Top Attractions in Bumthang: Must-Visit Places in Bhutan

Best Places to Visit in Bumthang for Culture & History -Top Monasteries, Dzongs, Museums & Monuments.

Jakar Dzong བྱ་དཀར་རྫོང་།

Originally known as Jakar Yugyal Dzong and now commonly referred to as Jakar Dzong (meaning “White Bird Dzong”), this historic site was built in 1667. According to legend, a white bird perched on the location where the Dzong was later constructed, symbolizing a positive omen. Initially a small temple, it served as the seat of Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk, the great-grandfather of the Zhabdrung. The Dzong later expanded, playing a key defensive role in the region, earning the name Yuelay Namgyal Dzong after Bhutan’s victory over Tibet. Notably, its Utse (Cupola) is located on the outer wall, and its unique water supply system, used during sieges, is still intact today.

Jambay Lhakhang བྱམས་་པ་ལྷ་ཁང་།

Jampey Lhakhang, a sacred temple built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, is steeped in legend. It was constructed in a single day to subdue a giant ogress blocking the spread of Buddhism, with temples built atop her body parts, including this one on her left knee. Notable for its association with Guru Rinpoche, who cured the ailing king of Bumthang, it houses the revered statue of the Future Buddha, Maitreya, and over 100 Kalachakra statues. The temple is also famous for the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, featuring the famous “Terchham” (Naked Dance) to ward off evil spirits.

Kurjey Lhakhang སྐུ་རྗེས་ལྷ་ཁང་། : A Sacred Pilgrimage Site in Bhutan

In the 8th century, after a conflict with the local deity Shelging Karpo, the King of Bumthang fell ill. Seeking a cure, he invited Guru Rinpoche, who meditated in a cave to subdue the deity. Restoring the King’s health, Guru Rinpoche transformed Shelging Karpo into a guardian of the Dharma. The cave, with the Guru’s body imprint, became Kurjey, meaning “Body Imprint.” In 1652, Mingyur Tenpa, the Governor of Trongsa, built a temple around the sacred cave, now known as Kurjey Lhakhang. It comprises three temples:

1. Guru Lhakhang (1652) – Featuring a rock passage that cleanses sins and a cave with the Guru’s body imprint.
2. Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang (1900) – Built by King Ugyen Wangchuck, housing a 10-meter statue of Guru Rinpoche.
3. Third Temple (1984) – Built by Queen Ashi Kesang Wangchuck, featuring 108 Chortens and a mandala courtyard.

A sacred cypress tree, believed to have grown from the Guru’s walking stick, adds to the spiritual significance of this revered site.

Ogyen Choling Museum ཨྱོན་ཆོས་གླིང་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་།: A Timeless Journey Through History

Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Bumthang, Ogyen Choling Museum is a sanctuary of history and spirituality. Originally a 14th-century retreat for the great Nyingmapa master Longchen Rabjam and later the saint Dorje Lingpa, this sacred site evolved into a noble manor in the 19th century. Despite suffering damage in the 1897 earthquake, it was meticulously restored, preserving its rich legacy. Today, the museum offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s past, with its Tsuglhakhang temple, intricate murals, and sacred relics. The lower temple honors Drolma (Goddess of Compassion), while the upper temple is dedicated to Jowo (the youthful Buddha). The central tower houses exhibits that beautifully narrate the daily life and spiritual traditions of Ogyen Choling.

A visit here is more than a historical journey—it’s an enchanting experience where the echoes of saints and the whispers of history come alive.

Tamshing Lhakhang གཏམ་ཞིང་ལྷ་ཁང་། : A Spiritual Gem of Bhutan

Nestled in the serene Chokhor Valley, just 5km from Jakar, Tamshing Monastery (Tamshing Lhendup Chholing) is a spiritual gem founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, the revered saint and treasure revealer. Built with the aid of Dakinis, the monastery preserves ancient murals, sacred statues, and the rich tradition of masked dances introduced by Pema Lingpa. The monastery’s peaceful courtyard leads to a temple housing a remarkable Guru Rinpoche statue, flanked by Jampa and Sakyamuni. Pilgrims often circumambulate the altar, carrying an iron chain mail woven by Pema Lingpa at the age of 8, believed to cleanse sins.

