Southern Bhutan

The southern circuit comprises of seven southern Districts which includes Samtse, Chukha, Dagana, Tsirang, Sarpang, Zhemgang and Pema Gatshel. The attractions and activities in those places are: –

• Dunmang Hot spring in Zhemgang and other Hot springs in Sarpang Districts.
• Phibso Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The Royal Manas National Park.
• Spot of tropical fruits and numerous species of medicinal plants.
• Culture of Khengpas and the colorful rituals and festivals of Lhotsampas (the ethnic race of Nepalese orgin, settled there).

The inhabitants of southern Bhutan are mixture of almost every ethnic group comprising of the Sharchops, Ngalops, Bumthaps, Khenpas, Kurtoeps and then Lhotshampas. The summer months are not recommended due to heat and humidity of the region to visit. Animist rituals are quite popular in the region. Sarpang is one of the Districts which was newly opened destinations when Gelephu was made feasible for entry and exit of tourists. Southern circuit is called as Bhutan’s unique nature trips. Zhemgang have endemic species of primates called the Langur and Rufous-necked Hornbill and also watch wild gaurs, elephants, rhinos, tigers, clouded leopards.

Favorable altitude of Zhemgang which rises from 300m to almost 3000m above sea level which makes a good place for flowers from spring till the start of the summer and Sarpang is best known for tropical orchids land. Apart from restrictive summer monsoon rains, autumn and winter are ideal bird watching months in the southern circuit.

The remoteness of Zhemgang region is a trekker’s delight.  One must explore the kheng region on foot and you will be amazed to see a place you have never seen before. Some villages still live traditionally in bamboo huts roofed bamoo leaves and the water being carried in bamboo containers still. Traditionally the Kheng in Zhemgang was divided in to three regions of Chikhor(upper Kheng), Nangkhor Kheng(middle Kheng) and Tamachok(Lower Kheng).