Popular Attractions To Visit in Bumthang

Nestled in the eastern region of Bhutan, Bumthang is the most historic dzongkhag out of 20 dzongkhags. It boasts enchanting valleys, green fields, and bucolic nature. A combination of four mountains, namely Chumey, Choekhor, Ura, and Tang, form the famous Bumthang Valley. The name of this valley has an interesting story behind it. Bumthang literally translates into a “beautiful field”. Bum is an abbreviation of bumpa which means a vessel, (describing the shape of a valley) and thang means a field. Farms in Bumthang yield many products including honey, buckwheat, apples, dairy products, rice and potato, which help the locals to be financially strong.

The locals in this quaint dzongkhag welcome people with the warmest smiles and are always ready to lend a helping hand. They speak their own traditional language which goes by the name Bumthang Kha, a Tibeto-Burman language. It is closely related to Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan. The mesmerizing part about Bumthang is that all its four valleys have their own dialect and are following the traditions and culture of their predecessors. The best way to grasp more about this place is by taking a stroll through the streets and exploring small shops in the nooks and corners.

Membar Tosho, also named as the Burning Lake, is one of the biggest landmarks in Bumthang without a doubt. Padmasambhava, a Buddhist master, hid sacred scriptures here in the 8th century, which were later recovered by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. Another must-visit attraction in this valley is Kurjey Lhakhang, where the remains of the first three kings of Bhutan are placed. Bumthang is also home to Tamshing Monastery, one of the most ancient as well as the most important Nyingma institution on the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. Apart from this, you can also explore some ancient temples. Constructed in the 7th century, Jambay Lhakhang is one of the two most ancient temples in Bhutan which was founded by Songtsan Gampo, also the founder of Tibetan Empire.

Tourists can also explore the unspoilt beauty of Bhutan by opting for Bumthang Owl Trek. The route begins from Machung and takes a curve through Dhur village and Drangela Pass, before ultimately reaching Tharpaling Monastery. The trail is lined with maple, blue pine, bamboo, juniper, and rhododendron trees, which make the journey more beautiful. These views and the calming silence in Bumthang leave people wanting more which makes it a must-visit place in Bhutan.