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Bumthang

Spectacular Bumthang

Bumthang is a beautiful valley in the central part of Bhutan. It is considered the spiritual heart of the country with numerous ancient temples, monasteries and stunning natural landscapes. This valley is known for its religious significance and is home to Bhutan’s most important cultural sites including Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. This place has a more peaceful vibe compared to Bhutan’s other regions.

Why is Bumthang famous ?

Bumthang is famous for various reasons and some of them are noted below -

Religious and cultural heart of Bhutan

Bumthang is often referred as the cultural heart of Bhutan. It is home to several important temples and monasteries such as -

Jambay Lhakhang which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetian King Songtsen Gampo.

Kurjey Lhakhang is a sacred site where it is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body print on a rock.

Tamshing Lhakhang which is a key monastery founded by the famous Lama Pema Lingpa in the 15th century.

Natural Beauty and Scenic Landscapes

Bumthang is known for picturesque landscapes, featuring lush valleys, forests and high altitude meadows. It is a great place for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking and a chance to witness the natural beauty of the Himalayas and the rural life. Mebar Tsho, a sacred lake in the region with a significant role in Bhutanese spiritual traditions, is a place where pilgrims visit.

Festivals and Traditions

Bumthang is famous for its traditional Bhutanese festivals particularly its vibrant Tshechu which celebrate the life and deeds of Guru Rinpoche. During this festival one can see traditional mask dances.

Craftsmanship and Local Products

Bumthang is also known for its traditional handicrafts specially Bumthang cheese locally brewed ara a traditional rice wine. The valley is also famous for its handwoven textiles particularly the yatra, a colourful woolen fabric produced in the region.

Historical significance

The valley has been central to development of Buddhism in Bhutan and its temples and monasteries were critical in the propagation of teachings of Guru Rinpoche and other key spiritual figures.

Places to visit in Bumthang

Jambay Lhakhang

It is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century. It is especially significant in Bhutanese Buddhist history and is famous for its association with the legend of King Songtsen Gampo. The temple's ancient architecture, sacred murals and the annual Jambay Lhakhang Drup which is a festival with mask dance are some of the highlights. .

Kurjey Lhakhang

The sacred site is where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated and left his body print on a rock. The highlights of this place include three temples and the surrounding area offers peaceful walks with a beautiful view of the valley.

Mebar Tsho

Mebar Tsho is also known as The Burning lake is a legendary lake that is considered one of the most important spiritual sites in Bhutan. The key highlights include mystical lake, the rocky cliffs and blue skies and the stunning view of the surrounding area.

Tamshing Lhakhang

It was founded by Prema Ligpa in the 15th century. It is known for its incredible collection of ancient murals and religious artifacts.

Bumthang Valley

The entire Bumthang valley is an attraction itself and known for its natural beauty, lush landscape and peaceful atmosphere. The key highlights include traditional farms, apple orchards, traditional farms and glimpses of rural lifestyle.

Ura Village

It is one of the most picturesque villages in Bhutan. It has traditional stone houses and a beautiful untouched feel. It is located at a higher altitude offering a view of the surrounding area. The place is ideal for photography.

Jakar Dzong

It is often known as white bird fortress Jakar Dzong is an impressive hilltop fortress with a commanding view of the valley. It is an iconic landmark Bumthang and has great historical significance. The key highlights are stunning views of the valley, architecture and fascinating history.

Bumthang National park

Bumthang national park has great trekking opportunities. It is home to diverse flora and fauna including endangered red panda and several species of bird.

Chakhar Lhakhang

Known as Iron castle or Iron fortress, is located on a hilltop above the Bumthang valley. The key highlights of the place are the serene atmosphere and historical significance.

Outdoor activities in Bumthang

It is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities. Thanks to its stunning landscapes, rich culture and peaceful environment. There are plenty of activities that one can opt from. We also can organize and arrange different outdoor activities for our guests.

