BHUTAN – With its vast valleys, lush rural landscapes, snow-capped mountains, rushing streams, and a relaxed way of life, Bumthang Valley is often referred to as the “Switzerland of the East.”
Bumthang in Bhutan boasts the oldest history of any dzongkhag when we consider the number of ancient temples and sacred sites. Comprising four valleys – Ura, Tang, Choekhor, and Chumey, Bumthang offers spectacular landscapes.
Learn more about Bhutan: List of Major Monasteries in Bhutan.
Introduction to Bumthang in Bhutan
Bumthang Valley in Bhutan is the homeland of some of the great Buddhist masters. The descendants of Pema Linga still reside in the valley, preserving its religious and cultural heritage.
This is also where Bhutan’s only brewery is located. The region is renowned for a special and colorful woolen fabric known as Yathra.
Best Time to Visit Bumthang in Bhutan
If you are a lover of blooming flora and wish to avoid high taxes and cold temperatures, summer is the ideal time to visit Bumthang in Bhutan. Bumthang is at its most beautiful during this time, offering breathtaking views with a variety of contrasting colors.
The Nima Ung Tshechu festival is held around June and provides deep insights into Bumthang’s rich culture. Trekking is very convenient during this time of the year.
Places to Stay in Bumthang in Bhutan
Swiss Guest House, Hotel Peling, Chumey Nature Resort, River Lodge, Jakar Village Lodge, and Valley Resort Rinchenling Lodge are some of the best and reasonably priced accommodation options in Bumthang in Bhutan. Prices for a room range from approximately 870,000 VND. The scenery from these places is truly spectacular.
Learn more: Camping in Bhutan.
Places to Visit in Bumthang in Bhutan
Bumthang in Bhutan offers a wide range of experiences, from cultural and adventurous to spiritual. Here are some highly recommended destinations:
Jakar Dzong
Established by Drukpa Iam Bgagi Wangchuck in 1549, the “fortress of the white bird” is located on a hilltop. Jakar Dzong overlooks the beautiful scenery of Bumthang Valley. It serves as the administrative center of Bumthang district.
Ura Valley
Bhutan’s highest peak, the colossal white Gangkar Punsum, can be witnessed on the way to the Ura Valley. With its meadows, wide mountain slopes, and extensive farmlands, Ura Valley offers breathtaking views.
Kunzangdra Monastery
Situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet, this monastery was founded in 1488 by Pema Lingpa. It is located opposite one of Guru Rinpoche’s meditation spots.
If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you can hike from the monastery to Premaling Gompa. Kunzangdra Monastery is on the other side of Bumthang Valley, facing the Tang region.
Lamey Gompa
Formerly a royal monastery, Lamey Gompa now serves as a forestry office and is a short walk from the Choekar town. The walkway offers views of Jakar Dzong and Bumthang Valley. You can also walk further to Tharpaling Monastery via the old Kiki La pass.
Chumey Valley
Chumey Valley is famous for the renowned Yathra woolen fabric made from the local sheep and dyed by the women of the area. You can also visit one of the factories and witness women weaving and purchase some finished products as souvenirs for yourself and your friends and family.
How to Reach Bumthang in Bhutan
Due to the presence of numerous monasteries and religious sites, Bumthang is also considered the spiritual center of the country. It is located in the Central North region of the country.
By Air
This is one of the fastest ways to reach Bumthang. Flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Baghdodra, Kathmandu, Gangtok, and Dhaka connect to the only international airport in Bhutan at Paro.
Domestic flights are available from Paro International Airport to Bathpalathang Airport in Jakar, Bumthang. The flight takes about half an hour to reach Bumthang from Paro.
Learn more: List of airports in Bhutan.
By Train
The distance from Kolkata to Hasimara is 17 km if you take a train across the Jaigaon-Phuntsholing border. From there, buses or taxis will take you to Bumthang in Bhutan.
Discover more: The Beautiful Valleys of Bhutan.
