BUMTHANG DZONGKHAG

Bumthang lies in the central region of Bhutan. Bumthang can translate as a beautiful field, bum refers to the valley of beautiful girls, and thang refers to filed or flat place. Bumthang regarded as the spiritual heartland of the country due to considerable numbers of sacred sites and temples. The altitude ranges from 2600m to 4500m above the sea level. The region is home to some of the Buddhist temples, oldest palaces, and monasteries in the kingdom. Bumthang has a sacred valley with tales of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and the tertons (religious treasure discoverer) still lingering throughout the place.

Bumthang comprises of four valleys such as Chumey, Ura, Chhoekhor, and Tang valley. Each valley has its unique ambience and specialty. Chhoekor valley is the largest among all. By the ancient glaciers, the valley is broad and gentle carved. Due to its scenic beauty valleys draws a large number of tourist each year.

The fertile valleys of Bumthang are cover in fields of Rice, Potatoes, Apple, barley, and buckwheat. Buckwheat considered as the staple diet of Bumthang. This picturesque landscape is one of the most peaceful places in the country. Bumthang is well known for its woolen item known as Yathra.

This Dzongkhag in winter is biting cold with a strong wind and snowfall, and on the other hand, summer is pleasant and warm.

One of the oldest temples of Bhutan known as Jambay Lhakhang is in Bumthang. There are several sites which are associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who is said to have arrived from Tibet to Bhutan on a flying tigress. Guru Rinpoche visited Bumthang to deal with a troublesome local deity. It is the first place in the country where Guru Rinpoche introduced Buddhism. Bumthang is worth to visit for those who love to explore more about ancient Buddhist history.

PLACES TO VISIT IN BUMTHANG

JAMBAY LHAKHANG (TEMPLE)

It considered being one of the oldest and the most sacred temple in Bhutan. It is built by King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century and is one of the 108 temples that he has constructed. In Jambay Lhakhang numbers of festivals are held, and also one could witness to the sacred rituals and dances performed by the monks and local people. It also denotes the first coming of Buddhism in the country.

KURJEY LHAKHANG

Kurjey Lhakhang (temple) comprises of three beautiful temples. Among three temples, the oldest temple contains the rock which has the imprint of Guru Rinpoche's body. The sacred site is where the Kur (body) and jey (print) of Guru Rinpoche are preserved, located in a cave in the oldest of the three buildings. Then see the Kurjey Drupchu (holy water), situated near Kurjey Lhakhang. It believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche himself.

TAMSHING MONASTERY

The Tamshing Monastery was built in 1501 by famous saint Pema Lingpa. It located just across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang. These are the best sights to visit for those interested in art and painting, with several ancient Paintings such as 1000 Buddha’s and 21 Tara’s. The famous festivals like Tamshing Phala Chhoepa take place in autumn and also other sacred mask dances in Tamshing Monastery.

MEBAR TSHO (THE BURNING LAKE)

Mebar tsho is considering being a sacred site for pilgrimage. It said to be Guru Rinpoche's hidden treasures were found by Saint Pema Lingpa. Legend says that Saint Pema Lingpa had jumped into the lake with a butter lamp in his hand, and later emerged from the water with the still-burning brightly. Beautiful prayer flags are placed around the small sacred lake with beautiful surroundings to suit a nature’s lover taste.

JAKAR DZONG (THE FORTRESS OF THE WHITE BIRD)

The Jakar Dzong built in the 17th century. It is the centre of administration and also houses the regional monk body of Bumthang. It overlooks the chokhor valley, from almost everywhere in chokhor town the Jakar Dzong is visible and offers the best view. The Jakar festival held in Jakar Dzong.

OGYENCHOLING MUSEUM

It located in the Tang valley, and this museum is a perfect place that preserves and shows the rich history and values of Bhutan. The museum houses traditional households items, artefact and gives a good insight into the heritage. It is a paradise for history lovers, and the museum shows an insight into the rural life of the country.

KENCHOSUM LHAKHANG

It situated a short walk from Tamshing Lhakhang. Here Kencho refers to the divine being, and sum refers to three. From Khaine Lhakhang in Kurtoe, eastern Bhutan the statues of three Buddha’s (past, present, and future) are believed to have flown here. Kenchosum Lhakhang was founded in the 8th century by Pema Lingpa. The modern structure and the scenic beauty of this place make it worth visiting.

URA VALLEY

The Ura valley situated at an elevation of 3100m above the sea level is the highest among the four valleys in Bumthang Dzongkhag. The village comprises of the total household around 300 with clustered traditional houses. It located 48km distance from Dzongkhag. This region’s people are primarily yak and sheepherders. Women of Ura valley typically cover their head with a white scarf. Ura is known for the famous Ura Yakchoe festival that takes place in May month. Fascinating Ura temple located in the centre of the village.

