Bumthang

Bumthang is often regarded as the spiritual center of Bhutan. The four valleys of Bumthang—Choekhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume—offer a range of activities whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, exploring temples, or learning more about the local culture and way of life. We’ve compiled a list of exciting things to do in the area to help you make the most of your time here and fully enjoy the magic of Bumthang Valley.

Morning at a Local Farmhouse

For a true experience of traditional farming, free from modern technology, start your day early with a visit to a local farmhouse in the valley. The lady of the house will take you to the cow field where you can help with milking the family’s cows. Back at the farmhouse, you’ll see and participate in butter churning and cheese-making, and have the opportunity to taste the fresh dairy products. If you wish, a traditional Bhutanese breakfast can be prepared for you.

Bumthang Farmhouse Lunch

To experience authentic Bhutanese food, including regional specialties made from local ingredients like buckwheat, join us for a unique lunch in a traditional farmhouse. The family you’ll visit has cooked for the Royal family for generations, and their picturesque home in Dorjibi village in Choekhor Valley will offer a warm, intimate setting. By the time you arrive, they will have prepared a variety of local dishes, including some Royal family favorites, which you can enjoy with homemade local wine (ara).

Traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse Dinner

For a more formal dining experience in an authentic Bhutanese setting, we can arrange a special dinner at a farmhouse. Unlike the casual lunch experience, dinner is served in the dining room, which features majestic wooden chairs. Upon arrival, you’ll be served freshly brewed milk with homemade cereal made from rice, maize, and biscuits. The meal will consist of a variety of local dishes made with fresh ingredients. To finish the evening, a pot of heated rice wine (ara) with butter will be served, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around you.

Butter Lamp Lighting at Pema Sambava

The lighting of butter lamps, or “karme,” is a spiritual practice that symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and is an offering of light to the deities. Pema Sambava, a serene temple perched on the mountainside overlooking the valley, is an ideal place to partake in this ritual. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche meditated at this site in the 8th century, and the temple was later built by Pema Lingpa in 1490. Lighting 108 butter lamps is said to protect you from evil and assist in reaching enlightenment.

Red Panda Brewery Visit and Beer Tasting

The Red Panda Brewery, founded in 2006 by Swiss-born Bhutanese citizen Fritz Maurer, is Bhutan’s first established beer brewery. It’s also the only producer of Weissbier in the country. A tour of the brewery includes an introduction to the brewing process, the ingredients used, the history of Red Panda beer, and its health benefits. The tour concludes with a tasting of Red Panda beer and local cheese in the brewery’s garden. Non-alcoholic apple juice from a nearby brewery is also available for those who prefer it.

Bar Hopping in Jakar Town

Jakar town transforms from day to night, and the locals love their bars, which also function as restaurants and shops. If you’d like to experience the town after dark, we’ve handpicked a few of our favorite spots. Start at Sonam Dolker Hotel where Mr. Namgay will offer you a drink. Next, head to Sunny’s Restaurant for delicious momos (dumplings), then stop by Coffee Corner for meat rolls with chili dip and the best milk tea in town. Continue on to Tashi Phuntsho Restaurant for some traditional rice wine (ara). If you’re still in the mood, end the night at Banga’s for karaoke and dancing.

Kharchu Dratshang: This short, easy hike offers spectacular views of the town and takes you through the streets of Jakar before heading up to Kharchu. It’s a great option for a self-guided walk.

Jakar Dzong: This 30-minute hike up to Jakar Dzong will reward you with stunning views and a sense of history. Founded in 1549, Jakar Dzong was expanded in 1646 to consolidate power in the eastern region. The dzong now serves as the administrative and monastic center for the Bumthang Valley.

Easy Hikes.

Temple Tour: Jampa Lhakhang – Kurjey Lhakhang – Tamshing – Khonchosum Lhakhang

Rather than driving to the temples in Bumthang, we recommend walking if the weather allows. Start at Jampa Lhakhang, then pass through fields and meadows to Kurjey Lhakhang. The trail continues past the holy water source, Kurjey Drupchhu, before you reach the suspension bridge. From there, continue to Tamshing Lhakhang, and if you’re up for it, walk the final 400 meters to Khonchosum Lhakhang. You can be picked up here or walk back to your hotel.

Jampa Lhakhang: This temple, believed to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo, is one of the oldest in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche is said to have given his first sermon on Tantric Buddhism here. The temple hosts the Jampa Lhakhang Drup festival every October, which features fire dances, treasure dances, and fertility blessings for women.

Kurjey Lhakhang: This sacred site is home to Guru Rinpoche’s body print, left in 746 AD. The temple complex consists of three temples, including one built by the first King in 1900. The surrounding wall of 108 chortens represents Buddha’s triumph over evil. The Cypress tree near the temple is said to have grown from the Guru’s walking stick.

Kurjey Drupchhu: This holy water is believed to have healing properties. It was made available after Guru Rinpoche’s meditation in the 8th century to mark his victory over evil spirits and cure the sickness of the local king.

Tamshing Lhakhang: Built by Pema Lingpa in 1501, this temple is one of the most important in Bhutan for Nyingma Buddhists. Pema Lingpa created many of the statues and frescoes inside. It’s believed that if you carry the 25 kg suit of chain-mail armor around the temple three times, you will be freed from your sins.

Khonchosum Lhakhang: This small rural temple is believed to have been established in the 7th century and later restored by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. It’s said that the three Buddha statues here flew to the temple, and the sound of the temple bell can be heard as far as Lhasa in Tibet.

This easy, one-day hike includes a visit to all the temples mentioned above and a farmhouse lunch experience.