Central Bhutan

Reflecting the blend of eastern and western Bhutan yet marking a unique entity, Central Bhutan is a place to witness the best of country’s landscape, rural and urban settlements, sacred sites, and rich culture and traditions. The central region is also home to Royal Manas National Park and several Bhutan’s oldest monuments and temples giving all the more reasons for travellers to pay a visit here.

Central Bhutan may not be as famous as Western Bhutan but it does have the potential to grow as a popular tourist destination with its gift of scenic sites, spiritual getaways, and ancient art & craft. One of the most popular places in Central Bhutan remains Trongsa. Adorned with a 17th sacred dzong, and picture-perfect landscape, Trongsa is, in fact, a must-see place in every Bhutan tour. A short distance away, Jakar makes for another important site in Central Bhutan. Known for its hilltop fortress, Jakar Dzong or the Dzong of the White Bird, Jakar is that place that you wish to escape when caught in the life’s tumult.

For nature lovers and bird watchers, Central Bhutan is an ideal destination with both Phobjika (Gangtey) and Bumthang Valleys that render immense travelling opportunities. Phobjika is also a temporary home to the rare species of black-necked cranes in the months between October and February. The place is also known for its 17th-century monastery where in October the celebration of Gangtey Tshechu is worth witnessing. Bumthang, on the other hand, is probably the most scenic destination of Central Bhutan.

Comprising four valleys – Tang, Ura, Choekhor and Chumey, Bumthang offers a postcard landscape with rolling green mountains, lush farms, meandering rivulets and waterfalls that any nature lover will fall in love with. This cluster of valleys is ideal for a spiritual retreat with monasteries (Lhakhang) like Kurjey, Tamshing, Jambay inviting the devotees to seek blessings. Bumthang is also an idyllic destination for adventure lovers, rich in scenic beauty, this place in Central Bhutan is blessed with several trekking trails in Tang and Ura Valleys. Chumey in Bumthang is particularly famous for its distinctive woven woollen garments called yethra which make for an ideal souvenir to take back home.