6 Reasons to visit Bumthang

 6 Reasons to Visit Bumthang Valley 

Whether it’s with your partner, friends, family, or alone, a weekend getaway to Bumthang, Central Bhutan Tour can do a lot more than just take you to a new place. Our exclusive getaway feature has that and much more just for you, so get your bags packing

1. For a Unique Regional Experience 

“Bumthang” is directly translated as “bumpa shaped valley”. “Bum” refers to the vase or bumpa and ‘thang” means field or flat land. Located in central Bhutan, Bumthang consists of four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor. The people in Bumthang are known as Bumtaps and the language spoken is Bumthangkha. 

Bumtaps are generally very spiritual and are proud inhabitants of the land. In the old days, the valley did not grow many grains which is why people traveled to other parts of the country for trade; also a reason why most Bumtaps are fluent in many other dialects from around the country.

To really understan their culture you can try out Bhutan Homestay

 

2. Religious and Spiritual Heartland

Bumthang is the central religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the country’s oldest Buddhist monasteries and temples. Some of the prominent religious landmarks most visited are Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Tamzhing Lhakhang, and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake where sacred scriptures hidden by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century were later recovered by Tertoen Pema Lingpa in the 15th century). 

FACT FILE:

Kurje Lhakhang comprises three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 against the rock where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. The middle temple was built on the cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru Rinpoche’s body and is therefore considered the holiest. The temple on the left was built by Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck, the Grand Queen mother.

Jambay Lhakhang was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 temples which he built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

Jakar Dzong or the “castle of the White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks Bumthang town. Constructed in 1594 by Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the fortress played an eminent role in defense. It also became the seat of Bhutan’s first Drukgyalpo (King). A special feature of the Dzong is the approximately 50 m high Utse (Central tower) distinct from other Dzongs in Bhutan. The other unique feature is a sheltered passage with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which gave the inside of the Dzong access to water in case of siege. The protected water supply is still intact to this day. 

3. The Hotel and Resort Experience 

Whether you are traveling on a budget or looking for a luxurious resort experience, you’ll have a wide range of options to experiment with within Bumthang. Bumthang has more than sixty hotels, lodges, and resorts scattered all over the valley thereby providing the intrepid traveler a unique space of their own. 

4. Local Handicrafts and Textile 

Bumthang is also known for the district’s many local textile-producing communities. Enter Chumey and you will find rows of local textile displayed with women weaving on traditional handlooms. One of the most popular textiles produced in Bumthang is the Yathra. Yathra is a hand-woven fabric made from the wool of yak and sheep, a specialty of the region.

Mathra is a predominately maroon plaid handwoven fabric that originated from Kurtoe but is now closely associated with Bumthang. Mathra is mostly worn as both kira for women and gho for men.  On a more daily basis. 

For a more enriching textile tour experience, you can visit the many weaving centers in Bumthang to get a first-hand experience of how these unique textiles are woven. Visit the Chungphel Yathra Committee in Chungphel and the weaving center in Choekhar where women from economically disadvantaged families weave traditional fabrics on handlooms.  

5. Local Produce 

A trip to Bumthang is incomplete without a taste (and we mean quite literally) of the district’s local produce. During your explanation, you’ll soon discover Bumthang to be a storehouse of some of Bhutan's most exquisite local culinary innovations. From local cheese, honey, apple juice to apple cider, the district has a lot to offer. We recommend a visit to the cheese and wine shop in Bagbalathang (on the way to the airport) for the bite of the famous Bumthang cheese. 

With the cheese factory right next to the shop, you can buy this authentic Bumthang cheese at a reasonable cost. 

Among the other local produce, you will also find chhugo, red panda beer, honey wine, peach wine, and much more. A breakfast spread with some Bumthang cheese, honey, and handmade wheat bread promise a cherry on top experience to your ideal getaway.

Explore more on Bhutan food.

6. Breathtaking Landscape 

The beautiful slope around the small town is a perfect haven for hikers. The view at dawn or dusk encapsulates the scenic beauty of Bumthang valley.

Courtesy: Yee Getaway