Dzong is an epitome of Bhutanese talent in architecture. The Zhongar Dzong was once a majestic castle perched upon a hill, destroyed by a fire more than a c (Read More)entury ago. Now lying in ruins, reaching all the way up to the top grants one a beautiful view of the valleys around. It was built by a famous architect called Zowo Balip. Although in shambles, this dzong gives you a sense of Bhutan's past.
5. Aja Ney
Believed to be consecrated by Guru Padmasambhava, Aja Ney is visited by people from all over the country out of faith and religious belief. Aja Ney is the perfect example for one looking for a glimpse (Read More) of rural Bhutanese life, and is a great example of natural beauty. Guru Rinpoche is said to have blessed the temple himself. One can't help but admire its beauty, making it a must-visit when in this part of the country.
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National producer of Lemon Grass Oil.
Due to its Chir Pine reserves, Mongar is the national producer of lemon grass, an important ingredient in aroma therapies. You must buy a lemon grass oil's bottle while you are here.
Language
Mongar is home to many Bhutanese cultural languages including Sharchopkha (spoken in the East), Chali (spoken in the central Mongar), Gongduk (spoken in Southern Bhutan) and Khenga (spoken in southwestern Mongar).
History
The region played an active role in the politics of Bhutan. Previously known as the "Bastion of the Zhongarps", Mongar provided the country with some of the best administrators in the past who played a crucial role in the political development of the country.
Shopping
There is a small market where you can buy essential goods like fruits, woven clothes and lemongrass oil which is the town's speciality. Also, every Sunday near new park, a market is set up where you can buy fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, meat etc.
Religions
Buddhism is the major religion of the town, like the rest of Bhutan.
Nightlife
Mongar is a small district and the nightlife is quiet. There are no pubs or clubs in the city.
Tips
English is not understood by many, so it is advisable that you grasp a few Sharchopkha phrases.
Best Time to Visit Mongar
Nearby Places
How to Reach Mongar
How to Reach Overview
Mongar is best reached through road. One can either take a bus from Thimphu or Samdrup Jongkhar, which both have daily bus services to Mongar.
How to reach Mongar by flight
Nearest Airport is Paro International Airport which is more than 400 kilometres away.
How to reach Mongar by road
If you are driving from Thimphu or Samdrup Jongkhar, then you can take Bumthang - Ura Highway. The drive takes around 13 hours from Thimphu and 21 hours from Samdrup. From Trashigang, it takes around two to three hours if you are going via Mongar - Trashigang - Trashiyangtse Road.
How to reach Mongar by bus
From Thimphu, it takes around 10.5 hours to reach Mongar, leaving at 7:00 AM. From Samdrup Jongkhar, buses run from Monday to Saturday, taking about 11 hours to arrive here. From Trashigang, the buses reach Mongar in about 5 hours only and from Lhuentse, it takes about 4 hours.
Local transport in Mongar
The town is hardly a few streets and can be very easily covered on foot.
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Mongar Photos
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FAQs on Mongar
What is famous about Mongar?
Availability of Lemon Grass, Sunday Market, Ambience of the place.
What is not so good about Mongar?
Lack of choices in hotels, not many tourist sites.
What is the best time to visit Mongar?
September - November is the best time to visit Mongar. The weather is pleasant, i.e. neither too cold nor too hot. It is just perfect for you to enjoy the scenic beauty. Moreover, Mongar Tshechu generally takes place around November, so it is a good time to visit.
March-May is spring season in Mongar and you will get to see the Lemon Grass farms at their best. The vibes of the city during this period are soothing and relaxing. During summer from June-August, the temperature may soar up to 35 degrees Celsius.
The nights, however, are comparatively colder and provide relief from day's heat. Mongar witnesses rough winters, and nights are extremely cold from December - February. It is not a good time to visit unless you are really looking forward to experiencing harsh winters.
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March-May is spring season in Mongar and you will get to see the Lemon Grass farms at their best. The vibes of the city during this period are soothing and relaxing. During summer from June-August, the temperature may soar up to 35 degrees Celsius.
The nights, however, are comparatively colder and provide relief from day's heat. Mongar witnesses rough winters, and nights are extremely cold from December - February. It is not a good time to visit unless you are really looking forward to experiencing harsh winters.
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What is the local food in Mongar?
Since it is not really a tourist spot, the variety in restaurants are not so much. Lotus Pond Restaurant, Kuenzang Hotel and Bar, Puensom Confectionary and Bakery and Druk Zhongar Hotel are some of the decent places where you can enjoy a good meal. Restaurants serve Chinese, Bhutanese and Indian meals and you can have a taste of whatever you want.
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What is the best way to reach Mongar?
Mongar is best reached through road. One can either take a bus from Thimphu or Samdrup Jongkhar, which both have daily bus services to Mongar.
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What are the places near Mongar?
The top places near to Mongar are Thimpu which is 159 km from Mongar, Paro which is located 180 km from Mongar, Punakha which is located 138 km from Mongar, Trongsa which is located 76 km from Mongar, Jakar which is located 59 km from Mongar
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