'''Bumthang''' [http://www.bumthang.gov.bt/] is a district in the north-central region of Bhutan, and due to the great number of sacred sites there, it is often referred to as the country's spiritual heart.

Regions

There are four valleys in Bumthang: Chhumey, Choekor (the location of Jakar), Tang and Ura.

Cities

  • Chhumey - famous for its woven woolen goods.
  • Jakar - the administrative center of the district and the first place where Buddhism entered Bhutan.
  • Tang - many sacred sites.
  • Ura - quaint village high in the mountains.
  • Other destinations

    Understand

    "Bumthang" directly translates as "bumpa-shaped valley". "Thang" is valley or plain, and "bum" is an abbreviation of "bumpa" (a vessel used in consecration ceremonies). The Bumthang region is known as the spiritual heart of the kingdom, as it was here that Guru Rinpoche cured a local king of a spirit-induced ailment in the 8th century CE, an event that resulted in the the king, and finally the whole country, embracing Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Pema Ligpa was born in the region and many other famous Buddhist yogis lived and practiced here. Consequently, the area is a repository of sacred artifacts and monasteries.

    The region is also known for its lush valleys and is a major producer of apples and apple juice. Previously, buckwheat was the most common grain grown in the valleys, but in recent years rice has successfully been introduced to the area and this has supplanted buckwheat as the main cash crop.

    Bumthang is also famous for its brightly colored and distinctive woven woolen garments called ''yethra''.

    The winters in Bumthang are bighting cold with a persistent strong wind and heavy snow falls. The summers, on the other hand, are warm and pleasant, and due to the high altitude, the region is spared from the worst of the torrential monsoon rains.

    Talk

    Bumthangkha is the mother tongue of the local people, though Dzonghka is understood by most and English is common in areas frequented by tourists, such as Jakar

    Get in

  • Meto Transport buses depart Thimphu for Jakar at 6:30AM daily. It is an 11 hour journey from the capital. All buses pass through Chhumey before arriving at their final destination, but travelers heading for Ura are required to take a Mongar or Trashigang bound bus. These can be picked up in Jakar or taken directly from Thimphu.
  • Get around

    Taxis or private transportion are required to visit villages and sites of interest.

    See

    Landmarks

  • '''Jakar Dzong''', Jakar. Originally constructed in 1667, but rebuilt after being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1897, is one of the largest and most impressive in Bhutan and houses the administrative and monastic offices for the Bumthang district.
  • Sacred sites

  • '''Kurjey Lhakhang''', Jakar. One of Bhutan's most sacred monasteries. A body print of Guru Rinpoche is preserved in a cave around which the oldest of the three buildings is built. The original building was constructed in 1652 by Trongsa Penlop, while the latest addition was added by the late Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuk in 1990.
  • '''Jambey Lhakhang''', Jakar. This is one of the 108 monasteries that were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night. The monastery is located between Kurjey Lhakang and Jakar Dzong.
  • '''Tharpaling Goemba''', Chhumey. Founded by the dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam in 1352, the monastery was also home to the famous Nyingma guru Jigme Lingpa in the 18th century. It is located at 3,600m, and is home to around 150 monks. It can be reached by an unpaved road.
  • '''Thangbi Goemba''', Jakar. Founded in 1470 by Shamar Rimpoche
  • '''Mebar Tsho''' (Burning Lake), Tang. A place where some of Guru Rinpoche's scriptural treasures (Tib:terma) were discovered in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa
  • '''Tamshing Goemba''', Jakar. A monastery established in 1501 by the local Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. The two story building contains some lovely frescoes, and has a very low ceiling (apparently Pema Lingpa was very short!) In addition, there is 500-year-old suit of metal chain made by Pema Lingpa located on the first floor. It is considered auspicious to circumambulate the temple three times with the chain draped over the back and shoulders.
  • '''Sumthrang Lhakhang''', Shinyer Village, Ura. A several hundred year old monastery with a lot of simple but beautiful artwork. Those visiting in January should notice the two flowering trees near the main gate, while other trees of the same variety lay bare. Legend states that these trees sprouted from a walking stick placed at the gate by the monastery's founder, Gyelwa Lhanangpa.
  • For information on customs and symbols in Buddhism, see: Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent

    Itineraries

    Do

  • '''Duer Hot Springs'''. A one day trek from road head. The trek is arduous, but stunningly beautiful. Blue sheep, musk deer and Himalayan bear are common in the Duer Hot Spring area.
  • '''Weaving houses'''. Chhumey is famous for its wool weavers, and it is possible to watch the work in action and to purchase items (called ''yethra'') straight off the loom.
  • '''Wilderness backpacking'''. The region is perfect for long treks in the mountains.
  • Eat

    Jakar is the only place with international standard restaurants, though all villages have small eateries serving Bhutanese dishes.

    Drink

    The area is famous for its freshly produced apple juice.

    Stay safe

  • '''Bears'''. The area has large population of bears, so be careful and take precautions when walking in isolated areas.
  • Get out