Pemagatshel

One of the most disconnected districts of Bhutan, Pemagatshel lays on a steep slopes with narrow valleys between high mountain ranges. The name Pemagatshel roughly translates to the ‘blissful lotus garden’; a name derived from the shape of its landscape which resembles a blooming lotus. Most parts of the district are inaccessible from Bhutan and have to be accessed via the Indian border. With elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 meters, Pemagatshel is situated in the extreme east Bhutan and spans over an area of 517.8 km2. It is a rural district with borders shared with Mongar in the northwest, Trashigang in the northeast and Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast and southwest. The dzongkhag has elevengGewogs distributed across various ecological zones. Over half of the small dzongkhag is shaded by broadleaf and coniferous forests while the remainder is covered by farmland. Pemagatshel is famous for its artisans and weavers. The religious instruments produced here are highly prized and sought after throughout the country. The weavers of Pemagatshel produce fine kiras (traditional dress worn by women) from raw silk (with Lungsermo and Aiekapur considered to be some of the country’s best textiles). Pemagatshel is also the largest producer of cement in the country (with Dragon Cemen...