Trekking

It is a place for trekking and there are beautiful trails that lead through villages, forests and monasteries. Jakar to Ura trek, for example, is a popular one. It offers stunning views of the Bumthang valley and the Ura village. The trek takes around 2 to 3 days. One can walk through alpine meadows, charming villages and dense forest. Nangar Tse Trek is another popular trek that takes upto Nangar Tse mountain. It offers sweeping views of the entire Bumthang valley. The trek is ideal for those seeking an adventurous experience. The best times for trekking are autumn and spring.

Cycling

It is another exciting outdoor activity and many people opt for this specially to see the majestic view of the Bumthang valley. It offers scenic views and the beautiful view of the Himalayas. One can cycle around the Bumthang valley and visit different temples and monasteries while enjoying the fresh mountain air and the peaceful environment. One can also take the scenic route from Jakar to Ura. It passess through small villages, apple orchards and open fields.

Wildlife watching

Bumthang is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Wildlife in Bumthang national park is spectacular. It is home to endangered species like black bear, red panda and several species of deer. One can also spot birds like Himalayan griffon and Tibetian partridge. Spring and Autumn are the best time for bird watching activity.

Hiking

It is another great adventure and outdoor activity. One can hike to Mebar Tsho. It is a short but scenic hike and offers panoramic views of the lake. It is considered the pilgrimage route for Bhutanese Buddhists. It is an amazing outdoor experience for visitors also. It has a tranquil setting for the hike.

Camping and Stargazing

It is another beautiful outdoor activity and is fun to do. One can camp at places like Ura Valley and Nangar Tse. The clear sky in the evening makes Bumthang a perfect spot for stargazing. The area is free from light pollution and thus one can enjoy the spectacular views of the night sky.

Visiting local farms and orchards

Bumthang is known for its agricultural lifestyle. Visiting a local farm is a great way to experience rural life. One can visit the apple orchards in the Bumthang valley and Bumthang is famous for apples. One can have red and green apples and all are fresh and organic. One can also visit the traditional farms where locals raise yaks cows and sheep for milk.

Best Time to do outdoor activities

The best time to enjoy or indulge in these outdoor activities are during spring and autumn. This is the time when the sky is clear, the weather is pleasant and also the environment is peaceful. One can enjoy cycling, trekking, hiking and many more.

Best time to visit Bumthang

The best time to visit Bhutan depends on the kind of experience one wants to have. The most ideal time is autumn and spring.

Autumn

Autumn is September to November and the best time to visit Bumthang. Clear sky, spectacular views and mild temperature are great and are the key highlights of this season. The weather is dry and crisp making it perfect sightseeing, trekking and outdoor activities. The temperature around this time is cool and comfortable which is around 15 to 20 degree C. During this time one can also witness the popular festivals like Jambay Lhakhang Drup which is a vibrant cultural experience with mask dance and celebrations. The landscape is ideal, lush and green and has excellent photography scope.

Spring

It is also a very good time to visit Bumthang. One can see flowers, enjoy the mild and pleasant weather and the green forest looks beautiful. The evenings are cool and an ideal time for outdoor activities also.

Nature and Outdoor Activity to Try in Thimphu

There are many outdoor activities in Thimpu and also many beautiful natural places to visit. We can arrange these kinds of day tours and that can be customized also as per the need and the requirements of the guests.

Places to Visit in Thimphu

Thimphu has many notable sites to visit Thimphu tourist places Some of the top attractions in Thimphu are

Phajoding Monastery

It is a serene monastery located at a higher elevation just outside Thimphu. The hike to Phajoding Monastery is one of the most scenic routes and popular trekking routes in Thimphu. The monastery is a peaceful retreat and one can encounter monks while visiting. The trek takes around 3 to 4 hours. It is breathtaking when it is lit up in the evening.

Hiking Trails

This park is dedicated to preserve the flora and fauna of Bhutan and it is about 30 mins from Thimphu. The park is an excellent place to see native plants, wildlife and birds. It also has picnic areas and walking trails.

