Bumthang
The spiritual heartland of Bhutan — four connected valleys dotted with the kingdom's oldest and most sacred temples.
Overview
Four broad valleys — Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura — make up Bumthang, widely regarded as the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Some of the country's oldest and most sacred temples sit here, linked to Guru Rinpoche and the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa. It's also Bhutan's dairy and buckwheat country, known for local cheese, honey, and even a small red-panda-branded brewery.
Highlights
- Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Himalayas
- Kurjey Lhakhang, built where Guru Rinpoche left a body imprint in rock
- Jakar Dzong overlooking the Choekhor valley
- Membartsho, the sacred 'Burning Lake' of Tang valley
- Local dairy, honey, and buckwheat traditions unique to the region
Things to Do
- Visit the sacred temple circuit of Jambay, Kurjey, and Tamshing Lhakhangs
- Walk to Membartsho (Burning Lake) in the Tang valley
- Sample local cheese, honey, and buckwheat pancakes
- Tour a small local brewery producing Red Panda beer
- Time a visit around the Jambay Lhakhang Drup 'fire ceremony'
Popular Places
Jambay Lhakhang
Said to date to the 7th century, one of 108 temples built in a single day to pin down a demoness across the Himalayas.
Kurjey Lhakhang
A temple complex marking the site where Guru Rinpoche subdued a local deity and left an imprint of his body.
Jakar Dzong
The 'Castle of the White Bird', perched above the valley and the administrative seat of Bumthang district.
Tamshing Lhakhang
Founded by treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa, notable for its ancient murals among the oldest in Bhutan.
Membartsho (Burning Lake)
A sacred pool on the Tang Chhu river where Pema Lingpa is said to have dived in with a burning lamp and emerged unharmed.
A cool temperate climate, colder than the western valleys at a similar elevation. Winters bring frequent snowfall and temperatures well below freezing at night; summers are mild and pleasant, rarely hot.
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