The seven-hour drive from Bumthang to Mongar takes you through one of the most spectacular roads of Bhutan. The road goes over 4,000m Thrumshingla pass, the highest motorable pass in the country, through roads carved into vertical cliffs, spectacular waterfalls and lush vegetation. You will notice immediate change in landscape from the country you leave; the east is more rugged and habitats cling on to steep slopes high above the valley. There are very few broad river valleys in the east.
It is a new dzong established in 1930 after losing the original, situated down in the valley, to fire. The ruins of Shongar can be seen from the road before you ascend to the new location. Although it is relatively new, it was still built in the traditional method without blue print or iron nails. It is a testimony to continuing tradition of the past.