Bumthang

Bumthang Valley, Bumthang

About Bumthang Valley

Bumthang Valley, often called the “Switzerland of the East”, is a breathtaking region in the heart of Bhutan. Its four main valleys, Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor, are lush with vast, serene landscapes that mirror the tranquillity and beauty of the Swiss Alps. The main town, Jakar, is noted for its charming traditional architecture. The town also serves as the gateway to the region’s numerous ancient temples and monasteries.

Rich in spiritual heritage, Bumthang is central to Bhutanese Buddhism, hosting some of the oldest temples in the nation. Among these, Jambay Lhakhang stands out, established in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The valley is a focal point for numerous spiritual festivals, such as the vibrant mask dances that celebrate Bhutanese traditions. The valley’s monasteries, like the Kurjey Lhakhang, house sacred relics and offer insights into the Buddhist way of life. Its picturesque landscapes provide a peaceful backdrop for both meditation and exploration.

Bumthang Valley Highlights

• Experience Bumthang, the “Switzerland of the East,” with its vast, serene valleys.
• Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, founded in the 7th century.
• Participate in colourful mask dance festivals that showcase Bhutan’s rich culture.
• Walk through the tranquil fields of rice and buckwheat that dot the landscape.
• Sample the unique Red Panda wheat beer at Bhutan’s only brewery in Jakar town.

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Point of Interest for Bumthang Valley

Experience Spiritual Tranquillity at Jambay Lhakhang

Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. As you explore, you will feel the serenity of the carved wooden interiors and the temple’s intricate designs. Participate in local traditions, such as lighting butter lamps, which add a reflective touch to your visit. The temple’s peaceful ambience provides a perfect setting for meditation or a quiet moment of reflection. Witness the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, known for its unique fire ritual and sacred dances, adding another layer to your spiritual journey.

Go on the Bumthang Cultural Trek

Set off on the Bumthang Cultural Trek, a journey that guides you through lush valleys and traditional Bhutanese villages. You will pass by ancient temples and monasteries, getting a firsthand glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural tapestry. The trek offers a physical challenge and a cultural immersion, providing insights into the local way of life. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views of majestic landscapes that are as spiritually uplifting as they are beautiful. This trek also offers the chance to see traditional Bhutanese architecture and agricultural practices up close.

Discover the Mysteries of Kurje Lhakhang Complex

Explore the Kurje Lhakhang Complex, where history and spirituality converge. The site is known for its three temples, each marking a different era of Bhutanese history. Feel the historical depth as you touch the rock believed to hold the imprint of Guru Rinpoche. The complex is located against a backdrop of towering cliffs and lush greenery. This location enhances its mystical feel, making your visit a profound journey back in time. The largest temple was built in 1652 and contains a large statue of Guru Rinpoche, making it a focal point for pilgrims.

Sample Local Brews at Red Panda Brewery

Visit the Red Panda Brewery to taste some of Bhutan's finest craft beers. Nestled in the heart of Bumthang Valley, this brewery offers a unique glimpse into the brewing process, using local ingredients and traditional methods. You will have the opportunity to sample various beers, including the famous Red Panda Wheat Beer, known for its distinctive flavour profile that captures the essence of the region. The visit also includes a tour of the facilities where you can learn about the brewing process from start to finish. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere and end your tour by purchasing your favourite brew to take home as a tasty souvenir.

Relax at the Dozam Nature Park and Kurkumithang Recreation Park

Spend a day unwinding at the Dozam Nature Park and Kurkumithang Recreation Park. These serene parks offer picnic spots by the river, where you can relax under the shade of trees or enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a book. The parks’ quiet, natural settings are ideal for family outings or a solitary retreat into nature. If you are up for more activity, the trails invite you for a gentle hike or a bike ride through the scenic landscape. Both parks are known for their beautiful floral displays and birdwatching opportunities, enhancing your connection with nature.

