Mongar district presents a spectacular landscape with stiff cliffs, vertiginous ravines, and dense conifer forests. Known as Zhongar in earlier times, it is one major district of eastern Bhutan.
It borders Bumthang, Lhuentse, Pemagatshel, and Trashigang districts. Mongar is fabled for its famous weavers who produce some of the finest textiles and fabrics, often considered to be the best in the country.
Among its important religious sites is the Drametse Monastery, built in the 16th century by the daughter of Bhutan’s most renowned treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. The Drametse Ngacham or the ‘Dance of the Drums’ originates from this monastery. The dance is today listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
The Aja Ney is another popular sacred site where pilgrims from other parts of the country frequent. The Ney is believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche where a sacred rock bearing the 100 renditions of the syllable ‘Aa’ is a major attraction.
The people of Mongar grow paddy, maize, potatoes, and fruits. Some sections of the people still practice Bonism. For example, Kharphud, a Bon ritual to appease local deities and spirits is an annual feature in some regions of the district.
Places of Interest: Mongar Dzong, Zhongar Dzong (in ruins), Drametse Monastery, Aja Ney, Yagang Lhakhang, Jarung Khashor Choeten, Kurizampa Choeten, Korila Choeten, Kurichhu Hydroelectric Dam.
