Tsirang
Tsirang Dzongkhag shares its border with Wangduephodrang, Dagana and Sarpang Dzongkhags. The district is mostly of gentle slopes and is known for its mild climate. The district has a rich biodiversity; however, it is among the few districts without a protected area. Bhutan’s longest rivers, the Punatshangchhu in Wangdue or the Sunkosh River as it flows south flows through this district.
The main inhabitants of Tsirang are the Lhotsampas (Nepali-speaking Bhutanese). Other Bhutanese such as Khenpa, Sarchops and Ngalongs also reside in the northern parts of the district.
The main administrative headquarters of the district is located in Damphu.
Activities, Experiences and Places of Interests in Bhutan
Tsirang Namgyel Chholing Rabdey Dratsang and the Annual Tshechu
This Dratshang is the main avenue for rituals and the Annual Tshechu in Tsirang. The Dratshang also gives an ample opportunity to interact with monks.
The annual Tshechu is the biggest festival in the southern town of Tsirang. The festival attracts people from all over the region. Several different kinds of mask dances are performed. Local and traditional dances and music add color to the festive mood. The Thongdrol (large tapestry) of Guru Rimpoche is unfurled on the last day of the tshechu.
Lung Si Gung Or Hawa Dara (Lhotsham)
Popularly known as Hawa Dara among the Lhotsham Community, Lung Si Gang is a popular stop over for anybody traveling to Tsirang. It is the favourite places for a picnic lunch and a place to refresh for travelers plying from other districts. The white Stupa, the fluttering prayer flags, the soothing breeze, the breath taking views and the local vendors makes the place worth a stop.
Hindu Buddhist Temple
The Hindu Buddhist Temple in Damphu Town is a very good example of the co-existence of Hindu and Buddhist tradition and culture in Tsirang District. The temple has two different entrances, the entrance to Buddhist Lhakhang to the right and the entrance to the Hindu Mandir to the left. Near the temple is a giant Statue of Guru.
Rigsum Pemai Dumra
Rigsum Pemai Dumra is a recreational park in the heart of the Damphu Town. It is also known to the locals as “Damphu Park”. The Park was inaugurated on the auspicious day of the birth of His Royal Highness The Gyelsay on 5 February 2016 by Queen Mother Azhi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. In addition to a lot of beautiful flowers blooming around and plants, the Park also has a Mani Dungkor, an arched bridge over an artificial lake, a children’s play zone and two substantial Gazebos.
Pemachoeling Heritage Forest
Located at a distance of approximately 30 kms from Damphu Town is the Pemachoeling Heritage Forest which was inaugurated in the year 2017. This ecotourism site in Tsirangtoed Geog also known for the ruins of a dzong which is believed to be around 200 years old and belonged to a local King known a Sang Sup Gyap. From the ruins a walking trail leads to a Nye (Religious Site) which has a Chorten at the top of the hill. This is believed to be the oldest Stupa in Tsirang and is a place of worship to the locals. It takes approximately 20 minutes to hike to this place from the ruins of the Dzong. There is a bell in the chorten and it is believed that one of the bells flew to a hill in Thasa in Lhajap Geog, Dagana district. The place where this bell now resides is known a “Tha Namkhai Dzong” and the bell can still be seen hanging on the cliff with the help of a spotting scope.
Hikes and Mountain Biking
The gentle slopes and mild weather have blessed Tsirang with ample hiking and mountain biking possibilities. In addition to several old trails recently the dzongkhag has built 360 degree hiking and cycling trail right above the football stadium opposite to Damphu Town.
Sunday Vegetable Market
Tsirang is known for its supplies of vegetables and fruits in the Capital. Agriculture and Livestock being the most important livelihood of the people in Tsirang, this Sunday Market is the most important venue for locals from almost 12 villages to sell their produce. The market starts as early as 7 am to 6 am in the morning, by noon the fresh vegetables, fruits and other farmers produce is almost over.
Bird Watching in Tsirang
The rich biodiversity, the ample tropical forest, the undisturbed slopes and the mild weather makes Tsirang one of the best birding spots in Bhutan. The Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Oriental Turtle, Black Eagle, Common Myna, Blue Whistling Thrush, Jungle Babbler, Grey Treepie, Common Redstart, Paddy-field Pipit and some of the birds that be spotted in Tsirang to name a few.
Butterfly Watching and Photography
As mentioned for the Birds in Tsirang, the district is also favorable to Butterflies. Tsirang is home to a variety of species of butterflies. Nymphalisae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae are the butterflies found in Tsirang, to name a few.
Floriculture
As soon as you enter the damphu Town you are greeted by colorful flowers. I have never seen in any other places as many flowers blooming in Damphu town. The flower planting culture of the Lhotshampas and the mild climate, Tsirang has a good number of nurseries for you to buy or just enjoy flowers. You shall also come across different species of flowers as you travel in the district.