LHUNTSE
At an elevation of 2,323 meters (7,621 feet), Lhuentse lies 77 kilometers away from Mongar, a journey that typically takes around three hours by car. Renowned as one of the most secluded districts in Bhutan, Lhuentse boasts a landscape of breathtaking grandeur. Stark cliffs rise dramatically above deep river gorges, while dense coniferous forests cloak the terrain in verdant beauty.
The region is celebrated for its masterful weavers, who produce textiles renowned as some of the finest in the country. Notably, the Kurtoe region within Lhuentse holds special significance as the ancestral homeland of the Bhutanese monarchy, adding a layer of historical richness to its natural splendor.
SINGYE DZONG
Singye Dzong, situated in the sacred valley of the Lhuentse district near the Tibetan border, holds a significant place in Bhutanese history as one of the sacred sites visited by Guru Rinpoche. Referred to as the legendary lion fortress in Kurtoe, it sits at an altitude exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level. Notably, in the 19th century, the treasure discoverer Zilnon Namkha Dorji unearthed a treasure at this revered location.
Each year, thousands of pilgrims embark on a journey to Singye Dzong, drawn by its spiritual significance. Nestled within the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, it requires a three-day trek from the roadhead in Lhuentse. Closest to the Dzong are the communities of Khomagang and Denchung villages.
Presently, the area hosts a meditation center that provides accommodations for 12 monks engaged in a three-year retreat. The region is also home to two main monasteries: Gawa Dzong and Singye Dzong. Established by Yeshi Tsogyal, the temple at Singye Dzong serves as a testament to Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
