Dzongkhags and Gewogs of BHUTAN
Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a small, mountainous country nestled in the eastern Himalayas. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and the concept of Gross National Happiness. The country is administratively divided into 20 districts, known as Dzongkhags, which are further subdivided into smaller administrative units called Gewogs. Here is a detailed overview of Bhutan’s Dzongkhags and their Gewogs:
1. Bumthang Dzongkhag
Bumthang, often referred to as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, is renowned for its ancient temples and monasteries.
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- Gewogs: Chhoekhor, Chhume, Tang, Ura
2. Chhukha Dzongkhag
Chhukha is known for its hydropower projects and vibrant town of Phuentsholing, which is a major commercial hub.
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- Gewogs: Bjachho, Bongo, Chapcha, Dungna, Getana, Logchina, Metakha
3. Dagana Dzongkhag
Dagana is characterized by its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.
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- Gewogs: Dorona, Drujegang, Gesarling, Goshi, Karmaling, Kana, Lajab, Nichula, Tashiding
4. Gasa Dzongkhag
Gasa, the least populated Dzongkhag, is known for its pristine natural environment and the famous Gasa Hot Springs.
- Gewogs: Goenkhame, Goenkaatoe, Laya, Lunana
5. Haa Dzongkhag
Haa is famous for its stunning Haa Valley and traditional festivals.
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- Gewogs: Bji, Katsho, Eusu, Sama, Sangbay
6. Lhuentse Dzongkhag
Lhuentse is rich in cultural heritage and is home to the ancestral home of the royal family.
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- Gewogs: Gangzur, Jaray, Khoma, Kurtoe, Menbi, Minjey
7. Mongar Dzongkhag
Mongar, located in eastern Bhutan, is known for its modern hospital and scenic landscapes.
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- Gewogs: Balam, Chhali, Drepong, Dremetse, Kengkhar, Mongar, Narang, Saling, Shermung, Silambi, Thangrong, Tsakaling, Tsamang
8. Paro Dzongkhag
Paro, home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is one of the most picturesque valleys in Bhutan.
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- Gewogs: Doteng, Dopshari, Dogar, Lamgong, Lungnyi, Naja, Shaba, Tsento, Wangchang
9. Pemagatshel Dzongkhag
Pemagatshel is known for its artisans and traditional crafts, especially weaving.
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- Gewogs: Chhimoong, Chongshing Borang, Decheling, Dungmin, Khar, Shumar, Yurung, Zobel
10. Punakha Dzongkhag
Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is famous for its stunning Punakha Dzong and the annual Punakha Festival.
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- Gewogs: Barp, Chhubu, Dzomi, Guma, Kabjisa, Lingmukha, Shenga Bjimi, Talo, Toepisa
11. Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag
Samdrup Jongkhar, located in the southeastern part of Bhutan, is a key commercial and transit hub.
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- Gewogs: Dewathang, Gomdar, Langchenphu, Lauri, Martshala, Orong, Pemathang, Phuntshothang, Samrang, Serthig
12. Samtse Dzongkhag
Samtse is a diverse Dzongkhag with a mix of ethnicities and a vibrant agricultural sector.
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- Gewogs: Biru, Chengmari, Dungtoe, Dophoogchen, Norgaygang, Samtse, Sangacholing, Tashicholing, Tendruk, Ugentse, Yoeseltse
13. Sarpang Dzongkhag
Sarpang, with its rich biodiversity, includes the gateway town of Gelephu.
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- Gewogs: Chhuzagang, Dekiling, Gelephu, Gakiling, Jigmecholing, Samtenling, Serzhong, Shompangkha, Tareythang, Umling
14. Thimphu Dzongkhag
Thimphu, the capital city, is the political and economic center of Bhutan.
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- Gewogs: Chang, Dagala, Genyekha, Kawang, Lingzhi, Mewang, Naro, Soe
15. Trashigang Dzongkhag
Trashigang is the most populous Dzongkhag and a significant cultural and educational center in eastern Bhutan.
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- Gewogs: Bartsham, Bidung, Kanglung, Khaling, Lumang, Merak, Phongmey, Radhi, Sakteng, Samkhar, Shongphu, Thrimshing, Uzorong, Yangneer
16. Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag
Trashiyangtse is known for its unique culture and the traditional art of paper making.
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- Gewogs: Bumdeling, Jamkhar, Khamdang, Ramjar, Tomzhangtshen, Tongmajang, Yalang, Yangtse
17. Trongsa Dzongkhag
Trongsa, centrally located, is historically significant as the traditional stronghold of Bhutan’s rulers.
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- Gewogs: Drakteng, Korphu, Langthil, Nubi, Tangsibji
18. Tsirang Dzongkhag
Tsirang is known for its gentle climate and agricultural productivity.
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- Gewogs: Barshong, Gosarling, Kilkhorthang, Mendrelgang, Patshaling, Phuentenchu, Rangthangling, Semjong, Tsholingkhar
19. Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag
Wangdue Phodrang, with its diverse landscapes, is an important ecological region.
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- Gewogs: Athang, Bjena, Daga, Dangchhu, Gangteng, Gase Tshogom, Gase Tshowom, Kazhi, Nyisho, Nahi, Phangyul, Phobji, Rubeisa, Sephu, Thedtsho
20. Zhemgang Dzongkhag
Zhemgang is rich in wildlife and is home to the Royal Manas National Park.
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- Gewogs: Bardho, Bardo, Bjoka, Goshing, Nangkor, Ngangla, Shingkhar, Trong
Bhutan’s administrative divisions, from Dzongkhags to Gewogs, reflect the country’s commitment to maintaining cultural heritage and ensuring effective local governance. Each Dzongkhag is unique in its cultural, historical, and environmental offerings, contributing to the rich tapestry that is Bhutan.