About Trashi Yangtse

 

PC: Rinchey Rinchey (Facebook)

Trashi Yangtse, the land of auspicious fortune perches on the hillock terrain at the Eastern end of Bhutan. The district is adjacent to Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang: Northeast state of India) reverently blessed by Guru Rinpoche and Tibetan prince, Lhasey Tsangma. Trashi Yangtse which was then under Trashigang district officially established as new district in 1992 and considered as one of the latest districts in Bhutan. The Dzongkhag is elevated ranging from 1750-1880m above sea level and the sub-tropical vegetation extends 1,437sq km. Trashi Yangtse is situated amidst the pronged mountains demarcating the border towards Northeast of neighboring country India (Tawang) and shares international border with China to the north. The district comprises of eight Gewogs (an administrative division) viz. Bumdeling, Jamkhar, Khamdang, Ramjar, Toedtso, Tomijangsa, Yallang, Yangtse and entail blends of dynamic cultural practices. It is 2hours drive from Trashigang Chazam (Iron Bridge) where any fanatic travelers would enjoy the ecstatic vistas en route to Trashi Yangtse.

Unlike any other districts, Trashi Yangtse celebrates unprecedented uniqueness with several symbols adopted. Such divine act is all with the hope to connect and maintain fading cultures otherwise. Identifying unique symbol indirectly teach people to transmit cultures and live in harmony. Preserving religious heritage and traditions for instance, to develop a sense of oneness is a cornerstone of the Bhutanese identity. The song of Pel La Ya Mo So (Dzongkhag song), Urka-Bangla (Dzongkhag vegetable), sweet aroma of Daphne (Dzongkhag flower), Dapa making (Dzongkhag craft), occasions blended with Nakpa (Dzongkhag drink), serving Datshe Paa (Dzongkhag food), verdant forest overlaid by Rhododendron (Dzongkhag tree), Chakar (Dzongkhag mammal) hurling from branches in a sanctuary intertwined with multi-colored Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory (Dzongkhag butterfly) makes the hamlet lurch into life.

The district is not only renowned by Chorten Kora, Gomphu Kora, Zorig Chugsum (An institute for thirteen Arts and Crafts), Khulongchu, woodworking (Bowl production from wood burls), paper making, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, and black-necked cranes. There are lot more to explore banquet of beautiful landscapes, unique cultures, monasteries, and Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory (Swallowtail Ludlow-Bhutan’s national butterfly). Affluent in flora and fauna, district is known to harbor rare plants and animals. Fertile soil and favorable climatic condition scaffolds residents of Trashi Yangtse to grow different kinds of cereals and fruits. Growth of unique maize species called Yangtsepa and Yagtsepa chilly (Urka Bangla) has skyrocketed the demand from other parts of the country.

The district has mixed inhabitants ethnically diversified which includes Yangtseps, indigenous inhabitants (Bumdeling, Toedtso and Yangtse Geowg, people speak Dzala kha), Tsanglas from Tawang (Ramjar, Yallang, Jamkhar and Khamdang Gewog, residents speak Sharchopkha), Khengpas from Zhemgang (Part of Tomijangsa gewog, residents speak Khengpakha), Kurtoeps from Lhuentse (Tomijangsa residents speak Chocha ngacha kha).

Spring and the autumn are the seasons of festivities as local tsechu (Tenth day) and delightful social congregations take place throughout the district. The event is held in monasteries and temples displaying mask dances varied with profound significance. Tsechu is a moment for Bhutanese people to pay gratitude to Guru Rinpoche for he flourished Buddhism and first conducted tsechu in Bumthang by presenting dances of eight manifestations of Guru. More importantly tsechu is meant to offer earnest prayers for good deeds to bless the people and the community. However, with changing time, people deviated the essence of tsechu and think of it as fun and games.  During the festival people fancy their wardrobe, dine delicious food items and flaunt all their wealth. Young generations on other line hunt for an opportune to be with their loved ones and have memorable time. In addition, tourists from different countries throng at the event to enjoy the wilderness experience.