YATHRA WEAVING CENTER

Yathra refers to colourful wool weaving with multiple patterns on native wool. The speciality of Bumthang is Yathra women are weaving Yathra in the village of Chumey valley. Yathra cloth piece are used for making jackets, seat covers, bags, table cloths, and scarfs. The Yathra patterns, price, quality, and colours vary. At a young age, girls learned to weave Yathra, and even each house will have their loom. The Yathra Weaving centre located on the main road; you can see the dyeing of wool using natural dyes. It is the best place to buy woolen products of Yathra at the best price.

RED PANDA BREWERY

Red Panda Brewery and Swiss cheese factory is owned by Mr. Fritz Maurer Swiss national. It is quite interesting to visit this place. You can witness the process which results in unfiltered Weiss beer at the brewery. The tour starts with a walk through the Red Panda plant and ends with the sampling of freshly brewed beer at the brewery. Red Panda Beer prepared in less volume with aromas of clove, lemon and bananas.

BUMTHANG SWISS CHEESE FACTORY

Cheese factory offers not just insight but also a diversity of cheese to buy. Even apple cider, wine, apple brandy and clover honey are available in Swiss cheese factory. It is the best place to taste the fresh local made cheese in a cheese factory. Fresh cheese taste will be rubbery, and a hard cheese could be grainy and crumbly.

SHEEP BREEDING CENTRE

The source of income and livelihood for highland herders are sheep. Systematic breeding sheep farm was established in 1974 at Dechenpelrithang considering the importance of sheep for highlanders. The objective of sheep breeding centre is to purse economic self-reliance in wool and woolen products. Sheep breeding centre has become one of the sightseeing places for tourist.

NIMALUNG LHAKHANG

Nimalung Lhakhang is a Buddhist temple located in Chumey valley. The Nimalung Lhakhang serves as a Shedra (monastic school) and Drubda (mediation centre). The temple painted with the images of Buddha. It was founded in 1938 by Doring Trulku. Nimalung Lhakhang is the best place to visit in Bumthang and also annual festivals held at the courtyard of the temple.

TANG VALLEY

Tang Valley is one of the valleys among four valleys of Bumthang. It situated in the northeastern part of Bumthang Dzongkhag. The elevation of Tang valley ranges from 2800-3000 m above the sea level, due to higher elevation agriculture work is carried out less. Livestock rearing and agriculture is the main livelihood of the people of Tang. There is around 300 household in Tang valley. You can experience horse riding in Tang but make sure to inform on beforehand. The striking valley of Tang is one of the must-visit valleys of Bumthang.

PRAKAR LHAKHANG

Prakar Lhakhang situated in Chumey valley and it built in the 16th century. It believed that the white monkeys helped to build Prakar Lhakhang, every night the villagers notice the temple grow bigger. The human worked during the day, and the money continued the work after dark. The name of the place Prakar refers to a white monkey is related to this story. In every year for three days, the Prakar Tshechu is performed.

RESTAURANT IN BUMTHANG

The restaurant in Bumthang serves cuisine like Indian, Chinese, Bhutanese, and Continental. Most restaurants in Bumthang serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Don’t miss to taste Bumthang local speciality the Puta (Buckwheat Noodles) and Khur-le (Buckwheat pancake). The restaurants are small but a few restaurants available for good dining. Good dining options in Bumthang are mostly available in 5 stars hotels. It is always advisable to call the restaurant to check food options before walk-in. Here are some of the best restaurants in Bumthang such as Swiss Guesthouse, Ajang Yongbha, Food Bowl Kitchen, Cafe Perk, and Himalayan Pizza.

BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

It passes through Tang and Chhoekhor valley, passing across remote villages, old temples and Ugyencholing manor. Bumthang often referred to as cultural heartland of the country; cultural trek provides opportunities to see the temples and monasteries as compared to any other trekking in the country. The duration of this trek is around three days and the night halts will be below 3100m above the sea level. Bumthang cultural trek is one of the best trekking to explore Bhutanese ancient cultural.

THARPALING GOEMBA HIKE

Tharpaling Goemba is situated 3600m overseeing the picturesque villages of Gyelsa and Chumey in Bumthang. This hike has less view on the way but has the feel of a pilgrimage taking in numerous sacred sites. The Tharpaling Goemba hike is 5km which will take around 3 hours to complete the trail. The main attractions of Tharpaling Goemba Hike are Chojedrak, Chumey Valley and Tharpaling Goemba.

WANGDICHOLING PALACE

It situated in the valley beside the Chamkhar River built-in 1857 by the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel (father of the first king of Bhutan). Wangdicholing Palace is the first palace which designed is not like a fortress. It was used as the summer residence by both first and second king of Bhutan. Even the third King of Bhutan was said to have spent most of his youth in this palace. There are five giant prayer wheels, sculptures, textiles, a stupa and an archery ground. It was once a battle camp where the present Wangdicholing palace stands. Currently, Wangdicholing palace is under restoration, and it will convert to a museum soon.

CHAMKHAR LHAKHANG

It was built in 14th century by Dorji Lingpa, situated at a short distance away from Jambay Lhakhang. Initially, it was made of iron and referred to as the Iron Palace. This iron-made Lhakhang is good to visit to get an insight into the history of the place. It has several unique masks and hats on display used during festivals. It houses the massive statue of Guru Rinpoche.

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