Home to around 100 monks, Tamshing Monastery hosts the annual Phala Choedpa festival, where vibrant ceremonial dances bring the courtyard to life. A haven of history, devotion, and mystical charm, Tamshing remains a cherished site for worshippers and seekers alike.

Tharpaling Monastery ཐར་པ་གླིང་ལྷ་ཁང་།: The Land of Liberation

Perched above Chumey Valley, Tharpaling Monastery, or “The Land of Liberation,” is a sanctuary of history, spirituality, and breathtaking views. Founded by the revered Longchenpa in the 14th century on a site consecrated by Guru Rinpoche, it has long been a haven for meditation and enlightenment. Rich in myth and tradition, the monastery continues to inspire seekers with its sacred murals, rituals, and deep spiritual legacy. Whether drawn by history, faith, or the serene mountain landscape, Tharpaling offers a timeless retreat for peace and reflection.

Taag Rimochen Lhakhang སྟག་རི་མོ་ཅན: A Sacred Retreat of Legends

Perched atop a sacred rock, Taag Rimochen Lhakhang is a revered 15th-century temple with deep ties to Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here in the 8th century, leaving his footprint on the tiger-striped rock. Originally built as a residence, it was later transformed into a lhakhang to preserve its sanctity. The site also holds the footprints of Lhacham Pemasel, the daughter of King Thisong Dutsen, who is believed to have passed away here, leaving behind the “Mystic Keys to the Future.”

Renovated in the 19th century by Trongsa Penlop Tshokey Dorji, the lhakhang has long been a treasure trove of Buddhist wisdom, with Tertoen Pema Lingpa uncovering sacred texts and relics within the rock. Today, this mystical sanctuary remains a powerful spiritual site, blessed by centuries of devotion and enlightenment.

Könchogsum Lhakhang དཀོན་མཆོག་གསུམ་ལྷ་ཁང་།

One of Bhutan’s oldest Buddhist temples, Kenchogsum Lhakhang—the “Temple of Three Jewels”—dates back to the 9th century. Built under the guidance of Guru Rinpoche and later restored by Pema Lingpa, it has long been a beacon of Dharma and spiritual awakening. Though a fire in 2010 devastated the structure, meticulous restoration brought it back to life, preserving its sacred relics, including the revered statue of the Buddhas of the Three Times and a mystical bell believed to have been gifted by the Nagas. Today, this vibrant temple stands as a testament to Bhutan’s rich spiritual legacy, continuing to inspire pilgrims and visitors alike.

Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum and Cultural Center དབང་འདུས་ཆོས་གླིང་རྫོང་།

Built in 1857 as the private residence of warrior and Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel, Wangduechhoeling Palace is a symbol of Bhutan’s royal and architectural legacy. Nestled in the Jakar Valley along the Chamkhar River, it is the birthplace of Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, and once served as the nation’s power center. Despite years of neglect, its intricate timberwork, white stone walls, and historic murals reflect the grandeur of 19th-century Bhutanese craftsmanship. Now transformed into a museum, the palace invites visitors to explore Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage through its ancient temple, religious artifacts, and artistic treasures.

Bumthang Travel Guide – Top Scenic Valleys & Cultural Landmarks. Explore Now!

The Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho) མེ་འབར་མཚོ། : A Sacred Treasure of Bumthang

Nestled along the road to Tang village, Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) is one of Bhutan’s most revered spiritual sites. This tranquil freshwater lake is steeped in legend, tied to Terton Pema Lingpa, a renowned treasure revealer and disciple of Guru Rinpoche. According to folklore, Pema Lingpa plunged into the lake with a butter lamp to retrieve sacred treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche. Miraculously, he emerged with a chest and a scroll his lamp still burning, proving his divine connection.

Today, the lake remains a sacred pilgrimage site, adorned with fluttering prayer flags and a small altar honoring Pema Lingpa. Visitors are drawn to its mystical aura, spiritual significance, and serene natural beauty, making it a must-visit in Bumthang.

