Bhutanese Culture
National dress, traditional arts, archery, festivals and a strong sense of identity: how Bhutan keeps its culture alive.
Lhuentse
A remote valley in the northeast, ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family and of kishuthara, the country's most intricate weaving.
Overview
Lhuentse is one of the least visited districts in Bhutan. The road follows the Kuri Chhu north from Mongar to Lhuentse Dzong, set on a spur above the river.
The district is the ancestral home of the Wangchuck dynasty: Dungkar village was home to Jigme Namgyal, father of the first king. Women in Khoma village weave kishuthara, the silk brocade prized for its detailed patterns. At Takila, a giant statue of Guru Rinpoche overlooks the valley.
Places to visit in Lhuentse
- Lhuentse Dzong
- A fortress on a ridge above the Kuri Chhu, the administrative and monastic centre of the district.
- Khoma village
- A weaving village known across Bhutan for kishuthara, intricate silk brocade kiras.
- Takila Guru statue
- A giant statue of Guru Rinpoche, consecrated in 2015 and surrounded by chortens.
- Dungkar
- The ancestral village of the Wangchuck dynasty.
Things to do in Lhuentse
- Visit Lhuentse Dzong above the Kuri Chhu
- Watch kishuthara weavers at work in Khoma
- See the Guru Rinpoche statue at Takila
- Visit Dungkar, the ancestral village of the royal family
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summer rains can affect the road from Mongar.
How to get there
Lhuentse is reached by road from Mongar, following the Kuri Chhu valley north.
Travel tips
- Kishuthara takes months to weave: expect prices that reflect the work, and buy directly from weavers where you can
Festivals in Lhuentse
- Lhuentse Tshechu
Experiences