Bumthang Tour

We can arrange a Bumthang tour for our guests and there will be group tours, customized tours and more. A 4 to 5 day Bumthang tour plan is given below for better idea -

Day 1

Day 1 arrive at Jakar the main town of Bumthang and check into the hotel. In the afternoon walk around the town and one can visit the Jakar Dzong. In the evening one can relax and enjoy traditional Bhutanese food. One can also try local Bhutanese cheese and local rice or barley wine.

Day 2

Visit to key temples and monasteries - Jambay Lhakhang is a must visit which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The temple holds significant historical and spiritual; significance. Then we will head to Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred temple where Guru Rinpoche meditated. In the afternoon after lunch we can drive or hike to Tamshing Lhakhang. This monastery is famous for ancient murals. In the evening we will return to Jakar and relax.

Day 3

We will take a half day hike to Mebar Tsho one of Bhutan’s most mystical and sacred sites. The hike is about 30 to 40 mins and takes through beautiful scenery to the lake. After visiting the lake we can opt to visit the Ura village offering stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding fields. In the evening we will return to Jakar and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4

This day we can keep for outdoor adventures. One can indulge in cycling around the Bumthang valley, one can opt for hiking, one can opt for trekking and others. Farm visit and wildlife safari are also there to choose from. Farm visit is exciting and we can learn from the locals about the process of making cheese and butter. We can then indulge in some shopping. We can buy handmade products, textiles, cheese and others.

Day 5

After breakfast in the hotel it is time for departure.

Why Choose Us

Ganesh Tours and Travels is one of the most reputed and trustworthy travel agents. We craft memories for our guests and aim to make the travel experiences unique. We aim to provide safety and comfort to our guests. We specialize in tour packages and we can customize also as per the needs of the customers. We have experienced local guides who make each of the tours more safe and comfortable. We are available 24*7 and a call or a message away. We are there for our customers. We have different packages for Bhutan and one can choose accordingly. Bumthang is one of the most unique destinations we cover and one can enjoy it to the fullest with us. Our guests are happy and content with our services and they refer our services to others. This makes us stand out. We are not just another travel agent but a travel agent with vision and mission.

Our Services

Car rentals

We offer car rentals and there are different types of cars one can hire from us

End to End Services

we take care of all the things. Be it hotel booking, flight booking, train tickets and others. We try to make the trip a hassle free experience for our guests.

Packaged Trips

Each guest is different and keeping that in mind we customize the trips so that it suits the needs of our guests.

Quality and Safety

We offer quality services and also ensure safety of our esteemed travellers

Affordable Price

We try to provide the best within an affordable price and that helps us to get more customers and more people can join us.

Bumthang valley tourist spot

Bumthang's Apple Orchards

The valley is famous for its apple orchards, and visitors can enjoy the scenic views and taste fresh apples and apple products like cider and jams.

Bumthang's Traditional Weaving Villages

The valley is home to several villages known for their traditional weaving of textiles, such as the famous Bumthang woolen products and yathra (handwoven fabric)

Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple)

A 16th-century temple in a serene setting surrounded by rice fields. It is a quiet spot that is rich in spiritual significance.

Tharpaling Monastery

Perched on a hill overlooking the Chumey Valley, this monastery is a peaceful retreat and a great spot for panoramic views of the region.

Chumey Valley

Famous for Yathra Weaving: This valley is the hub of yathra (colorful, handwoven woolen textiles) production. You can visit the weaving centers and shop for traditional handicrafts.Domkhar Palace: A small palace of historical importance that offers a glimpse of Bhutan's royal history.

Trekking Routes in Bumthang

Bumthang Owl Trek

A 3-day trek offering stunning views, lush forests, and unique birdwatching opportunities.

Ngang Lhakhang to Ura Trek

A cultural trekking experience, passing through rural villages and monasteries.

Snowman Trek (extension)

The Bumthang region serves as an optional route for the legendary Snowman Trek.

Bumthang Valley is truly the heart of Bhutan, blending culture, spirituality, nature, and adventure. It’s an incredible destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and traditions of Bhutan. Let me know if you'd like help planning an itinerary or learning more about any of these spots!