Central Bhutan - Bumthang Attractions and Sightseeing

Altitude 8,530 feet - 13,125 feet

Bumthang Dzong - Bhutan sights

Bumthang is one of the most fascinating valleys in Bhutan encompassing four major valleys: Chumey, Choekor, Tang and Ura with altitudes ranging from 8530 feet to 13125 feet. It is the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to many of the oldest and most sacred monasteries. The body imprint marks of Guru Rinpoche can still be seen on the rock in some of the monasteries. It is also home to one of the Guru Rinpoche's re-incarnates, a treasure discoverer, Terton Pedma Lingpa to whom the present Royal family trace their lineage.

Places to visit in Bumthang - Bumthang Attractions and Sightseeing

Jakar Dzong: Initially built as a monastery by Zhabrung's great grandfather Lama Ngagi Wangchuk in 1549 and later in 1646 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel built it into Dzong. It is the largest Dzong in Bhutan with a circumference of more than 1.5 km. Now the Dzong houses the administrative seat to the Bumthang district.

Jambey Lhakhang: Like Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro valley, Jambey Lhakhang was also built at the same time by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century to subdue the giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayan region. To overcome her, Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples in one day which would be placed all over her body to pin the ogress to the earth forever and at the same time, to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. Jambay Lhakhang holds the left knee and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro valley pins the left foot.

Kurje Lhakhang: This Lhakhang is one of the most sacred Lhakhangs in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche meditated and left the imprint of his body in a cave inside the oldest of the three temples in the eighth century. The oldest temple was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652 while he was Trongsa Penlop. Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan built the second Lhakhang in 1900 while he was still the Trongsa Penlop and the third new Lhakhang was built by the present Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang Wangchuck in 1990.

Tamshing Lhakhang: This Lhakhang was built by Terton Pedma Lingpa, one of the re-incarnates of Guru Rinpoche in 1501. The structure and some of the statues inside the lhakhang are believed to be made with the help of Khandromas (female celestial deities, similar to angels). Some of the inner wall paintings carried out by Pedma Lingpa are still intact and are of enormous interest for the history of both art and religion.

Excursion and Hikes around Bumthang

Thangbi Lhakhang: It is a short walk from the end of the road through the forest to the wide fertile plateau overlooking the river. The Thangbi Lhakhang is located in the middle of the valley. It was built by the fourth Shamar Rinpoche of the Karmapa religious school in 1470. The temple houses the terrifying deities, old clay statues which date from 15th century and the remarkable paintings of Guru Rinpoche's abode.

Ura Village: It is about 1 ½ hours drive from Bumthang towards the east of Bhutan. Situated at an elevation of 10,170 feet, Ura is quite a large village with closely packed houses along the cobblestone paths that give the village a medieval atmosphere. Overlooking the village, there is a newly built temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche which contains his gigantic statue and the remarkable paintings of his teachings. The village breeds yak and sheep, and potatoes are now an important cash crop. A visit to this village will give you close contact with people and their village life.