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.

History of Trashi Yangtse

 

Chorten Kora

In the whole of Bhutan, Trashi Yangtse is a highly blessed district by many legends and profound Buddhist abbots such as Guru Padmasambhava, Terton Pema Lingpa, Ani Chorten Zangmo, Lhasey Tsangma and his decedents. According to the oral history, prince Tsangma had two sons; elder brother Thrimi Lhai Wangchuk and younger Chebu Thonglektsen. Elder brother moved to Moen Tawang (La Og Yulsum) upon the invitation made by Dakpa to rule their state, he settled there and people of Tawang claim to be descendent of Thrimi Lhai Wangchuk. On other side Chebu Thonglektsen decided to reside permanently at Tsenkhar Dzong mainly to take care of his father’s properties.  Chebu Thonglektsen had three sons; elder Thriten Pal, younger Gongkar Gyal and Palkye Dar who is said to be twin brothers. Elder brother remained at Tsenkhar which was then main abode of prince Tsangma. Gongkhar Gyal was invited by residents of upper and lower Kholongchu valley (Donglum) to reign their region. The village had a castle built by Gongkar Gyalpo (Ruler of Donglum) and named it as Dongdi Dzong which visibly erects from the confluence of two rivulets, Dongdi Chu and Kholong Chu. Dating back to 9^th century, Dongdi Dzong is considered as one of the oldest Dzongs in Bhutan, even older than Simtokha Dzong.

People of Donglum remained defensive to any external threats until the repeated Tibetan invasions from north scattered inhabitants and weakened their defense power. By the time of Terton Pema Lingpa’s visit to upper and lower Kholongchu valley (Donglum) in 15^th century, people in the region fled and Dongdi Dzong was destroyed beyond repair nonetheless. Terton Pema Lingpa immediately rebuilt the Dzong and then renamed it as Trashi Yangtse Dzong- the fortress of auspicious fortune. It is 4 km aback drive from Trashi Yangtse town and travelers get blessings along the road as it visibly stands aloft perched on steep ridge.

 

The Journey of Prince Tsangma to Bhutan

History of Trashi Yangtse would have no veneration without reference to Tibetan prince Tsangma. He is revered for his great contributions in maintaining the uncut clans and descendants throughout the places he visited. Historically, Tibetan prince Tsangma, grandson of King Thrisong Detsen and the eldest from three sons of King Sadnalegs was a towering figure in the history of Bhutan. After the demise of King Sangnalegs in 815 A.D, his younger son Thri Ralpachen was enthroned anew. Thri Ralpachen on other side could not reign because of chronic illness whereby opportunistic Langdarma overtook the power of his brother and succeeded the throne after subsequent death of his brother Ralpachen. There is no concrete written history about the death of Thri Ralpachen.  According to the most common Tibetan tradition, Ralpachen is said to have murdered by two pro-Bon ministers whose anti-Buddhist brother Langdarma enthroned himself as new king. There are contradictory facts about the death of Langdarma as other account suggests his death as an accidental case on the temple of Maldro. Since then Tibet was under the powerful reign of Langdarma, an anti-Buddhist king who ruled from 836 AD-842 AD. The eldest son Tsangma was a pious figure whom he thrived as monk despite tremors between Buddhist and follower of Bon (native Tibetan religion). He took Buddhist vows and rigorously practiced Buddhism. People say that Bon followers bribed renowned astrologer of the country to foretell that if prince Tsangma were to reside in Tibet, unstoppable disaster would occur in the country. Statement was a form of blasphemy that obliged prince to flee Tibet.  Langdarma strongly driven by evils and as follower of Bon, demolished monasteries, religious institutes, banned Buddhism, and finally banished his brother Tsangma. This split Tibetan’s intact monarchy wherein conflicts arose in between the supporters of Buddhism and Bon tradition. Internal conflict among the imperial family of Tibet gave escalating foundation to the future of Bhutan. It is because of Prince Tsangma who fled Tibet, led many ruling clans and noble descendants and occupied different hamlets throughout Bhutan after 8^th century. There is no concrete consensus about his exile to Bhutan, but Prince became epitome progenitor of five most important local ruling clans and marked the spread of Buddhism in eastern Bhutan. Dialect used by the direct descendants of exiled Tibetan prince Tsangma is known as Tsangla. Tsangla gained its popularity and commonly used by inhabitants of eastern region and the name Sharchop or Sharchopa Kha (dialect spoken by easterner).  His descendent eventually expanded throughout Bhutan along with numerous legacies from which Bhutan’s Royal Family claims to be descendent of exiled Tibetan prince Tsangma.

