Zhemgang – The Kheng Land of Bhutan

Located in the central part of Bhutan, Zhemgang was previously called as ‘Shemgang’ and currently as ‘Kheng’ by the locals. Divided into three major parts – Upper, Middle, and Lower, this part of Bhutan is mostly canopied by dense forest areas. In fact, Zhemgang is one of the richest bio-diversity zones in the entire country; it is home to around 22 endangered wildlife species.

The region also houses the pious Zhemgang Dzong that dates back to 1163AD. This dzong is dedicated to Lam Zhang. This spiritual establishment has six Lhakhangs: Goenkhang, Lamai goenkhang, Naib Lhakhang, Guru Lhankhang, Mithrub Lhakhang and Kuenrey Lhakhang. Among these six Lhakhangs, Goenkhang is considered as the most sacred one.

Best Time to Visit Zhemgang: January to March (April to December is also a good option)

How to Reach Zhemgang

By Air

Paro International Airport in Paro Valley is the closest airport to reach Zhemgang by air. Visitors can fly to this airport from Indian airports like Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Bodhgaya Airport in Gaya (Bihar), Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri (West Bengal), and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (Assam).

Upon arrival at Paro, visitors can plan a roadway journey through the Sarpang-Gelephu-Trongsa Highway to reach Zhemgang by road.

By Train

The Hasimara Railway Station in West Bengal (India) is the closest railway station to reach Zhemgang by train. From this station, one can take a quick drive to Jaigaon town, and drive through Phuentsholing town of Bhutan to reach Zhemgang by road.

Bongaigaon Railway Junction in Assam (India) could also be a wonderful option to reach Zhemgang by train. From this station, one can enter Bhutan through Gelephu, and continue driving till they reach Zhemgang by road.

By Road

Jaigaon town in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district and Bongaigaon town in Assam are the two best points to reach Zhemgang by road. Starting from Jaigaon, visitors can drive 421km (12 Hours) along the Sarpang-Gelephu-Trongsa Highway via Phuentsholing town to reach Zhemgang by road.

On the other hand, if planning to reach Zhemgang from Bongaigaon, one should first drive 50km (1 Hour) from the town to reach Gelephu. Once in Gelephu, they should drive another 392km (12 Hours) along the Sarpang-Gelephu-Trongsa Highway to finally reach Zhemgang by road.

Places to Visit in Zhemgang

Zhemgang Dzong

Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park

Royal Manas National Park

Phrumsengla National Park

Things to Do in Zhemgang

Wildlife tours

Nature walks

Spiritual tours

Local sightseeing

Village tours