Travel to Bumthang

a major centre for religious festivals

Bumthang is located in central Bhutan, the most easterly of the five north-south valleys that are most commonly visited.

Centred on the small rural settlement of Jakar, the Bumthang area contains a network of several relatively high altitude valleys, up around 2900 metres (9500’).

The area is primarily comprised of small farms and scenic rural settlements, with the main produce being buckwheat, dairy, honey, apples, potatoes, rice and wool. There is an impressive tradition for yatha and bumthna matha weaving techniques.

This particular area is of great religious significance to the people of Bhutan and hosts the lion’s share of the country’s major festivals, which is a major attraction for local pilgrims and discerning international visitors.

Bumthang is also renowned for its important population of sacred black-necked cranes, which spend the winter on the marshes here, after migrating over the mountains from Tibet.

Being the most easterly and distant of the main five valleys that tend to feature in trips, Bumthang has a refreshingly remote and deeply authentic feel, which reaches even greater heights as you explore further on day trips into the northern and eastern valleys.

All of the main locations in Bhutan are usually reached by means of a private guided overland safari.

The Bumthang Valley is usually reached by road from the main airport in Paro, a journey which can be done in two days, but which is usually broken down with stays in one or both of the Punakha and Gangtey valleys.

It is also possible to travel by air between Bumthang and the main airport back at Paro. We often recommend travelling out by road and returning by air, or vice versa, which does cost a little more, but saves you travelling out and back along the same (and only) route.

Seasonality

The best time of year to visit Bumthang is Sep-May, avoiding the warm and wet Jun-Aug monsoon season.

If you want to include a lot of outdoor activity such as high altitude treks and mountain biking, then it is best to head for the two shoulder seasons of Mar-May (Spring) and Sep-Nov (Autumn).

If you are looking for a trip with a more general focus, of scenery and culture, then you can also consider the Dec-Feb (winter) season, when the clear skies and very low rainfalls often deliver the best mountain views.

At 2900 metres (9500’), Bumthang is one of the higher valleys and experiences a much cooler climate, often with freezing temperatures at night throughout the Dec-Feb winter season.

Where to stay

Accommodation in the Bumthang area falls into three distinct categories.

The first option is to stay at one of two more upmarket properties, which are both located close to the small airport, just north of the town of Jakar. They are modernist and stylish, providing very high levels of conventional comforts.

The second option is to go for one of the more authentic locally owned properties, which are topped by the fabulous Ogyen Choling Manor, in the adjacent and more remote Tang Valley, one of the great highlights of Bhutan.

The third option is to stay at one of the simpler and lower cost options, some of which are pleasantly characterful, others being rather bland.

an unusual range of cool places to stay