Jakar Dzong
Central Bhutan

Bumthang

Four sacred valleys of buckwheat, apples and the oldest temples in the kingdom.

Altitude 2,580 m at Jakar Best season April to June, September to November Worth 3 nights Getting there Two hours beyond Trongsa; small airport at Bathpalathang

Bumthang is made up of four valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. It is one of the most sacred regions in Bhutan, and Guru Rinpoche is said to have left his body’s imprint in rock here.

Bumthang is one of the most sacred regions in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche is said to have left his body’s imprint in rock here. The four valleys, Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume, hold the densest concentration of sacred sites in the country: Jambay Lhakhang, built in a single day in the seventh century; Kurjey, where the Guru meditated; Tamshing, with its unrestored fifteenth century murals.

Most guests stay in Jakar and visit the other valleys by car and on foot. A short flight from Paro to Bathpalathang saves the long drive, when it is running. April to June is green and mild. September to November has the clearest skies and the main festivals. Winter is cold, with snow on the high passes.

While You Are Here

Things worth your time

  1. 01 The Chokhor valley temple circuit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey and Tamshing in one unhurried day, on foot and by farm road, with the river for company.
  2. 02 Tang valley and the Burning Lake Mebar Tsho, where the treasure revealer Pema Lingpa dove holding a butter lamp and surfaced with it still alight.
  3. 03 Ura village The highest of the four valleys. Cobbled lanes, shingled roofs and a slow village pace.
  4. 04 Red Panda and farmhouse cheese The Swiss legacy in Jakar: unfiltered weiss beer and emmental beside the buckwheat pancakes.
  5. 05 Walk the Bumthang Cultural Trek Two to three easy days walking between the valleys. The gentlest multi day walk in Bhutan.
  6. 06 Yathra weaving in Chhumey Woollen striped cloth called yathra is woven here. You can meet the weavers at work.
Festival Season

Festivals in Bumthang

Jambay Lhakhang Drup each autumn includes the mewang fire blessing. A gate of burning grass under the night sky.

How You Experience It

Journeys through Bumthang

Beautiful landscape of Dagala Thousand Lakes The Snowman Trek Across northern Bhutan at altitude, over seven passes above 4,500 metres, the highest at 5,320. Punakha Tshechu Travel In the Footsteps of Drukpa Kunley The fifteenth century monk who drank too much, loved freely, and is still the most beloved saint in Bhutan. Buddhist monks in maroon robes seated in a row inside a richly decorated monastery, praying with folded hands before colorful wall murals and ornate pillars. Modern and Medieval Bhutan From the capital without traffic lights to the temples founded before the dzong system existed.

All journeys

Things To Do

Experiences in Bumthang

Performers in yellow costumes bow during a dance at the Thimphu Tshechu festival. Festival Access Guided access to whichever tshechu falls during your trip, with a guide explaining the dances as they happen. A helicopter flying against a clear blue sky in Bhutan Helicopter Scenic Ride Fifteen to forty five minutes above Bhutan's valleys and dzongs, weather permitting. A helicopter flying against a clear blue sky in Bhutan Helicopter Trek Connection Fly in to a remote trek end-point. Walk the part that matters. Fly out. Horseriding in Bhutan Horse Riding On a mountain horse through Bumthang's pines or Phobjikha's marshes. Cleansing ritual Monastery Stay A night inside a Himalayan monastery, at 3,000 or 3,600 metres, arranged well in advance.

All experiences

Where You Stay

Stays in Bumthang

Amankora lodge in Bhutan Amankora Bumthang Six Senses Bumthang Six Senses Bumthang

All stays

From the Journal

Fold Bumthang into your journey.

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