Zhemgang is a region blessed with incredibly rich biodiversity. Its lush forests are home to 22 endangered animal species including the Golden Langur. Though much of the district has warm and humid climatic conditions, its northern regions have moderately cool temperatures. Zhemgang is notable for being one of the last regions where ancient Bon (Animist) religious practices are still carried out. Though Buddhism has been growing in popularity, every region of the district still continues its animist traditions and Bon priests known as Bonpo are considered respected religious leaders. The inhabitants of Zhemgang are famous for their rich culture, particularly their folk songs and dances. They are also famed for their skill at crafting various goods out of bamboo such as Bangchungs (matted bamboo bowls), Palangs (alcohol containers), Balaks (hats), mats and boxes. They are also adept potters and their earthenware products were highly prized throughout the country in the past. There are also a number of famous Buddhist temples in the region such as Buli Lhakhang and Tharpa Choeling Lhakhang. These ancient temples were built by Terton Pema Lingpa, a famous revealer of the lost religious treasures of Guru Rimpoche. One of the most interesting features in Zhemgang is the Royal Manas National Park. This protected park is the oldest nature preserve in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Its incredible biodiversity includes hundreds of rare animal and plant species such as Golden Langurs, Gangetic Dolphins and the Asian One-horned Rhinoceros that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The park is the most biologically diverse protected area in the kingdom as well as one of the most outstanding nature preserves worldwide.
Manas Wildlife Safari
Panbang district lies adjacent to the Royal Manas National Park (RMNP). The park was established in 1966 and is Bhutan’s first protected area. The park is home to over 86 different mammals, 365 birds and 900 plant species. Although Bhutan is known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, it is very difficult for nature enthusiast tourist to explore them but Zhemgang being situated strategically adjacent to the RMNP provides the perfect wildlife getaway. The RMNP provides ample opportunities for the tourists to explore wildlife and have the safari of their life.
Duenmang Tsachu (Hot spring)
Duenmang hot spring is located at the bottom of a valley about an hour walk downhill from the road at about 75 Kilometers from Zhemgang. The hot spring is famous for curing ailments like tuberculosis, gastritis, and rheumatism. Other than curing ailments, a soak in the hot spring can be a great way to unwind the day and a mineral treat for the body and mind.
Manas River Rafting
Zhemgang district lies in the south-central part of Bhutan and Panbang is a remote community which lies in the southern side of Zhemgang district. Not only is Panbang community known for its sub-tropical biodiversity richness but also is home to Bhutan’s largest river basins namely Drangmechu and Mangdechu river basins. This provides adventure enthusiasts with the opportunity of exploring the rich biodiversity while enjoying thrilling white river rafting along the Drangmechu river to Manas or along Mangdechu river to Manas. The river guides of Panbang are a group of young enthusiasts who operate and cater to the visitors with their boating and rafting services. The guides are professionally trained and certified in water rescue and safety.
Zhemgang Dzong (Fortress)
Zhemgang Dzong is beautifully situated atop the peak of a triangularly shaped ridge that rises sharply from the Mangdechu, facing the village of Trong and the town of Zhemgang. Lama Zhang Dorje Drakpa, a renowned scholar-sage of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism is credited with the founding of the Dzong. Lama Zhang is considered by many to be the greatest Buddhist saint to have settled in Zhemgang. His importance in Kheng region is justified by the fact that he was the founder of the Dzong, the most important religious building in the Kheng area.
The Dzong was built later around 1655 on the site where Lama Zhang had built a hermitage to mark the unification of the present day Zhemgang valley and to defend the land against invaders.The visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Trong heritage village and be marveled by the magnificence of the fortress with the most beautiful backdrop of a daunting black mountain covered in snow. On clear days when clouds make way for the sun to shine through, the glimmering of the snow on the mountain peaks is an absolute treat for photography enthusiasts.