Swiss Guest House

a genuine alternative to the nearby high-end lodges

If you are looking for lower cost accommodation in the Bumthang Valley, then Swiss Guest House is a rather attractive option.

The property is owned and hosted by Sonam, a Bhutanese lady who is married to a Swiss husband, hence the name. They live here with their children, delivering a genuine family welcome.

The family is also responsible for the Red Panda Brewery and an extensive dairy, both with Swiss connections.

The place dates back to the 1970s, when a Swiss delegation was sent out to help develop the region, making it one of the oldest lodges in the country.

It’s pleasantly simple, with basic lounge and dining areas being contained within a pleasant Bhutanese-style farmhouse, part of which was once the residence of the famous ‘Karsumphe Angye’, the older sister of the first King of Bhutan.

Guest accommodation is in several simple but cosy rooms.

Bhutan is almost always explored by private-guided overland safari, starting into the more westerly Paro Valley and exploring eastward through the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Tang.

There are scheduled flights between Paro and Bumthang, so it is possible to drive out and fly back, or vice versa.

Bumthang usually features towards the end of a trip, since it is considered a highlight, but trip orders can move around in order to hit certain festival dates.

Seasonality

The best time of year to visit Bhutan is generally considered to be Sep-May, avoiding the warm and wet Jun-Aug monsoon season and the Jul-Aug fly 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, although the landscapes can be a good deal less colourful.

Getting there

The Bumthang Valley is usually reached by road from the Punakha or Gangtey valleys to the west, which is a significant drive, up and over a couple of high passes.

a great centre for traditional Buddhist festivals