Bumthang (བུམ་ཐང་རྫོང་ཁག་)

Bumthang is one of the most important Buddhist regions in Bhutan. It is the country's geographical and spiritual center and encompasses the four interesting valleys of Tang, Ura, Chhume and the main one of Chokhor. In the valley of Chokhor are several important dzongs, temples and palaces. The countryside in Bumthang is a good place to see Bhutanese people's habits and culture, which has been virtually unchanged for thousands of years.

Some of the most interesting sites in Bumthang include:

Jakar Dzong is next to the town of Jakar.
Jambay Lhakhang is one of the most ancient temples in Bhutan. It dates from the 7th century.
Kurjey Lhakhang is the final resting place for Bhutan's first three Kings.
Membartsho, or Burning Lake, is the location where sacred scriptures were hidden by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. They were recovered by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century.
The Padtshaling Gonpa monastery dates from 1769.
Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma institution in Bhutan.

The most notable towns in the region are:

Chhumey.
Jakar is the administrative headquarters of Bumthang.
Prakhar.
Tang Valley.
Ura.

The best place to base yourself in Bumthang is Jakar, 105 km east of Thimphu. To get there you will have to hitchhike, walk, or rent a vehicle, as there is no public transportation.

Hotels in Bumthang

Images

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