Tang Valley ཐང་། : A Sacred and Scenic Gem in Bumthang

Nestled at 2,800 meters, Tang Valley is the highest of Bumthang’s four valleys, known for its dense forests, sacred monasteries, and charming villages. It is the birthplace of Pema Lingpa, the revered saint and treasure discoverer, with Mebartsho (Burning Lake) as its most sacred site.

Traditional two- and three-story homes dot the valley, where locals cultivate wheat, barley, buckwheat, and potatoes while also raising yaks. The valley is home to historic temples like Narut Lhakhang, Kuenzangdra Gompa, Thowadra Gompa, and Namkhai Lhakhang, making it a spiritual and cultural treasure trove for visitors seeking Bhutan’s rich heritage.

Ura Valley ཨུ་ར : The Hidden Valley of Bhutan

Nestled 50 km from Jakar, Ura is a breathtaking valley known for its rich history and spiritual significance. Home to one of Bhutan’s largest clustered villages, it traces its roots to Guru Rinpoche’s 8th-century visit, earning the title “Urgyen Bayul” (Hidden Valley of Ugyen Rinpoche).

Renowned for its bowl-shaped terrain, Ura is fondly called “Ura Serzhong” (Ura the Golden Bowl), reflecting its fertile farmlands. Buddhism flourished here in the 13th century with the founding of Sumthrang Samdrup Chodzong, followed by spiritual contributions from masters like Longchenpa. The valley remains deeply tied to its Buddhist heritage, with Gadan Lhakhang and the annual Ura Yakchoed Festival preserving its sacred traditions.

Bumthang Swiss Cheese factory

The art of cheesemaking in Bumthang is a true craft, producing high-quality Swiss-style cheese that rivals Switzerland itself. The region’s resemblance to the Swiss Alps is not just in its landscape but also in its flavors—best experienced by savoring the rich, nutty cheese alongside a refreshing sip of Red Panda Beer, brewed from organic local wheat. From smooth and stringy fresh cheese to aged varieties with crumbly textures and signature “eyes,” each bite tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Located next to Red Panda Brewery, this cheesemaking unit is a must-visit gem in Bumthang!

Red Panda Brewery

The Red Panda Brewery and Swiss Cheese Processing Unit in Bumthang, established by Swiss national Mr. Fritz Maurer, offer a unique experience blending Swiss craftsmanship with Bhutanese charm. Mr. Maurer’s cheese-making unit produces delicious Emmenthal and Gouda, while the brewery specializes in Hefeweizen beer. The brewery tour includes a walk through the facility and a tasting of their small-batch beer, known for its banana, clove, and lemon aromas, which pairs perfectly with the cheese. For just $5, it’s an ideal stop after a scenic hike or stroll along Chamkar Chu, adding a delightful end to your day in Jakar, Bumthang.

Yathra Factory: Woolen Textile Hand-Weaving Center

In the charming village of Zungney in Chumey, women expertly weave yathras, vibrant woolen fabrics that are a regional specialty. Traditionally woven on household looms, these colorful fabrics are now produced in two factories in Nanger village, Chumig Gewog. Yathras are used to create a variety of items like bags, jackets, and scarves. Located in the southwestern part of Bumthang, Chumey Gewog is surrounded by stunning landscapes, and visitors can easily stop by the factories to purchase high-quality, affordable woolen products as beautiful souvenirs of Bhutan’s rich craftsmanship.

Sheep breeding center

Sheep have long been vital to the livelihood of highland communities, especially for transhumant herders. To enhance their role, breeding programs were introduced, and in 1974, a sheep farm was established at Dechenpelrithang. In 2005, the National Sheep Breeding Centre (NSBC) and National Heifer Programme (NHP) were merged into a dairy farm, supporting rural areas with input supplies and extension services. The NSBC has driven economic progress in wool and woolen products. Today, it also serves as a popular sightseeing destination in Bumthang, showcasing its cultural and economic importance.