bumthang

Bumthang is a region that is the religious heartland of the nation.

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Bumthang is known as the spiritual heart of the kingdom, as it was here that Guru Rinpoche cured a local king of a spirit induced ailment in the 8th century CE, an event that resulted in the king, and finally the whole country, embracing Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Pema Ligpa was born in the region and many other famous Buddhist yogis lived and practiced here. Consequently, Bumthang is a repository of sacred artifacts and monasteries.

Introduction

Bumthang, Bhutan is a region that is the religious heartland of the nation. It is comprised of four valleys-Choekhor, Tang, Chumey and Ura. These picturesque valleys are carved by ancient glaciers. It’s a peaceful place with fields covered in fields of potatoes, rice and buckwheat.

Accessibility to Bumthang: Bumthang Airport

The airports to get to Bumthang in Bhutan include Gelephu, Jakar, Paro and Trashigang Airports. Some visitors to Bumthang drive from other towns to get there. The drive from Mongar to Bumthang is spectaular, as you pass thick fir forests, cliffs and green pastures. You can also drive through a lush green countryside to make your way to Tang Valley. It takes about four hours to drive from Trongsa to Bumthang. Be sure to stop for a hot-stone bath and some Bhutanese cuisine along the way.

With its medieval atmosphere and ancient temples, Bumthang is a step back in time. Globetrotters just love it.

Top 10 Things to Do in Bumthang, Bhutan

1. The Scenic Town of Jakar - The scenic town of Jakar is a delight for tourists. It’s often an overnight destination for travelers. Jakar features undulating terrain with ancient Buddhist temples and apple trees. Visitors can get a panoramic view of Trongsa Dzong with its background of beautiful clouds.

2. The Bumthang Owl Trek - The Bumthang Owl Trek is short, yet fascinating. It extends from Manchung through the Drangela Pass and the Tharpaling monastery. Along the trail, there dense forests with bamboo, juniper, blue pine and rhododendron trees. Plus, there’s a great view of the famous Mt. Gangkar Peunsum peak.

3. The Wild East Rodung La Trek - This trek has some quite steep climbs and descents but is well-worth the effort. It’s an ancient trade road that passes through Bhumthang. There are mountain passes, green pastures and beautiful meadows. It’s absolutely jaw dropping and close to Tang Valley.

4. The Bumthang Valley - The Bumthang Valley is overflowing with ancient Buddhist sites. Here, there are some of the oldest temples. Plus, visitors can marvel at the site of Trongsa Dzong.

5. Krje Lhakhang - Krie Lhakhang is a very sacred site. It has three temples surrounded by 108 Chorten walls. Guru Rinpoche meditated there, and there’s even a colossal statue of him. Here, tourists can explore the faith, tradition and culture of Bhutanese people. There are elaborate paintings of deities.

6. The Kurjey Tshechu Festival - This famous festival is a celebrated in Kurjey temple in the Bumthang district. It’s a mask festival and social gathering to seek blessing and displays the rich cultural heritage of Bhutanese people.

7. The Jambay Lhakhang Festival - This festival is a ritualistic naked dance on fire and is celebrated for five days. It takes place at the Jambay Lhakhang Temple. The festival is performed to suppress a demon in the Himalayan region. The temple has more than 100 statues of goddesses and gods in addition to the relic of Buddha. Though festive, it’s also pious and sacred.

8. The Palace of Wangdichholing - This palace was built in 1857 on the site of a battle camp. The first king of Bhutan lived in it as his principle residence. Today, it’s been converted into a museum. It’s a sleek grand building with five giant prayer wheels inside square chortens.

9. Shugdrak Cave - Off the beaten track, you can hike to the sacred Guru Rinpoche cave , known as the Shugdrak cave. It’s just past Thangbi and has a series of ladders past a shrine and leads to a rock-face chapel, where you can the handprint and footprint of Guru Rinpoche.

10. Tamshing Goemba - Tamshing Goemba is a Buddhist monastery in Chokhor Valley. On the interior, there are many statues, paintings and other structures. The main Ihakhang is lined with monks’ quarters, and in the chapel there are three thrones of Pema Lingpa. In addition, there are courtyards and images of mythological crocodiles.