Plizio Visual Lab
Penden Cement Authority (Gomtu)
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
Penden Cement Authority Limited (PCAL) in Gomtu is a cornerstone of Bhutanese industry. As the country's first cement plant, which started production in 1981, it played a crucial role in building the national infrastructure. The cement produced at Gomtu was used to construct most of the major hydropower plants, roads, bridges, and buildings across the country. The factory was established as a symbol of national self-reliance and has employed thousands of Bhutanese over the years. PCAL utilizes locally mined raw materials like limestone and gypsum. Although it is an older plant, efforts have been made to modernize it and reduce its environmental impact. It remains a vital supplier to the construction sector and an important economic driver for the Samtse region.
- Location: Bhutan
- Top sights: GUMPHA MANDIR · Phuntshopelri Shivalaya Mandir · Gomtu Vegetable Market
- Nearby: Samtse (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 6 | 13 | 34 | 78 | 166 | 270 | 445 | 340 | 263 | 83 | 5 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Penden Cement Authority in Gomtu is Bhutan's oldest and one of its largest cement plants. Production is essential for the country's infrastructure projects and the local construction sector, and the plant plays an important role in Bhutan's industrial development.
Visiting
The cement plant is an active industrial facility, normally not open to the public. From the nearby main road, the production halls, chimneys, and limestone quarries are clearly visible.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the bridge over the river, from which the entire plant with its silos and conveyor belts is visible. The slopes above Gomtu also provide a panoramic view of the plant and the surrounding valleys.
Local products
In the Gomtu region, cement is mainly produced in various grades, used for construction projects across Bhutan. At local markets, travelers can find building materials and handicraft products from the region.
Active season
Cement production runs year-round, with increased activity during the construction season from March to November. In winter months, production may decrease slightly due to colder temperatures and lower construction volume.
Nearby
Combine a visit to the cement plant with exploring the nearby town of Gomtu and traditional Bhutanese villages in the area. The Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and historic monasteries in southern Bhutan are also worthwhile destinations.
Geography
Facts
- Bhutan's first cement plant, established in 1974
- Production began in 1981
- Key supplier for the construction of hydropower dams
- Based on the dry process technology
- Owned by Druk Holding and Investments (the state's investment arm)
- Has a production capacity of around 300,000 tons per year
- Plays a crucial role in import substitution for cement
- Major employer in the remote town of Gomtu
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Penden Cement Authority (Gomtu) (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Penden Cement Authority?
Bhutan's leading cement manufacturer, headquartered in Gomtu.
Is entry allowed into the factory premises?
Only with official permission for business or educational purposes.
Why is this location important?
It is a pillar of the national economy and construction industry.
Where exactly is Gomtu located?
In southwestern Bhutan, right on the border with India.
Are there any museums nearby?
No, it is a purely industrial area; tourist attractions are further north.
Penden Cement Authority (Gomtu): where is it located?
Penden Cement Authority (Gomtu) is located in Bhutan.
Penden Cement Authority (Gomtu): what is there to see?
Highlights include GUMPHA MANDIR, Phuntshopelri Shivalaya Mandir, Gomtu Vegetable Market.
Penden Cement Authority (Gomtu): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Penden Cement Authority (Gomtu): why is it worth visiting?
Penden Cement Authority Limited (PCAL) in Gomtu is a cornerstone of Bhutanese industry.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Bhutan →
Nearby cities
Samtse
Samtse is a border industrial town in southwestern Bhutan with a diverse population and rich mineral deposits.
Kushtia
The cultural capital of Bangladesh, famous for being the home of the philosopher-saint Lalon Shah and the poet Rabindranath Tagore.
Jhenaidah
A district in western Bangladesh known for its agricultural diversity and several historical mosques and temples.
Jessore
A historic city in southwestern Bangladesh, known for its date palm juice and as the first district liberated in 1971.
Rangpur
One of the major cities in northern Bangladesh, known for its agricultural importance and historical sites like Tajhat Palace.
Pabna
An important city in western Bangladesh, known for its hosiery industry and mental health hospital.
Naogaon
An administrative center in northern Bangladesh, serving as a hub for the region's agricultural and archaeological sites.
Bogra
One of the oldest cities in Bengal, known as the 'Capital of North Bengal' and famous for its archaeological heritage.
Phuntsholing
Phuntsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan, serving as the primary commercial hub and gateway to India.
Saidpur
An important railway city in northern Bangladesh, home to one of the largest railway workshops in the country.
History & landmarks
Lalon Shah's Shrine
A spiritual center in Kushtia dedicated to the famous Bengali Baul singer and philosopher Lalon Shah.
Hardinge Bridge
A historic railway bridge over the Padma River, built during the British colonial period.
Chele La Pass
The highest motorable pass in Bhutan.
Kila Nunnery
The oldest nunnery in Bhutan, often referred to as the female Tiger's Nest.
Taktsang Monastery
Known as the Tiger's Nest, the monastery clings to a steep cliff above the Paro Valley.
Sundarbans
The largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered Bengal tiger.
Nature
More places
🗺️
Dhamdum Industrial Park
A modern industrial park in Samtse district.
Thimphu Valley
The densely populated valley where the capital is located, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Tsenda Kang
An impressive ice pyramid in the mountain group around Gangkhar Puensum, surrounded by untouched wilderness.
Masang Kang
A prominent, snow-capped mountain in Jigme Dorji National Park, revered as a protector from the local valleys.
Tongshanjiabu
A massive border peak between Bhutan and China, whose slopes are characterized by dangerous crevasses and ice fields.
Teri Kang
Another seven-thousander peak in the northern mountain range, hidden deep within the rugged glacial valleys.
Kangphu Kang
A massive Himalayan peak on the border with Tibet, known for its massive ice cap and inaccessible location.
Zongphu Kang
Also known as Table Mountain, this massive mountain is conspicuous for its flat summit structure in the rugged high mountains.