Pema Gatshel Virgin Destination
ALTITUDE 1,560M
Pemagatshel meaning ‘ Blissful Land of the Lotus’, is located in the southeastern part of the country. The Dzongkhag is characterized by highly dissected mountain ranges, steep slopes and narrow valleys with little flat land. It has rugged terrain and scattered settlements.
Pemagatshel has a total area of 1019.46 sq.km with altitude ranging has 11 Gewogs which includes Chimung, Choekhorling, Chongshing, Dechheling, Dungmin, Khar, Nanong, Norbugang, Shumar, Yurung and Zobel.
About 53 percent of the total area is under forest cover, comprising mainly coniferous and broadleaf species. With about 45 percent of the total land area under cultivation, the Dzongkhag has a good percentage of arable land. Land holdings are, however, dominated by Tseri cultivation with only negligible wetland farming. Dry land cultivation is also a dominate agricultural practice with maize grown as the main crop.
Places of Interest in Pemagatshel
Yongla Goenpa
Founded in the 18th century by Kheydup JIgme Kuendrel, Yongla Goenpa is one of the holiest shrine in eastern Bhutan. During the Duar War with the British in 1865, the Goenpa was used as a base for religious ceremonies by Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal.
Pemagatshel
Gewogs: 11
Population: 14,864
Hospitals: 1
BHU: 12
ORCs: 33
Traditional Unit: 1
Schools: 30
