You’ll undoubtedly find yourself drawn to this beautiful valley in Bhutan as we keep listing the top locations to see in Bumthang. Bumthang, renowned as nature’s best-kept secret in Bhutan, is a magnificent vacation spot with a rich past. The Land of Thunder Dragons, the center of spirituality, is shrouded in legends about Guru Padmasanbhava, Pema Linga, and other devoted tetrons (or treasure finders).
Jakar Dzong
The Jakar Dzong, also known as Jakar Yugyal Dzong, is one of Bumthang’s most important monuments. With its religious importance and magnificent architecture, this castle, which is also known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” is perched on a ridge and commands the whole Chamkhar Valley. The central tower of this dzong, which is thought to have been constructed in 1549 by Tibetan monk Nagi Wangchuk, is an amazing architectural accomplishment in and of itself. A functioning water supply is also present at Jakar Dzong, which is protected by reinforced tower-connected walls.
The grandeur of Jakar Dzong, which is set amidst lush vegetation and has a picturesque backdrop, can be seen from several locations around Bumthang Valley. With a diameter of at least 1,500 meters, Jakar Dzong, which was constructed as a monastery on the site of a temple, is perhaps the biggest dzong in Bhutan. The dzong serves as the venue for the reverent Jakar Tsechu festival, which is celebrated with the traditional “mask dance” of Bhutan.
Jambay Lhakhang
According to mythology, King Songtsen Goenpo of Tibet constructed Jambay Lhakhang in 659 AD as one of 108 temples. All of these temples were constructed by the monarch in order to pacify a female monster who was preventing the spread of Buddhism. According to legend, the 108 temples were constructed over the locations where her body parts landed. On the alleged location of the ogress’s left knee touching the ground, Jambay Lhakhang was built.
The original design of this temple was that of a low-walled monastery. Later, the temple had a number of renovations, one of which was carried out by Guru Rinpoche. The main deity of Jambay Lhakhang is known as Jampa, or the “Future Buddha.” Visitors to this revered temple in the month of November may experience the women-only practice of the traditional dance known as “Ter-Chaam.”
Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum
An old palace called Wangduechhoeling was constructed to honor the exploits of a Bhutanese warrior named Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel. This palace, which was constructed in or around 1587, is also the location of the birth of His Highness Ugyen Wangchuck, the first monarch of Bhutan. This ancient building served as the royal home until Bhutan’s capital was moved to Paro.
Nothing can rival the Wangduechhoeling Palace if you want to fully appreciate Bhutanese architecture. In actuality, the palace is a more vibrant illustration of expert workmanship and artwork. A huge collection of historic artifacts, including murals, religious writings, paintings, sculptures, and more, are on exhibit at the palace’s old temple. Now that it has been transformed into a museum, Wangduechhoeling Palace is accessible to the public.
Tang Valley
When you arrive in the lovely Tang Valley, your hunt for Bumthang’s top attractions comes to an end. Tang, the most isolated valley in the area, is situated around 11 kilometers from Jakar. The valley is at a greater height, so getting there requires a difficult route that passes the Mebar Tsho.
Tang is a great place to see how sheep and yaks are raised in Bhutan’s higher elevations. The locals are quite hospitable and still live in a traditional manner.
You should go to Tang Valley in October, since that is when the buckwheat blossoms are in full bloom, turning the entire valley pink.
Ura Valley
The highest point in Bumthang is Ura Valley, which lies near the eastern corner at an astounding height of 3,100 m. The entire community, which is surrounded by evergreen panoramas and lush thickets, contains around 40 homes, all of which are grouped together by cobblestone paths. The production of rosehip plants and flowers may be found in Ura, one of Bhutan’s most fruitful districts.
Most of the Ura Valley’s locals rely on agriculture for a living. Women in the family can be observed assisting with domestic chores and flower gardening, while men are often seen raising their sheep and yak. The Ura Temple in the village’s center, together with the valley’s unspoiled natural beauty and welcoming residents, is one of the main draws in this region. Visits to Ura Valley should definitely be on your list of things to do in Bumthang if you’re looking for the most serene and beautiful locations.