Attractions in Zhemgang

Attractions in Zhemgang: The inhabitants of Zhemgang are culturally called the Khengpas. The region remained closed to tourism for many years. In recent years they cleared only a small part for bird watching. This newly opened region is the treasure of tourism in Bhutan. It groups Zhemgang people here under three regions lower, middle, and upper Kheng.

If you are interested in the animist’s last traditions in Bhutan, this is the region. They always celebrate several shamanistic practices that are locally known as Bon. Khengpas are adept craftsmen and are recognized for their bamboo products like wine bottles, baskets, matted bamboo carpets, and other cane products.

In the good old days this region cultivated a substantial amount of cotton, a major part paid as tax to the government, besides textiles woven out of cotton. Historically, there are traces of the advent of Guru Rinpoche (from the 8th century) though visible records can be seen mostly from the 15th century.

It associates temples like Buli Lhakhang in Buli village and Tharpa Choeling with the treasure revealers Terton Pema Lingpa who is famous for the Peling tradition of Buddhism. The Bhutanese Royal Family is a direct descendant of Pema Lingpa.

Generally, the Kheng region was divided into three regions of Chikhor (Upper Kheng), Nangkhor (Middle Kheng), and Tamachok (Lower Kheng).