Dongla Trekking Route: Connecting Minjey (Lhuentse) to Trashiyangtse

The Dongla Trekking route, which connects Minjey in Lhuentse to Trashiyangtse, has its origins in the Indian-British war, historically known as the War of Donglen. Over time, the route came to be known as Dongla.

The journey along this historic trail begins in Minjey, with the first night spent in Pemi. From Pemi, the trek continues to Wangten/Sharlaptsa for the second night, followed by Tawpang for the third night. The final destination is Trashiyangtse. The Dongla Pass lies between Pemi and Wangten, marking a significant point along the route.

According to local stories, during the war, the people of Minjey cut off the legs of a Makpoen soldier, leading to the area's name "Pemi," which means "no legs" in the local dialect.

While much of the history of the Dongla trekking route remains unknown, it was once an important trade and travel highway that connected the people of Trashiyangtse with Lhuentse and the central regions of Bhutan.