Bumthang Valley Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

Bumthang Valley comprises of four valleys namely, Tang, Ura, Choekhor, Chumney. Bumthang valley is the native of Pema Lingpa. Kurjey Lhakhang has three temples, one in which the body of this Guru has been engraved on a rock and an ancient tree that grows here is believed to have grown from the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. A short walk from here will lead you to Zangtopelri Lhakhang, a two storied building that represents Guru Rinpoche's copper coloured mountain. Thangi Goemba is also within 20 kilometres to the north of Khurjey Lhakhang. It has two sanctuaries and statues of past, present and future Buddha. Jambey Lhakhang is one of the 108 monasteries built in one night by Songtsen Gempo to protect Buddhism from a demon.

Tamshing Gompa is also another monastery built in 1501 and it is considered auspicious when a person circumambulates the temple three times placing the 500 year old metal chain made by Pema Lingpa on shoulder. Konchogsum Lhakhang is a pristine beauty dating to 6th or 7th century which was then restored by Pema Lingpa in 16th century. There is a 2 feet tall broken bell, which, when rung, echoes all the way in Tibet. Another one, Lhodrak Kharchhu Lhakhang is a Nyingma monastery built by Nankhai Nyingpo and offers shelter to some 400 monks.

Wangdichholing palace was the residence of the first king of Bhutan. Chakhar Lhakhang, well known as iron castle, was the palace of Sindhu Raja and upon his invitation, Guru Rinpoche first came to Bhutan.
Teeming with these are the delicacies apple juice and a cheese snack called ‘chugo' which deserves a bite.

The other places of Bumthang valley are Ura valley, which is 48 kilometres from Jakar. As you start, you will see the countryside, sheep pastures and forests passing by. When you are nearing Ura La pass which is an elevation of 3600, look out of the window to get a glimpse of far-reaching Himalayas. Mt. Gangkhar Puensum stands tall in all its splendour and it is the highest mountain in Bhutan. The Burning Lake or Mebar Tsho is the greatest pilgrimage site which is a 30 minute drive from Chamkhar. This name is chosen because an important event of the life of treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa has happened here. It takes a few hours walk from Thangi Goempa to reach Ngang Lhakhang or Swan Land. It was built in 15th century and was visited by Guru Rinpoche.
All these tourist places are located around Jakar and are easily connected.