Explore Bumthang

🏞️ Bumthang Travel Guide

Known for: Rich Buddhist heritage, ancient temples, sacred festivals, apple orchards, and peaceful rural scenery
Location: Central Bhutan, ~2,600–4,500 meters elevation, made up of four valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• March to May (Spring):
  ✅ Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, great for hiking

• September to November (Autumn):
  ✅ Crisp air, clear skies, ideal for festivals and trekking

• December to February (Winter):
  ❄️ Cold but dry; fewer tourists and great views

• June to August (Monsoon):
  🌧️ Rainy season — fewer visitors, green landscapes

🛣️ How to Get There:

• 🛫 By Air:

  • Domestic flights to Bathpalathang Airport from Paro or Thimphu

• 🚗 By Road:

  • 10–12 hour scenic drive from Thimphu (via Trongsa and Yotongla Pass)

  • Roads are winding but offer stunning views of valleys and mountain passes

🌟 Top Attractions:

🛕 Jambay Lhakhang:

• One of Bhutan’s oldest temples (7th century)

• Site of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival with fire dances

🛕 Kurjey Lhakhang:

• Complex of temples where Guru Rinpoche meditated

• Sacred imprint of his body said to be embedded in a rock

🏯 Tamshing Lhakhang:

• Founded in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa

• Known for ancient murals and protective iron chain ritual

🏡 Swiss Farm & Red Panda Brewery:

• Established by a Swiss-Bhutanese entrepreneur

• Offers cheese tasting, apple brandy, and locally brewed beer

🏞️ Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake):

• Sacred site where Pema Lingpa discovered hidden treasures

• Beautiful spot with religious significance

🧶 Chhume Valley (Yathra Weaving):

• Famous for handwoven woolen textiles called yathra

• Visit weaving centers and buy authentic handicrafts

🎨 Activities to Do:

• Explore ancient dzongs and lhakhangs

• Attend local festivals (Tshechus) with masked dances

• Hike to monasteries and through pine forests

• Sample local cheese, buckwheat pancakes, and apple cider

• Learn traditional weaving in Chhume Valley

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury:

• Amankora Bumthang – Tranquil and exclusive experience

• Mountain Resort – High-end with lovely valley views

Mid-range:

• Swiss Guest House – Rustic charm with local flavors

• Jakar Village Lodge – Comfortable with great hospitality

• Yugharling Resort – Good views and spa services

Budget:

• Wangdicholing Guest House

• Sonam Guest House

• Gongkhar Guesthouse

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Local Specialties:

• Buckwheat noodles and pancakes (puta & khuli)

• Chugo (dried cheese)

• Red Panda beer and apple brandy

• Fresh cheese, butter, and jams from Swiss Farm

Recommended Eateries:

• Swiss Guest House Restaurant – Try cheese fondue and local dishes

• Ugyen Restaurant – Bhutanese meals and teas

• Yugharling Restaurant – Good variety for travelers

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

• Deeply spiritual and peaceful region

• Home to many sacred Buddhist relics and saints

• Traditional lifestyle centered around farming and weaving

• Festivals and Guru Rinpoche worship are central to cultural identity

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• 🥾 Bring warm layers — nights can be chilly even in spring

• 🎒 Carry essentials — shops may be limited in rural areas

• 🎟️ Ask your guide/operator about festival schedules and temple entry permissions

• 📸 Respect photography restrictions in temples

• 💵 Cash is preferred — ATMs may be sparse

Booking information