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Visit to the ancient region of Lhuentse Bhutan

Lhuentse, where the river runs green. Located in the north-eastern flanks of Bhutan, Lhuentse rich past seamlessly blends with its present. Its cultural landscape and historical monuments offer a glimpse into two world that co-exist in spiritual harmony. Visit Khoma village, Takila Guru Statue , Lhuentse Dzong and enjoy the tranquility of the place.

The second place that was in my list of off beaten path was Lhuentse, another isolated district in Eastern Bhutan . It  is located about 77 Km / 3 hours’ drive from Mongar.

 

Trust me even many a Bhutanese have not reached this place owing to the long traveling distance and there is nothing much to do here. But this is what exactly what I wanted to do . Nothing, just wanted to be in tune with the palpating heartbeat of the nature in its silence.

And my eagerness to go there was boosted by the news that Je-Khenpo is going to reside there on 2019 winter. So thought if I am lucky, I may get a personal audience which otherwise would be difficult here in Thimphu.

And thus my journey began with my travel companion with same taste and pace.

Journey to Lhuentse From Thimphu

If you are planning to visit to Lhuntse from Thimphu or Paro, it will take minimum of two nights on road as it is located in the northeastern corner of Bhutan. But for us journey is more fun than destiny so took triple the time. Before reaching Lhuntse , stopped at Gangtey Valley which is perhaps scenically one of the most beautiful valley in Bhutan and its beauty is enhanced by the coming of majestic Black Necked Crane in winter.

 

 

Black Necked Crane Compress
Black Necked Crane
Gayrub Arts and Craft C
Gayrub Arts and Craft , On The Way To Bumthang

Stayed another two nights in Bumthang and visited the valley of Tang, Maebar Tsho(The Burning Lake), Ta Rimoche which I had missed out in my last visit to Bumthang.

Maebar Tsho or Burning Lake ,Bumthang
Maebar Tsho or Burning Lake, Bumthang

And on 5th night, we were there at Yonkola (The Birder Paradise) about 30Km away from Mongar and chose to hold night at Trogon Villa rather than in midst of Mongar Town.

And finally on sixth day we were heading for Lhuntse.

Lhuentse, Bhutan

This ancient region of Kurtoe or Lhuntse is the ancestral home of our kings and prides itself of hosting multiple sacred sites of pilgrimage. Culture-driven conservation has endured here.

The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs towering above river gorges and dense coniferous forests.

In our whole journey from Mongar to Lhuentse we just encountered one car. It was like traveling back in time.

The place is so secluded that there is not even a single 3* hotel here. So we had a choice either to stay in a budget hotel or home stay or at a Monastery. And for a change me and my travel companion chose to stay in monastery whose In-Charge we were well acquainted with; and it was perhaps one of the highlights of this tour.

We stayed at Dudzom monastery, which sat precariously on mountain top, standing there you can just feel you can kiss the sky.

In the morning and evening we sat with the little monks and joined them in their prayers.

Khandrola Damchoe (Recognized as the reincarnation of some great saints) was also residing there. She was another amazing woman that we encountered in this journey. She was recognized as Khandrola after her graduation and her presence was mesmerizing . It was amazing to watch how people stay so contend with simple things.

Places to visit in Lhuentse Bhutan

From trekking in the serene wilderness, exploring the colorful handwoven textiles and learning the craft of pottery, there are many things to do on Lhuentse. You can also take a dip in natural hot springs. The idyllic Lhuentse offers an experience that is both surreal and exuberating.

 Khoma Village

It is  famous for its weavers and their distinctive textiles are generally considered to be the best in the country. Kurtoep women are especially adept at weaving a textile called Kishuthara. Khoma village is the epi center of Bhutan’s textile weaving tradition.

Learn Pottery

Ganjur village is around 10 minute drive from Lhuentse Dzong. It is a vibrant community where local artisans still keep alive the dying art of pottery. But due to urban migration, there are only few family engaged in pottery now.

Women at Khoma Village weaving Kishuthara

Trek to Singye Dzong

Currently open only to locals, Singye Dzong or the Lion Fortress is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. Located within the Bumdeling wildlife Sanctuary and close to Tibetan border; it takes three days to reach Singye Dzong from Khoma Village.

Khenpajong Tshachu

The sacred Khempajong Tshachu ( hot spring) is one of the remotest hot springs in Bhutan. Without road connectivity , it takes 4 hour walk to reach the hot spring from Jatsabee village.

Places to visit in Lhuentse Bhutan

Some of the top places to visit in Lhuentse Bhutan includes:

Lhuntse Dzong:

This majestic fortress known as Lhundup Rinchentse Dzong is perched on a ridge overlooking the Kurichhu  river. It was constructed in 1654 by Trongsa Penlop Chogyal Minjur Tenpa on the site of the older temple built by Nagi Wangchuk in 1552. It houses many sacred artifacts that was installed by 4th Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

Dungkar Nagtshang

The house of Dungkar, one of the noble lineages from Kurtoed, was home to Trongsa Penlop, the father of Wangchuck Dynasty. It stands amid a scenic backdrop of towering mountains overlooking the tiny Dungkar village. A 40Km dirt road fromLhuentse leads up to the Dungkar Lhakhang.

Guru Statue at Takila

The 173ft tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava stands imposingly on the slopes of Takila, overlooking the the scenic valley of Tangmachhu. The statue was built by late venerable Khenpo Karpo Rinpoche.

  Kilung Lhakhang

The tiny village of Kilung is a 20 minute drive from Lhuentse Dzong  Kilung Lhakhang is situated on a ridge overlooking the Kurichu (river). It was built on the former site of Kilung Gyalpo, a regional chieftain. The temple houses the sacred chain mall that was believed to have been used to recapture a statue that miraculously flew away from Lhuentse Dzong.

Places to Stay in Lhuentse

There are no proper tourist standard hotels in Lhuentse. However there are number of farmhouses and homestaythat provide accommodation services with authentic local hospitality. Villagers are friendly and welcoming. They treat guests to tshogchhang , a traditional way of welcoming guests with Ara (local alcohol) accompanied by singing & dancig. Homestay offers a truly organic experience of traditional hospitality.

Well, the most of Lhuntse district is  part of the environmentally protected areas of Bhutan. The district contains parts of Wangchuck Centennial Park in the north, Thrumshingla National Park in the south and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in the east. These three parks are connected by biological corridors that crisscross the central and southern regions of the district.

We also could get the personal audience from Je-Khenpo, another best part of the tour. And got a golden opportunity to have a meal at His Holiness parent’s house.

Je Khenpo Residence at Lhuntse
Je Khenpo Residence at Lhuentse Bhutan

So all in one had an amazing experience and yes ‘Happiness is a Place’.

If you want to visit the Eastern Bhutan , you can contact Bhutan Best Inbound Tour.

 

 

Contributed By: Namgyelma

TaggedBumthang ValleyGangjur VillageGangtey ValleyKhoma VillageKishutharaLhuentseLhuentse BhutanLhuntseOff beaten path BhutanRemote Village of Bhutan

Google Reviews

Jenny ChuaJenny Chua
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!

Reviewed on: 1/14/2025

Terri KimTerri Kim
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Our first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience

Reviewed on: 12/24/2024

Suresh KaruSuresh Karu
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I had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .

Reviewed on: 9/30/2024

Charles VrtisCharles Vrtis
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Everything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!

Reviewed on: 3/30/2024

Brian NYCBrian NYC
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Huge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!

Reviewed on: 10/14/2023

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Bhutan: Happiness is a Place