Bumthang
Bhutan · 2600 m
Description
Bumthang is four connected valleys in central Bhutan and the spiritual heartland of the country, holding more early temples than anywhere else because this is where Buddhism first took hold. Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang date to the seventh and eighth centuries, and the naked fire dance held at Jambay each autumn is the strangest festival in Bhutan. The valleys are wide, flat and cold enough for buckwheat rather than rice. A Swiss-founded brewery and a cheese dairy operate in Jakar, both unusual for the region. The valleys are flat enough to walk between over a couple of days.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 6 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or September – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Kurjey Lhakhang and the Guru Rinpoche cave
- Jambay Lhakhang and its naked fire dance (approx. November)
- Jakar Dzong above the valley
- Tamshing Lhakhang and its old murals
- Red Panda brewery and the cheese dairy
- Mebar Tsho, the burning lake
- Tang and Ura valley drives
- Buckwheat noodles and the valley kitchen
- Yathra weaving in Chhume valley
- Walks between the four valleys
Getting there
- Airports:
- BUT