Getting Bhutan
Bhumthang
Located in central Bhutan, Bumthang is one of Bhutan's most fascinating & charming destinations with winding roads lined by tall evergreen pine forests, wide breathtaking valleys and a rich heritage. Bumthang has an individuality that attract its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprising of four smaller valleys namely Tang, Ura, Choekhor and Chumey, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend and home to most of country's oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Permeated by peace and tranquility, Bumthang is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Linga to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin. Alongside spiritual excursions, Bumthang is popular for its unique textiles, beer factory, delicious Swiss cheese, fabulous hiking trails, and museums.
Places of interest in and around Bumthang (Jakar)
1.Membartsho (The Burning Lake)
Membartsho, located about 12.5 km from the heart of Bumthang town in Tang Valley, is a wide section of the Tang Chhu River. It is regarded as one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites.
The site is closely associated with the Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa, who is believed to have discovered several of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden treasures here. Its spiritual significance is reflected in the many prayer flags and small clay offerings (Tse Tsa) placed in rock niches.
2. Kurjey Lhakhang
Kurjey Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s most sacred temples, named after Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint preserved in a cave. It marks the site where he meditated in the 9th century. The complex has three temples, including one built in 1652 and another by the Queen Mother, surrounded by 108 chortens.
3. Tamshing Lhakhang
Tamshing Lhakhang, located across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang, was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. It is famous for ancient murals of 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras. Belonging to the Nyingmapa sect, it remains a restored and important pilgrimage site with deep spiritual heritage.
4. Ura Valley Village Excursion
Ura Valley, located at 3,100 metres in eastern Bumthang, is a wide scenic valley known for its high-altitude beauty. It features traditional clustered villages, yak and sheep herding, and potato farming. The route via Ura La Pass offers stunning views of Gangkhar Puensum and surrounding landscapes.
5. Tang Valley
Tang Valley, birthplace of saint Pema Lingpa, is a spiritually significant region in Bumthang. It is known for agriculture, sacred sites like Membartsho (Burning Lake), and temples such as Tang Rimochen. The valley also features Ogyen Choling Manor, offering rich cultural heritage and peaceful Himalayan landscapes.