Places to visit in Mongar
A drive from Bumthang to Mongar has an incredible journey into luscious rhododendron forests with spectacular view of virgin mountains like Gangkhar Puensum at 7541 m and gorgeous valleys. Mongar can be treated as the capital of the eastern Bhutan as it is known to have rapidly developed into a economic hub and an industrious site for the people of the east over a short span of time. It is known for intensive cultivation of maize and lemongrass. The region is also known for producing the richest textiles with intricate patterns which are deemed some of the finest in the country.
Ruins of Zhongar Dzong
The ruins of Zhongar Dzong, neglected by the locals for some reason stands on the national highway of Mongar and Trashigang. Stretched over six acres of land, the once largest fortress in the country, big enough to hold an archery match inside the courtyard now stands encroached by woods and its crippled walls suffocated with wild weeds. The fortress was ravaged by fire and was razed beyond restore.
The ruins hold great historical significance and its beauty stuns visitors from foreign lands. The visual is just beyond description and only a visit can account for the astonishing sentiments while gazing at the ruins.
No written accounts were ever discovered about the fortress, which probably may have been destroyed by the fire, but oral accounts claim that a once upon a time a king of the region had requested a proficient architect from Paro valley called the Zow Balip. The zow Balip had built the fortress with much distinct designs and an incredible architecture with which the King was very delighted and had invited the Zow for a feast where he cut off the Zow’s hand to prevent the Zow from building a more majestic fortress than the Zhongar Dzong.
Mongar Dzong
Mongar Dzong which was built as late as in 1930s is one of the very few Dzongs that were built very recently in the country. The Dzong stands majestically on a slope overlooking the Mongar town. Though considered one of the newest Dzongs, it has all the aspect of a traditional architecture and it houses the district administrative offices and the monastic body of Mongar district. The Dzong was built to cater to the need of a central administrative position and to replace the older Zhongar Dzong which was damaged by fire. The walls and the Ceilings of the Dzong boast murals and paintings of Buddha’s doctrines. The Utse of the Dzong has two entrances which very unlikely compared to other Dzongs in the country.
Trek to Aja Ney
A concealed sacred cave of hundred inscriptions of the syllable ‘Aa” known as the Aja Ney is situated in Ngatsang village under Mongar District is considered as one of the most sacred pilgrim sites in Bhutan. The discovery of the Ney dates back to the time of Guru Rinpoche when he meditated in the cave and once completed his meditation the inscriptions were imprinted on the inner walls of the cave as to mark the attainment of perfection. The inscription is said to bring a momentary enlightenment upon a mere sight by the pilgrims and also said to cleanse one of their past sins.
Every year thousands of devotees visit the site and meditate in the sacred caves. Aja Ney also holds numerous religious symbols including footprints and body prints of Guru Padmasambhava.
The sacred site is located at an altitude of 3500m above sea level and is a three-day trek from Mongar Dzong. The trek to the sacred site runs through bamboo groves and meadows and sometimes through dense forest crossing mountains. The journey in itself is the most beautiful part of the trek which will be a lifetime experience and also an opportunity to connect with nature.
