Bhutan, often known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” has charmed and enchanted tourists from all over the world with its grand monasteries and exquisite statues of the protective deities. The local monastery and dzong must be seen on any district visit, and the same is true of Mongar. If tourists do not visit Mongar Dzong, their trip to the eastern village of Mongar in Bhutan is not complete. Mongar Dzong’s foundation was established in 1930 on the orders of His Majesty, the third king Jigme Dorje Wangchuck, and is located on a gently sloping hill above the main town. As Bhutan’s newest dzong, Mongar Dzong is perched at a height of 1639 meters and was built by reusing the previous Shongar Dzong’s foundation.
Around this dzong, there are many legends being spread. The traditional legend has it that an architect from Paro, Zochhen Bala was invited by a king named Karpo Dung to build a fort in the province and while inspecting the architect, he came across the land, a white stone shaped like a bowl on a mountain just above Kurichhu. He called the place Zhongkar which means white bowl, currently known as Mongar, and now on that very spot stands the present Mongar dzong.
The Mongar Dzong has two entrances as the administrative and monk bodies share a similar courtyard and visitors can see the central use which is the only reminisce left of the Shongar Dzong. There are about four Lhakhang in the Central tower as well as a chapel and a Sangay Lhakhang. A visit to the quaint Mongar Dzong demonstrates how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries in the Bhutanese region.
The quaint Mongar Dzong has mesmerized its visitors with the astonishing murals and painting which adorns the ceiling and walls of the dzong. Taking a stroll on the wooden floored corridor of Mongar Dzong, while being engulfed with the alluring aroma of incense and listening to the chanting of prayers fills the tourists with a sense of tranquility.
By Air- In Paro, there is only one international airport. You can board a flight to this airport from most of the major Indian airports like Bagdogra Airport, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Bodhgaya Airport, and more. Once you land at Paro International Airport, a rented car helps you get to your desired destination with ease.
By Road- You can reach this Dzong by road from India’s city Jaigaon. Phuentsholing is adjacent to this Indian city. Once you enter Phuentsholing, a car can help you reach this Dzong through Bumthang-Ura Highway.
By Train- If you plan to travel to Mongar by train, you can’t as there is no railway connectivity. However, you can take a short train excursion to some of the famous Indian railway stations and then drive through the Bhutanese town of Phuentsholing to arrive at Mongar. The Indian railway stations New Jalpaiguri, New Alipurduar, Siliguri Town, and Hasimara are some of the nearest to Mongar for train travel. You can drive to Jaigaon and enter Bhutan through Phuentsholing from any of these train stations. Later, from Phuentsholing you can reach Mongar easily by car.
The beauty of idyllic Mongar Dzong can be relished throughout the year but November when the annual Mongar festival is being celebrated in the dzong is considered the best time to see the colorful side of the serene Mongar.
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