Lhuentse Districts

Lhuentse, one of the remotest districts in Bhutan is located in the north-eastern corner of Bhutan. It is 3 hours drive from Mongar and lies at an elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level. The region is famous for its superb design dresses called Kushuthara, a hand-woven fabrics from fine silk, and their distinctive textiles are generally considered to be the best.

This remote district with least populated is also the ancestral home to the royal family of Bhutan. Including the pottery in Gangzur, the ethnic festivals, the underground palace, varied flora and fauna, Lhuentse is home to numerous historical, religious and cultural sites.

Lhuentse Dzong

A Majestic fortress of Lhuentse, popularly known as Lhundub Rinchentse, was built in 1654 by the Trongsa Penlop Chogyal Minjur Tempa at a site where once stood a small temple built by Ngagi Wangchuk in 1552. It is located in the eastern part of Kuri Chhu valley, a tributary of the Manas River, the largest river in Bhutan. The Dzong was initially known as Kurtoe and it is the ancestral home of the royal family.

Built on a hill overlooking the Kuri Chhu River, the Dzong is today the administrative and the religious centre of the district. It houses five temples, three of which are in the central tower and are dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. The Dzong also contains a Goenkhang dedicated to Mahakala, the protective deity of Bhutan, and a temple dedicated to Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life.

Dungkar Nagtsang

Among the noble lineages to emerge from Kurtoe, the house of Dungkar was home to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal, progenitor of the Wangchuck dynasty. Dungkar Naktshang the ancient home of the Dungkar Chojie and the ancestral domicile of the Wangchuck Dynasty stands tall amid the scenic backdrop of towering mountains overlooking the tiny Dungkar village below. It is a 40km rough road from Lhuentse leading up to the Dungkar Lhakhang. The Dungkar expedition will surely be a voyage into Bhutan's past.

Gangzur Village

At a distance of two kilometers from the Dzong is situated the Gangzur village that is most popular for pottery. The women folk from the village are skilled artisans and adept in the art of pottery. A dying art, the Government has now tried to revive it through financial support. You can witness the women folk displaying their skills.

Khoma Village

A walk to this village will truly be a pleasant trip. Situated about two hours walk from the Dzong through gentle slopes amongst pine trees, this village is known throughout the country for its woven textile, the Kishuthara. A culture that has evolved over the years is a row of women in a makeshift textile cottage, weaving intricate designs and patterns. Picking up a Kishuthara will be much cheaper than buying one from the handicraft shops in the capital.

Singye Dzong

The famed Singye Dzong, one of the most important sites of pilgrimage in Bhutan is a three days uphill walk from Lhuentse Dzong. It is located at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Tantric Master once meditated here. Singye dzong is the main sacred place where Guru Rinpoche meditated. A journey to Singye Dzong will be a rewarding experience.