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Bumthang comprises four valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Chhume and Ura. Ura is perhaps the pick of these with a traditional village and almost medieval atmosphere.
On the far side of the Black Mountains you will enter a part of the country that until the 1970s was only accessible by mule and foot trails.
The four valleys
Besides natural beauty the four valleys are blessed with some of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom. It was here that Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan and where the legendary saint Pema Lingpa was born, to whom the Bhutanese royalty trace their descent.
The Mebartsho gorge, known as ‘the flaming lake’ is where Pema Lingpa is said to have found the treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche.
Further east in the Ura Valley you will find quaint farming villages with closely clustered houses, sheep pastures and potato fields.
We recommend a three-night stay to enjoy all the valleys have to offer. It is one of the best places to get out on foot, with walks to suit everyone.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Bumthang by contacting one of our Bhutan specialists
- 617-223-4175
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Suggested itinerary featuring Bumthang
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Bumthang, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Bumthang
- Jakar 17 kilometers away
- Trongsa 42 kilometers away
- Phobjikha Valley 71 kilometers away
- Trashigang 72 kilometers away
- Wangdiphodrang 100 kilometers away
- Punakha 103 kilometers away
- Thimphu 127 kilometers away
- Paro 149 kilometers away
Photos of Bumthang
Our expert guides to exploring Bumthang
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Bumthang, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Bumthang at its best.
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Festivals of Bhutan Festivals of Bhutan
Festivals of Bhutan
Festivals are very important to Bhutanese people, they're a great excuse to celebrate and socialize. We can highly recommend incorporating a festival into your tailor-made trip to Bhutan, as an ideal way of immersing yourself in the country's culture.
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Ideas for experiencing Bumthang
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Bumthang, and which use the best local guides.
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Ura Tsechu Excursion Ura Tsechu Excursion
Ura Tsechu Excursion
The Ura Tsechu is a five-day festival which attracts local villagers. Held in the courtyard of the Ura Lhakhang, the festival involves the same masked dancers and songs as the Thimphu and Paro festivals as well as the Yak Dance.
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