Bumthang Tourism Guide
Best Things to Do in Bumthang
Bumthang is ancient valley of Bhutan and holds the most ancient monastery and it is the cultural hub of the Country. The best things to do here are to explore the cultural heritage, visit the oldest temples, go for a nature hike, trek the unique Bumthang Cultural trek and enjoy the Bumthang Khooli the local delicacy of the place. Also, check the Bhutanese Paper factory
The lovely Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. This three-day trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside and provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life. Find Details
Visit Jampa Lhakhang which was built in 659AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to pin down the left knee of a giant agrees on whose body lay across the Himalayas. The inner shrine of the temple houses an exquisite image of Jowo Jampa, the Buddha of the future, also known as Maitreya.
Attend the most popular and unique Naked dance festival in Bumthang that takes place every year in November.
Cycling in Bhutan’s most beautiful valley is the greatest adventure one can have. The wide valley of Bumthang offers a great opportunity to view the ancient monastery, traditional villages, and Fortresses during the adventure.
Visit the Cheese factory. It is located in the town of Bumthang and produces a variety of cheese, including the famous Bumthang Swiss Cheese.
The cheese factory was established in 1958 by a Swiss man named Fritz Maurer who came to Bhutan to help establish dairy farming. Today, the cheese factory is run by the Bhutanese government and continues to produce high-quality cheese using traditional Swiss methods.
Visitors can visit the cheese factory and see how the cheese is made, from milking the cows to the final product. You can also sample and purchase the cheese at the factory shop. The cheese factory is a popular attraction in Bumthang and is definitely worth a visit for cheese lovers and those interested in learning about Bhutanese agriculture and food production.
Visit the only brewery where beer is locally produced in Bumthang. Check out more about the Red Panda brewery
Bumthang Tourism Guide and the Best Places to Visit in Bumthang
The Ura valley is about 1 hour journey from main Bumthang city. Ura Valley is a beautiful valley located in the Bumthang district of Bhutan. It is known for its pristine natural beauty, traditional architecture, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the highlights of Ura Valley:
Ura Village: The main attraction of Ura Valley is the picturesque Ura village, which is known for its traditional architecture and farming practices. The village is surrounded by lush green hills and is home to several ancient temples and monasteries.
Ura Yakchoe Festival: Ura Yakchoe is an annual festival celebrated in the Ura village in May or June, depending on the Bhutanese lunar calendar. The festival is a celebration of the Buddhist faith and is known for its unique dances and mask performances. Read More.
Ura Valley Trek: Ura Valley is also a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. The Ura Valley Trek is a scenic trek that takes you through beautiful forests, pastures, and traditional villages. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Traditional Weaving: Ura Valley is also known for its traditional weaving practices. Visitors can see how the locals weave the famous “Ura wool” using traditional techniques and can purchase some of the beautiful hand-woven textiles as souvenirs.
Hot Springs: Ura Valley is home to several hot springs that are believed to have therapeutic properties. The most famous hot spring in Ura Valley is the Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) hot spring, which is located near Tang village.
Ura Valley is a must-visit destination in Bumthang that offers a unique glimpse into Bhutanese culture and natural beauty. Places to Visit in Bhutan
Burning lake in Bumthang. Mebar Tsho is more of a gorge than a lake. It is a very sacred site and the name refers to the most famous episode of the famous treasure discoverer, Pema Lingpa’s life. In early 1475 the saint discovered holy relics hidden here by Guru Rinpoche and thus received his holy mission to propagate religion.
The temple was built in the 7th century but later restored by Terton Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. The three sacred Buddha statues which grace the Lhakhang main shrine are said to have miraculously flown there from Khini in Kurtoe a region further east.
The Jakar Dzong or the castle of white Bird was built in 1677. It was later renamed Yuelay Namgyel Dzong. Today the Dzong functions as the administrative and religious seat of the district. Learn More
Kurje temple is one of the most important temples for the Bhudhsit Pilgrimage as it was built around a rock on which Guru left an imprint of his body while meditating there in the 8th century. The name Kurjey means sacred body imprint. The rock around which the temple grew came to be known as Dragmar Dorje Tshegpa(the red cliff of the Diamond of Long life).
Bumthang can be reached by domestic air and by road. If you take flights from Paro airport it takes about 25 minutes to Batpalatahng domestic airport. By road, it takes about a day from Paro. It is always best to take the one-way road and return on flights to experience.
The first and only microbrewery in the entire of Bhutan, this is the place where you can sample locally brewed beer along with some of the finest quality cheese produce.
The brewery produces only 3,000 bottles of beer every month. Brewing here is done in traditional ways. Bumthang Red Panda Brewery also offers beer tour with a minimal fee of 5USD, wherein you would get to see how the brews are prepared, filled, capped, and served at last. Owned and run by the family of Frits Maurer, who is one of the very few honorary Bhutanese citizens, this brewery could be the showstoppers in the list of best and most exciting places to visit in Bumthang.
Visiting Hours: 01:30 – 05:00PM (Monday and Friday), 08:00AM – 05:00PM (Wednesday and Saturday), 04:00 – 05:00 PM (Tuesday and Thursday)
Entry Fees: 5USD (For Beer Tours and a Bottle of Beer)
