Home to four beautiful mountain valleys and an array of ancient monasteries and temples, Bumthang is the most historic of all districts in Bhutan. Considered the spiritual centre of the Himalayan kingdom, it is a beautiful place to visit for anyone interested in religion, spirituality and history.
The four valleys
Bumthang is made up of the Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor valleys. The name, “Beautiful Field”, comes from Jambay Lhakhang, and rhododendron forests surround the valleys at higher altitude.
What to see
- Jakar Dzong, the “Castle of the White Bird”, in Choekhor Valley.
- Jambay Lhakhang, said to be one of 108 temples built in a single day by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.
- Kurjey and Tamshing Lhakhang, among the most important temples in Bhutan.
- Tang Valley, about an hour’s drive away.
- The Swiss cheese making centre and local buckwheat delicacies.
Bumthang honey
Bumthang’s bees forage across alpine meadows, wildflower fields and apple orchards. On our Beekeeping Tour you can see how the honey is harvested, tested and bottled.