Places to visit in Bumthang
Book Tour
.jpg)
Bumthang is a district located in central Bhutan, and is known as the cultural heartland of the country. There are several places to visit in Bumthang that offer visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. Here are some of the most popular:
.jpg)
Jakar Dzong
- It was built in 1549 by lama, Ngagi Wangchuk, and served as a fortress to defend against invasions from Tibet.
The dzong is situated on a ridge overlooking the town of Jakar and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. It is one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan and is known for its unique architectural style, which combines traditional Bhutanese and Tibetan elements.
The interior of the dzong is decorated with beautiful murals and intricate wood carvings, and houses several important Buddhist relics and statues. Visitors can explore the various halls and courtyards of the dzong and learn about its history and significance.
Jakar Dzong is also an important cultural and religious center in Bhutan and serves as the administrative headquarters for the Bumthang district.
Jambay Lhakhang
- The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. According to legend, the king built 108 temples throughout the Himalayan region, in order to subdue evil spirits and promote peace and prosperity.
The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan and is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.
The temple is surrounded by a courtyard and features beautiful architecture, with intricate carvings and paintings of Buddhist deities and symbols. It houses several important Buddhist relics, including a statue of Guru Rinpoche and a collection of ancient Tibetan texts.
Jambay Lhakhang is also the site of an annual festival known as the Jambay Lhakhang Drup. The festival is a colorful celebration of Bhutanese culture and traditions, and features traditional music, dance, and religious ceremonies.
Visiting Jambay Lhakhang is a must for anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. The temple's stunning architecture, historical significance, and religious importance make it one of the most important and iconic sites in the country.
Kurje Lhakhang
- The temple complex is made up of three temples, with the oldest temple believed to have been built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Bhutanese Buddhism.
The temple complex is set amidst a beautiful landscape of towering pine trees and lush greenery, and is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave near the temple and left his body imprint on a rock face, which can still be seen today.
The main temple houses a statue of Guru Rinpoche, as well as several other important Buddhist relics and artifacts. The second temple is home to a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, while the third temple is dedicated to the local deities of the Bumthang valley.
Tamshing Lhakhang
- The temple is known for its stunning murals and ancient religious artifacts, and is considered to be one of the most important cultural and religious sites in the country.
The temple was founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, a famous Bhutanese saint and treasure revealer. The interior of the temple is decorated with elaborate murals that depict the life and teachings of Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Bhutanese Buddhism. The murals are considered to be some of the finest examples of traditional Bhutanese art, and are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Ura Valley
- The valley is situated at an altitude of 2900 meters and is known for its stunning natural beauty, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
The valley is home to the Ura village, which is one of the oldest and most traditional villages in Bhutan. The village features traditional Bhutanese houses made of mud and stone, with intricately carved wooden balconies and eaves. The houses are arranged in a circular pattern around a central courtyard, which is used for community gatherings and events.
The valley is surrounded by towering mountains and is known for its beautiful forests, rolling hills, and open meadows. The area is popular for hiking and trekking, with several scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Ura Valley is also known for its unique festivals, which are celebrated throughout the year. The Ura Yakchoe festival is a popular event that takes place in the village, and features traditional mask dances, music, and other cultural performances.
Mebar Tsho
- According to legend, Pema Lingpa, a famous Bhutanese saint and treasure revealer, discovered several sacred objects at the bottom of the lake after jumping into it with a burning butter lamp. These objects, which included religious texts and relics, are believed to have been hidden there by Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Bhutanese Buddhism.
The lake is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The area surrounding the lake is dotted with small shrines and prayer flags, and visitors can often see pilgrims performing religious rituals and offerings.
The lake is also surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape, with towering pine trees, rolling hills, and scenic trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Visiting Mebar Tsho is a must for anyone interested in experiencing the spiritual and natural beauty of Bhutan. The lake's religious significance, natural beauty, and historical importance make it one of the most unique and sacred sites in the country.
Tang Rimochen
- The temple, named "The One with Prints," is situated four kilometers (two and a half miles) away from the Kunzandra cliff base, which can be reached by car. The temple is located beyond a school and Misethang village, and is overlooked by a large rock that marks one of Guru Rinpoche's meditation spots. The rock contains numerous marks left by him. Founded in the 14th century by the saint Dorje Lingpa, the temple was later restored by Trongsa Penlop Tshokye Dorje, a distant descendant, in the 19th century. The temple features several significant paintings, including one of Milarepa.
On the left bank of the river to the north of the temple, atop a small hillock, is the Ugyenchholing Palace, which was once the residence of Penlop Tshokye Dorje. The village is clustered around the manor in close proximity.
Tang valley
- The scenic valley is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
The valley is situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters and is surrounded by towering mountains, pristine forests, and rolling hills. The area is popular for hiking and trekking, with several scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Tang valley is also known for its traditional architecture, with several ancient Bhutanese houses and temples that have been preserved for centuries. The valley is home to several important Buddhist monasteries and temples, including the Tamshing Lhakhang, which is known for its stunning murals and ancient religious artifacts.
The must visit land mark in Tang valley is Ogyencholing Palace. It was built in the 18th century as the residence of the Trongsa Penlop, who was a powerful governor in Bhutan's dual system of government. The palace has since been converted into a museum that showcases the history and culture of Bhutan.
The palace complex consists of several buildings, including the main palace building, a temple, and several other structures. The main palace building has several rooms that have been restored to their original condition, complete with traditional furnishings and decorations. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including traditional Bhutanese costumes, antique weapons, and household items used by Bhutanese aristocrats.
Ogyencholing Palace is an important historical and cultural site in Bhutan and provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the country's rich heritage. Its well-preserved architecture, beautiful surroundings, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bhutan.