Popular Related Attractions

Wild East Rodung La Trek

Wild East Rodung La Trek is a short trekking trail and comprises of low altitudes but quite steep climbs and descents. It is challenging trail especially for those who does not possess much experience in trekking. The beautiful trail passes through prominent Bhumthang and reaches Trashiyangtse. From ancient times this trail bears huge importance since this was considered as the trade road but with time this has lost its usage and charm and today it is only used as a hiking trail. Mountain passes, pastures and meadows, and dense forest of bamboo and alpine trees makes the beauty of the location absolutely eye arresting. Highlights: Ancient trade road Duration: 10 days trek Location: Near Jakar, Bhutan Best Season: April to May, October to NovemberIf you are planning a visit to Bhutan , here are the exclusive Bhutan Package for you and your family.

Ura Yakchoe Festival

Ura Yakchoe is referred to a famous dance performance shown in the Ura Valley of Bumthang. In this festival the sacred dance is performed along with other popular folk dances with a sacred relic on display so as to have blessings from the same. According to the historic reference, a lama visited one local woman in her house suddenly and asked for a glass of water. Including a visit to Ura Yakchoe in Bhutan trip packages offers travelers a chance to witness this unique cultural event and partake in its spiritual significance.She went to fetch water and after coming back found the lama gone leaving the sacred relic behind. It is this relic before which the Ura Yakchoe dance is performed. This relic has been passed on for generations after generation of the woman’s family. This is one of the pious and religious festiuvals of Bhutan and many devotees visit the place to take part in worshipping the relic. Highlights: The sacred relic Festival time: In the month of April

Nomad Festival

If you are planning to visit Bumthang, then the best time would be when the annual Nomad Festival is being held. Bumthang is the part of central Bhutan and less than 10 hr drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. This is the time of the year when you get to see the real nomadic people coming together from all parts of Bhutan. However, primarily the nomads from North West and North East Himalayas dominate the festival with their presence. During the festival you get to witness the unforgettable shows when the nomads put on the traditional performance. You get to understand their culture, traditions, and way of living. The colourful outfits, cheerful environment, and all in the backdrop of incredible landscape make the experience overwhelming. Location: Bumthang – 10hr drive from Thimpu Timing: From late in the morning till late in the evening. Price: No special pricing to visit the festival

Matsutake Festival

Matsutake Festival is a festival of the people of Ura Valley in celebration of mushroom season. This is the time to celebrate the harvest of Matsutake mushrooms of Bhutan, enjoy mouth melting Bhutanese cuisine and get a peek inside the lifestyle of people in the Bhutanese villages. Ura valley is quite famous for its pictorial setting and the people here are extremely warm and hospitable. Visitors attending the festival can enjoy the mushroom picking excursion and the panoramic forests and hilly areas. One can enjoy the delicious dishes out of this mushrooms picked and can dance and do absolute merry making with the locals. In the backdrop of awe striking scenic location this festival gives an excellent experience to remember forever Highlights: Picking Matsutake mushrooms and relishing special local dishes from it. Festival time: In the month of August

Kurjey Lhakhang

Kurjey Festival

Kurjey Tshechu is a popular festival celebrated in Kurjey temple in Chokhor valley of Bumthang district. There is huge historical significance attached to this temple as well as the festival. According to the legends Guru Rimpoche meditated here for the suppression of evil spirits in this region. There are three major temples in Kurjey. The first temple was built in 1652 on the location where Guru Rimpoche meditated, the second one on the place where Guru left his body imprint and the third built in 1990 which holds images of Guru Rimpoche. The Kurjey festival is one of the important religious occasions for the locals of the place. It is a social gathering as well as a time to seek blessing and enjoy victory of good over evil. It is a festival that displays the golden traditions of Bhutan and the rich cultural heritage. Highlights: special mask dance Festival time: In 10th day of 10th month of lunar calendar

More Things to Do in Bumthang

Quick links to everything else worth a slot on a longer stay.

Places to Visit in Bumthang Bumthang Tourism