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Bumthang, Bhutan, is the spiritual heartland of the country, known for its sacred monasteries, stunning valleys, and rich cultural heritage. Home to iconic sites like Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, and Burning Lake, this district offers a blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty. Visitors can experience vibrant festivals, scenic treks, and unique local cuisine. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment or adventure, it promises an unforgettable journey through its mesmerising landscapes and deep-rooted Buddhist culture.
Location
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
Bumthang, central Bhutan, covers an area of roughly 2,717 square kilometers. It is one of the highest districts in Bhutan, with altitude varying from 2,600 meters to about 4,500 meters. The area is essentially engaged in agriculture and wildlife management activities characterized by extensive valleys, thicker forests, and ridged mountains.
How To Reach The Bumthang Bhutan
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Bathpalathang Airport in Jakar is the closest airport to it and has domestic services from Paro and Gelephu. International travelers must first arrive in Paro International Airport for further domestic flight or road transport to get into the city.
By Road: It is straightly connected from the East-West Highway. It is about 268 kilometers away from Thimphu, and the journey by car or bus through Trongsa would take an approximate time of 9-10 hours.
By Train: There is no direct railway connection to this district, Bhutan. The nearest railway stations are in India, such as New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal and Hasimara Railway Station.
5 Things To Do In Bumthang Bhutan
From ancient monasteries to stunning valleys and sacred pilgrimage sites, here are some of the best places to explore in this district:
1. Visit Jambay Lhakhang & Kurjey Lhakhang
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
The temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is a member of 108 other temples created across the Himalayas to subdue a demoness. Jambay Lhakhang is famous for the festival of Jambay Lhakhang Drup, which entails rituals with sacred fire and mask dances. This site is composed of three main temples built at different times, with the oldest one dating back to 1652.
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Best Time To Visit: October – November (festival season)
2. Explore Jakar Dzong
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
The meaning of Jakar Dzong is “Castle of the White Bird,” and it is one of Bhutan’s strategically located fortresses. Perched upon a ridge overlooking the Chamkhar Valley, the original structure was built in 1549 as a monastery, later in the 17th century fortified by Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan’s unifier. The fort served as a very important administrative and religious center in Bumthang and still houses government offices and monks. With a circumference of an estimated 1,500 meters, Jakar Dzong is one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan.
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Best Time To Visit: March – May, September – November
3. Trek To Tang Valley
Photo: dynamosquito / Wikimedia Commons
Tang Valley, one of Bumthang’s four major valleys, draws into itself many tourists because of its remoteness, enchanting landscapes, and cultural sites. It is located approximately 35 kilometers away from Jakar, and home to the Ogyen Choling Museum, which is a historical estate dedicated to preserving Bhutan’s noble heritage. The trek to Tang Valley is through dense pine forests with crossing of the traditional wooden bridges and yak herding settlements.
Trek Duration: 3 – 5 hours
Entry Fee: N/A
Best Time To Visit: March – May, September – November
4. Attend A Local Festival
Photo: INFINITY ADVENTURE NEPAL / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This district is also famous all over Bhutan for its wonderful religious festivals or Tshechus, where mask dances, traditional music, and sacred ceremonies are held. Among these, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup, which is conducted every year at the Jambay Lhakhang, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Bhutan. It consists of a ritual called Mewang, which means “fire blessing ceremony”, during which devotees walk through the fire in the company of monks for the purpose of cleansing themselves from sins.
Best Festivals: Jambay Lhakhang Drup (October/November), Kurjey Tshechu (June/July)
Entry Fee: N/A
Best Time To Visit: During festival months
5. Try Bumthang’s Local Delicacies
Photo: bishop tamrakar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This district is distinguished by the particularity of its cuisine, which owes a lot to the influences of its cool climate and the products of its agriculture. It is a place where buckwheat is a major staple and it is extensively used in the making of khuley (buckwheat pancakes) and puta (buckwheat noodles). Other famous dairy products from the area are Bumthang cheese most used in Bhutanese cooking found in many dishes such as ema datshi (chilies with cheese).
Operating Hours: Most restaurants and farmhouses serve food from 7 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Top Place To Visit Near Bumthang, Bhutan
From serene valleys to historic monasteries and cultural landmarks, here are some of the best places to explore around this district:
1. Ura Valley
Photo: Chris Hunkeler / Wikimedia Commons
Ura Valley receives the title of being one of the highest valleys in Bhutan. It is said to be the most picturesque valley in the country, adorned with its old stone houses and wide grasslands, besides being one of the best in culture. It has been established as a sacred monastery Ura Lhakhang is hosting an annual Yakchoe festival wherein the villagers from Ura participate in traditional mask dances.
Distance From Bumthang: 48 km (1.5 – hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: March – May and September – November
2. Kunzangdrak Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Kunzangdrak Monastery is a sacred cliffside retreat created by Pema Lingpa, one of the most revered tertons (treasure revealers) of Bhutan. Located high above the Tang Valley, the monastery contains relics, sacred scriptures, and wall paintings about Buddhist teachings. One approaches the monastery via a steep uphill hike full of spectacular views of the valley beneath. It still attracts many pilgrims and trekkers, for it is a very important pilgrimage site.
Distance From Bumthang: 20 km (1-hour drive + 1-hour hike)
Best Time To Visit: March – May and September – November
Where To Stay
Photo: Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Accommodation options range from the most modest guesthouses to high-end high-level resorts. If you are traveling, the best choices could clearly be Yu Gharling Resort & Spa, Jakar Village Lodge, and Swiss Guest House, as all share balanced comfort with the touch of traditional Bhutanese charm. As for budget travelers, be sure to check out some affordable homestay at Jakar town small lodges. It is quintessentially warm and simple but near most major attractions.
Where To Eat
Photo: bishop tamrakar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This district is one of the few vibrant places to have a mix of modern day with some things which are very traditional. Swiss Guest House and Kaila Café, along with the full-fledged Himalayan Pizza, is pretty good at local presentation but sterilizes much of the rest. They are complemented by small Jakar teahouses and restaurants where the true honest-tote is Khuley, puta for some noodles, and Ema when Datshi hot again forms the best of what the visitors may want to know about authentic Bhutanese meals.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
Budget places up to Nu. 1,500 per night. Mid-range hotels charge Nu. 3,500 to 8,000, and luxury resorts are above Nu. 12,000. Local meals range from Nu. 250-700 and from Nu. 1,500 at mid-range restaurants per meal for starters.
Tips For Travellers
- Allocate at least 2-3 days for a visit to Bumthang’s cultural and natural sites.
- Dress warmly in winter months as temperatures can drop to extreme lows.
- Taxis and rental cars offer the best convenience in travel, as public transport is very limited.
Bumthang, as the spiritual heart of Bhutan, offers endless ties to the land’s culture through its serenity, hallowed landscapes, and colorful traditions. It is an untouched wonderland where smiths and artists work whilst being surrounded by nature, thus being timeless for those tourists seeking culture, nature, and peace. Book with TripXL for expert planning, enriching activities, and ultimately an unforgettable experience.
Cover Photo: Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons
