📖 About Bumthang

Bumthang is the sacred heart of Bhutan, home to some of the kingdom's oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. The district consists of four beautiful mountain valleys: Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor.

Considered the holiest valley in Bhutan, Bumthang is where Buddhism took root in the 7th century. Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, left his spiritual imprint here at numerous sacred sites.

Located at altitudes between 2,600 and 4,000 meters, the region was only accessible by mule and foot trails until the 1970s, preserving its pristine traditions and landscapes.

🎯 Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Bumthang's economy is based on agriculture and increasingly tourism. The valley is famous for its honey, cheese, apples, and buckwheat. Red Panda, Bhutan's native beer, is brewed here.

Traditional crafts include yathra (woolen textiles with distinctive patterns) woven by local women. The region also produces chugo (dried cheese) from large Jersey cattle herds.

Spiritual life pervades everything in Bumthang. Monasteries and temples dot every valley, and religious festivals like the Jambay Lhakhang Drup attract pilgrims from across Bhutan.

📜 History

Bumthang's sacred history dates to 746 AD when Guru Rinpoche arrived to cure the local king of a mysterious illness, subduing demons and establishing Buddhism in the region.

In the 15th century, treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa discovered hidden teachings of Guru Rinpoche at Burning Lake, becoming one of Bhutan's greatest spiritual figures. The current royal family descends from him.

The first king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck, made Bumthang his home. Wangdichholing Palace was his principal residence before Thimphu became the capital. The spiritual legacy continues to define Bumthang today.