Ancestors of the Bhutanese people may not have a sophisticated knowledge in engineering but interestingly, Eastern Bhutan is built on the edge of a hill and not tucked auspiciously in the valleys. Sharchop is the dominant tongue of the area and the people earn their livelihood with their hand-loomed textile, the primary industry of the region (Khoma).
The long haul of getting to Eastern Bhutan is well worth it for the steepness of the region leads to some impressive views. Take for example a mind-blowing drive to the far-flung Lhuentse Dzong or to Thrumshing La which sports the highest peak within the four districts of Mongar, Bumthang, Lhuetse and Zhemgang, boasting vast scenery of alpine forests where snow leopard, tiger and Red panda live.
Visiting the lively town of Trashigang is an opportunity to see the sheer beauty of a dzong (temple) set on a top of a hill, with Gom Kora smacked on a small plateau overlooking the Gamri Chu River as a shining example. Reputedly, the township also has the best cane products (ringshu) displayed at the weaving center in Khaling.
Aja-nye Cave in Mongar beckons travelers to explore it, not only for its natural beauty but for its spiritual value as well. The cave is a famous pilgrimage site and noted for its spring water to have curative effect on several diseases such as ulcer, tuberculosis and whooping cough.
Known for its plethora of ancient spiritual sites such as the Singye Dzong and Yongla Gonpa, Eastern Bhutan may be one of the least traveled regions in Bhutan due to its distance from the airport at Paro but intrepid travelers who traverse the region will be rewarded by an array of splendid things.