BT
Bumthang
Bhutan’s spiritual heartland of ancient temples, broad valleys and festivals
Bhutan’s spiritual heartland of ancient temples, broad valleys and festivals
Traditionally dated to the 7th century and the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Its autumn festival includes a famous fire ceremony.
Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0
This temple complex is built around a rock said to bear the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here.
Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0
In the Tang valley, this gorge pool is where the saint Pema Lingpa is said to have found hidden treasures in the 15th century.
The rocks are slippery; stay back from the edge.
Photo: Romain Guy, CC0
On the road from Punakha, this huge dzong spills down a ridge. It was the ancestral seat of the royal family.
Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0
Bumthang is known for buckwheat noodles and pancakes, local cheese, honey and apples. A small brewery near Jakar makes beer.
Hotels and farmhouse stays serve most meals.
Domestic flights link Paro with Bathpalathang airport near Jakar. By road, Bumthang is roughly a full day from Punakha via Trongsa.
Travel is usually with a guide and driver arranged by a licensed operator.
Bhutan’s ngultrum (Nu) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee. Most visitors also pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per person per night, confirmed at that rate until 31 August 2027. Hotels, a licensed guide and transport are usually booked as a package through a tour operator.
Prices are approximate and exclude flights; check with your operator.
Temples and valleys.
Drive from Punakha via Trongsa Dzong, or fly from Paro.
Visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing.
See the Burning Lake and village temples, or hike between valleys.
Nights are cold for much of the year; pack warm layers.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup and other festivals are usually in autumn.
Domestic flights are weather-dependent; allow spare time.
Ask before photographing people and rituals.
Quick answers for planning time in Bumthang.
US$100 per person per night for most visitors, confirmed until August 2027. Different rates apply to citizens of India and Bangladesh.
By domestic flight from Paro, or a long drive from Punakha via Trongsa.
It holds many of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.
Mebar Tsho, a gorge pool linked to the saint Pema Lingpa.
March to May and September to November.
Planning a wider trip? Our Bhutan travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.