Rabgye

Rabgye is a small village situated in the western part of the Paro district of Bhutan, approximately 7 kilometres southeast of the town of Thimphu. The community lies within a valley carved by the Rabgye Stream, a tributary of the larger Lobsang Tshering River. According to the most recent census conducted in 2017, the village has an estimated population of 1,256 residents, predominantly of Bhutanese ethnic origin. The primary language spoken is Dzongkha, with a minority of Lhotshampa families speaking Nepali and some older inhabitants maintaining Tibetan dialects.

The economy of Rabgye centres largely on subsistence agriculture and horticulture. Local farmers cultivate a variety of crops including barley, maize, potatoes, and a range of fruit trees such as apples and apricots. In recent years, small-scale tourism has begun to develop, prompted by the construction of a modest guesthouse and the opening of a local craft market that sells woven textiles and hand-made jewelry. Traditional weaving is an important cultural activity, and the village hosts an annual weaving fair that attracts visitors from neighbouring districts.

Historically, Rabgye was established in the late 18th century by a group of settlers seeking arable land outside the more densely populated Thimphu plains. The village is home to the Rabgye Monastery, a modest Buddhist monastery dating back to the early 19th century that serves as a focal point for religious observances and community gatherings. In recent years, the local administration has undertaken infrastructure improvements, including the paving of the main road connecting Rabgye to Thimphu and the expansion of the village clinic to provide basic healthcare services.