Trashiyangtse

Trashiyangtse - Dzongkha: བཀྲིས་གཡང་རྩེ་རྫོང་ཁག (also spelled Tashiyangtse) - is a small town of around 3,000 inhabitants in north-Eastern Bhutan. It is considered one of the more picturesque towns in Bhutan, and a convenient base for visiting sacred sites and for bird watching, particularly the black necked crane. Its quality wood crafts, such as traditional bowls and cups, are prized possessions in Bhutan.

Trashiyangtse serves as the administrative headquarters of Trashiyangtse district.

At an altitude of around 1,800 m, it enjoys a moderate climate.

• Yongphulla is the nearest airport - 82 km or 2.5 hours. (flights from Paro - 45 min: Tu, Thu, Sun - subject to change according to season and weather conditions).

Fridays: departing 7AM - Nu1,543 (Sangay Transport), arriving at 5PM the next day. Saturdays: 6AM - Nu1,543 (Dhug), arriving at 11AM the next day. Mondays: departing 7AM - Nu1,1150 (Sangay Trasport), arriving 5PM the next day. There is an overnight halt in Bumthang, which is not included in the fare.

The town is very small and can be covered on foot. Taxis are available to outlying areas.

• 27.6059891.494841 Chorten Kora. Built in the 18th century to suppress negative forces, the chorten is an impressive structure that is modelled on the famous Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 27.5846791.493722 Trashiyangtse Dzong (Dongdi Dzong). Dating back to the 9th century, Dongdi Dzong, as it was known, is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. It fell into ruin, but was rebuilt by the treasure revealer Pema Linga in the 15th century, and renamed Trashiyangtse Dzong. It is home to the district's monastic body, while the new dzong functions as the administrative office. It is 3 km from the town.  
• 27.611691.4983 Zorig Chusom, Rigney, ☏ +975 04 781141. Mon-Sat 8AM-3PM. A college of traditional arts. Guests are welcome to tour the facility and watch the craftsmen at work.  (updated Oct 2026)

• Bird and wildlife watching.
• Sacred sites.
• Tshechu: Chorten Kora: February 20 (Dakpa Kora) and March 8 (Drukpa Kora) 2027. Dakpa Kora is celebrated largely by the local people and regional communities. Drukpa Kora draws thousands of devotees, including pilgrims from, Tawang, across the Indian border.

• Hand-crafted wooden bowls (dapa), and cups (phob). Namsey Gatshel Retail Shop, Main Town. ☏+975 17701237/17694903.

There are no tourist standard restaurants in the town, but there are a number of eateries serving local cuisine.

• Karmaling Restaurant, Karmaling Hotel, Trashiyangtse-Mongar Highway, Main Town, ☏ +975 17731140. Bright and airy. Tasty Bhutanese and Indian cuisine. Bar. 

• Enlighten Brew (Yangtse Cafe), Main Yangtse Town, ☏ +975 17901479. Daily: 10:30AM-11PM. Creative hub and social enterprise mentoring talented local youths. Cosy interior with art and handcraft displays. Comfortable sofa seating. Wholesome meals. Excellent coffee. Warm and friendly service. (updated Sep 2026)

• Hotel Karmaling, Trashiyangtse-Mongar Highway, Main Town, ☏ +975 4 781113, +975 17731140. A 15-room hotel near Chorten Kora. Restaurant and bar. Clean and well maintained. (updated Oct 2026)

There are a number of ATMs in the town.

• 27.79722291.4377781 Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (also spelled Bumdelling or Bomdeling). It covers 1,520 km² at elevations between 1,500 metres and 6,000 metres. The sanctuary covers a large part Trashiyangtse District, including Bumdeling Gewog. The sanctuary contains diverse flora, fauna, and scenery including alpine lakes and the Bumdeling Valley. It is famous as a winter home for the black necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. The sanctuary also has several cultural and religious sites. It is a few minutes drive from Trashiyangtse town.  
• Gomphu Kora. A temple built around a sacred site associate with Guru Rinpoche. Consecrated water. Famous annual festival (tshechu), which falls in March or April. One hour before Trashiyangtse town when coming from Trashigang.
• Omba Nye. A sacred site blessed by Guru Rinpoche - a self arisen OM can be seen in the rock face. Temple built into the cliff face (often called the Taktsang of the east). A two-hour drive from Trashiyangtse town to Keni Village. A three hour hike to Omba Nye. Homestays in Omba Village.
• Pemaling Nye. A sacred site blessed by Guru Rinpoche. Stunning lakes. Home to Buddhist yogis and monks. At 4,500 m, it is only accessible in early Autumn and late Spring. A 3-day trek from the roadhead at Pamadung in Bumdeling. Entry granted only after the community consult the local deity and permission is granted.

• Jakar - the historical capital of Bumthang is around 300 km from Trashiyangtae and the journey takes around 8 hours.
• Paro - home to the famous Taktsang Monastery. A 45-min flight from Yongphulla Airport (82km from Trashiyangtse) Flights: Tu, Thu, Sun (subject to change according to season)