Eastern Bhutan
Pemagatshel
Bhutan's "Land of the Lotus" on the southeastern hills
About Pemagatshel
Pemagatshel — meaning "blissful land of the lotus" — is a compact dzongkhag of rolling, forested ridges in southeastern Bhutan. Less dramatic in elevation than its northern neighbours, it is known instead for its dense forests, friendly farming villages, and Pemagatshel Dzong, rebuilt in traditional style after a 20th-century fire. The dzongkhag sees very few visitors, making it a genuinely off-the-beaten-path stop for travellers continuing toward Samdrup Jongkhar.
Highlights
- Pemagatshel Dzong
- Dechenphug Lhakhang
- Forested ridge-top villages
- Yongla Goempa monastery
- Rural farming communities
- Quiet hiking trails