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Deothang (also spelt 'Dewathang') is in Samdrup Jongkhar District in eastern Bhutan.

Understand[edit]

The main bazaar in the village is one long tree lined street, giving the village an appearance more similar to an Indian hill station than a traditional Bhutanese settlement. The entrance to the village is dominated by army barracks of the Royal Bhutan Army, while on the hill beyond the town is a technical college, a large hospital and Deothang Middle Secondary School. Due to the large population of army families and students, the village is relatively prosperous and enjoys a more pleasant climate than Sandrup Jongkhar 18 kilometers down the mountain on the plains. On a hill overlooking the village is the Chyoki Gyatso Institute of Buddhist Studies - a college in the Nyingma tradition of Buddhism founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche - the famous director of the movies 'The Cup' and Travellers and Magicians.

During the Duar War (1864-65), the town, which was known at the time as Dewangiri, was taken by the British and a small garrison was based there. The Bhutanese regained control in 1865.

Get in[edit]

Deothang is on the main Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar highway.

Get around[edit]

  • This small village is easily covered on foot.

See[edit]

  • the view over the lush Himalayan foot hills as they spill out onto the Assam plain below.

Do[edit]

  • Chokyi Gyatso Institute of Buddhist Studies [1] - an institute founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Many of the monks speak English and would be happy to field any questions on Buddhist philosophy.

Buy[edit]

  • The Food Corporation of Bhutan (left side of bazaar when entering from main highway, opposite the football field) has fresh home-grown vegetables and delicious home made cheese.

Eat[edit]

  • Tshering Restaurant, main town, +975 773779 29. Specializes in pizza, pastries, and coffee
  • Yang Yang's Corner (right side of the bazaar when entering from the main highway) offers good, simple meals - the cheese momos are especially delicious.

Drink[edit]

Coffee[edit]

  • Tshering Restaurant (see eat section) serves espresso based coffees

Sleep[edit]

There are a number of small guesthouses in the town.

Go next[edit]

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