The book, ‘The Clear Lamp Which Illuminates the History of Royal Clans’ reveals prince Tsangma’s itinerary to Bhutan via Chumbi valley along with five attendants. His sexual engagement with a lady from Namthong Karpo, Paro gave birth to a son. He resumed his traverse towards east through Thimphu and Punakha valleys, then entered Khothagkha and crossed the mountain ranges of Mangdechu. He successively trailed downstream route towards Kheng region and finally ventured Kurichu valley. At Kurichu valley, he could not continue his journey for there was no bridge across the river and obstructed his procession. Prince Tsangma had strong desire to explore more places and thereupon made a wish to help him cross the river. Coincidentally, a tree fell over the river fulfilled his wish and thus, continued travelling towards eastern region through Ngatshang, Waeyung, Halong and then to Jamkhar. He spent some time at Mi-Zimpa now known as Jamkhar and even built a castle as his residence. Since the place was not suitable for him to settle, he moved to La-Og-Yulsum (Arunachal Pradesh). Arunachal Pradesh being adjacent to Tibet and to distance himself from Imperial tremors, he further travelled west and reached Tsenkhar where he decided the place to be favorable for his settlement. Tsenkhar became his chief residential place thereby he visited different places around Trashi Yangtse and spread noble clans.  

 

 

 

Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory

P.C. Dailybhutan.com (Bhutanis Ludlow

)

The pristine Trashi Yangtse is a homestay for many endangered floras and faunas of Bhutan. The place is endowed with affluent species of plants and animals escalating the natural beauty. Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail (Bhutanitis Ludlowi) is no ordinary butterfly in Bhutan and it is one of the country’s principal butterflies. Bhutanese forester first heard the name of the butterfly when specimens of the butterfly were collected by two Italian Botanist, Frank Ludlow and George Sheriff during their brief expedition to eastern Bhutan in 1933-1994. Karma Wangdi, a keen forester working in Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment in Bumthang started his mission to search the butterfly in the year 2009. After tiresome years along the ridges of Khulongchu and Bumdeling valley he finally spotted and rediscovered the butterfly somewhere along the shore of Tobrang, remote region at Bumdeling gewog in Trashi Yangtse. The rediscovery was a landmark in the conservation of Bhutan’s wildlife.  In 2011, the joint study was further conducted at Tobrang valley by Ministry of Agriculture and Forest (MoAF), guides and Butterfly Society of Japan (BSJ). Another joint team consisting Bhutanese researchers, NHK crews and several guides conducted the study in the hope of rediscovery. Apart from the research conducted to study its metamorphosis, life cycle and natural habitats, study on the number of butterflies in Tobrang area of Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary have remained unattempted.  

The spectacular creature usually inhabits along the deciduous ridge of cool broad-leaved vegetation and dominantly depends on evergreen perennial plant, Aristolochiaceae. The butterfly thrives in primary forest often in the climatic condition characterized by tropical monsoon and the favorable site is found out to be at an elevation ranging from 2200-2500 m above sea level. Nowadays, it is spotted flying in the month of August especially the toll increases when the temperature is high along the creek of Buyang-Keoncholing and on the farm road towards Gangkhar. Intricately coloured with bright long-rounded forewings and multi-tailed hindwings contribute to the natural beauty of Bhutan. The butterfly has contrasting upper dull black colour and cream-tinted stripes running vertically throughout its wide spread wings. In 2012, this rare butterfly was officially pronounced as the National Butterfly of Bhutan by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forest (MoAF).