Eastern Bhutan is closed off from the central by high mountain ranges, and can be accessed through a narrow mountain pass where the highest road in the kingdom has been constructed.

Thrumsingla pass leads visitors into the mysterious east of Bhutan, with the most beautiful road trip any Bhutan Traveler will have ever experienced. The high mountains on this journey are shrouded with mist, and the roads are so high above that the clouds seem to be floating below- and the dark forests are filled with cicadas.

The Thrumsingla National Park lies here, home to the red panda. The tiger has also occasionally been seen here, and more common are leopards, the Himalayan black bear, and the musk deer. The park is also home to more than 360 bird species, making it a true birdwatcher’s paradise. It is home to six species of globally threatened birds, including the bizarre hornbill- a bird that appears to be wearing a beret.

Eastern Bhutan mainly consists of Mongar, Lhuentshe, Tashigang and Trashiyangtshe districts. The eastern region is visibly different from the western or central areas of the country- the valleys are narrower, and people build on the hills rather than in the valleys. The eastern region has it’s own language, Sarchopkha (Eastern region tongue) which is different from the national language, Dzongkha.

Sharchops, as the people of the east are called, are known to be generous and hospitable to visitors, and fond of alcohol. Locally brewed alcohol is easily available here.

Lhuentshe is well known for its weaving villages- the finest weavers are from here, and the famous Kishu Thara weave (which consists of intricate colorful patterns woven on white silk) comes from here.

Trashiyangtshe has nothing fancy to offer- but does boast of one of the most famous festivals- the chorten kora festival is well attended by people from all over the country. Chorten Kora is a unique structure, a stupa built in the Nepalese style, reminiscent of Bodhunath. This district is also home to wood carving families, who have been passing on this tradition down for generations. Tashi Yangtshe also houses the most important school of traditional arts and crafts, the Zorig Chusum.

Tashigang is a quaint little town sitting on a low, long hill. The district includes Kanglung, where the first degree college of Bhutan, Sherubtshe College, is located. It is still an academic center, and the town has grown around it, catering to generations of students and lecturers here.

Rangjung and Radhii villages in this district are well known for their traditional dyes and raw silk.

High up in the district, are the twin villages of Merak and Sakteng, recently opened to tourists. The People of Merak, known as the Brokpas, have a unique culture, language and customs. Largely untouched by modernity, they live simple lives high in the undisturbed reaches of the eastern mountains.