Lhuentse is the ancestral home of the Bhutanese Royal Family. The Lhuentse Dzong, perched on a cliff overlooking the Kuri Chhu river, is one of the most picturesque fortresses in the country.
Lhuentse’s geography is a dramatic mix of deep river gorges and towering cliffs with an average town elevation of Approximately 2,323m (7,621 ft).
The Most Famous Landmarks
1. Lhuentse Dzong
This is one of the most picturesque fortresses in Bhutan. It sits atop a narrow ridge overlooking the Kuri Chhu river. Originally built in the 1550s, it is famous for housing a sacred bronze statue of Tshepamey (the Buddha of Longevity), which legend says was found in the fishing net of a local fisherman.
2. The Giant Takila Guru Statue
Standing at 154 feet tall, this is one of the largest statues of Guru Rinpoche in the world. It stands majestically on a hillside in Takila, overlooking the Tangmachu valley. The site is a profound spiritual anchor for the region and offers incredible panoramic views.
3. Khoma Village – The Weaving Capital
Khoma is the epicenter of Bhutanese textiles. It is world-famous for Kishuthara, an incredibly intricate silk textile that can take a weaver up to a year to finish. You can walk through the village to see women weaving on traditional back-strap looms in their front yards or specialized weaving sheds.
4. Dungkar Nagtshang
This is the ancestral home of the Wangchuck Dynasty (the Royal Family). It is a beautiful traditional manor house located in a tiny, remote village. Visiting here provides a deep sense of the noble lineage and history of the current Monarchy.
5. Traditional Pottery in Gangzur
Just a short drive from the main town, Gangzur village is one of the few places in Bhutan where the ancient art of handmade pottery (without a wheel) is still practiced by local women.
Best Hikes to do in Lhuentse
1. Pilgrimage to Singye Dzong
For the truly adventurous, Singye Dzong (The Lion Fortress) is one of the most sacred sites in the country. It is a 3-day trek from the nearest road and is located near the Tibetan border within the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated.
Special Event in Lhuentse
1. Lhuentse Tshechu
The Lhuentse Tshechu is one of the most intimate and authentic festivals in Bhutan. Because it is located in the remote northeast, you will find fewer tourists here compared to the festivals in Paro or Thimphu, offering a truly local experience.