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    Buthan's historic hinterland

    Bumthang, “beautiful field”, is a modern-day Shangri-La in eastern Bhutan. Rich in pleasant farming lands, it’s also one of Bhutan’s most historic regions and a stay here will bring you close to a vast number of ancient temples and sacred sites. There’s no shortage of natural treasures either, with two national parks, the Wangchuck Centennial Park in the north, and the Thrumshingla National Park in the south.

    Bumthang is composed of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. Ura features quaint farming villages with closely clustered houses while Choekhor hosts Bumthang’s main town, Jakar, which has an intricate and imposing dzong – traditional administrative building, and notably ancient and important temples and monasteries. Tang village is worth a visit to see the “Burning Lake” alone, which is where sacred scriptures were thought to have been discovered.

    Wangchuck Centennial Park is Bhutan‘s largest national park and features headwaters of four major river systems, blue pine forests and alpine meadows. It’s home to the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, wolf, takin and Himalayan black bear.

    From our experts

    Experiences picked by our destination specialists

    Explore the beautiful central valley

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    Visit the isolated village of Ura in the beautiful central valley.

    Watch the sacred mask dances of Jakar Tshechu

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    Witness the celebrations of Jakar Tshechu, a festival which showcases several sacred mask dances.

    See ancient monasteries

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    Marvel at the ancient sites of Jambey Lhakhang,Tamshing Lhakhang, and Tamshing Monastery.

    A word from one of our experts

    Bumthang is steeped in rich history, with a plethora of ancient temples and sacred sites. I also love its two national parks: the Wangchuck Centennial Park in the north, and the Thrumshingla National Park in the south.

    Keith Jarman headshot
    Keith Jarman

    Senior Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in Bumthang

    There are many incredible places to stay in Bumthang. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Bumthang

    Six Senses Bumthang
    The Six Senses Bumthang is reached on a drive through dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses. Set in a pine forest on a hillside above a rushing stream, Six Senses Bumthang was built to immerse guests in the natural beauty of its surroundings, history and traditions, honouring the natural environment rather than impacting it. The lodge takes its name “The Forest in a Forest” from its setting. In total there are eight suites and one large villa featuring spacious balconies and calming forest views across the valley. The communal areas consist of a cosy living room and lounge, designed almost completely in wood and glass, except for splashes of deep green in the plush sofas. The hotel has its dining area, the beautiful Tongtshang Restaurant where guests can dine inside or outside on the terrace. The Six Senses Spa features two treatment rooms and a hot stone bath facility. The area around the hotel gives guests the chance to learn more about Bhutanese culture and visits to the nearby Wangdicholing Palace, a wonderful example of traditional Bhutanese architecture, are recommended. There’s lots of activities at the hotel too including full day treks to the valley’s most important sites as well as opportunities to bike and horseback ride. Other activities include visits to local villages, archery lessons and mushroom foraging. Bumthang is home to some of the Kingdom’s most revered pilgrimage sites and Kurjey Llakhang is believed to have been the resting place of Guru Rinpoche.
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    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

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    Trip Inspiration

    Get inspired with our Bumthang example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

    Classic Bhutan Explorer

    11-Day Trip

    Classic Bhutan Explorer

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    11-Day Trip

    Classic Bhutan Explorer

    Discover Bhutan's cultural and natural highlights on this classic and comprehensive tour in complete Jacada style.
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    Festivals, Culture and Beauty: A Luxury Tour through Bhutan

    10-Day Trip

    Festivals, Culture and Beauty: A Luxury Tour through Bhutan

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    10-Day Trip

    Festivals, Culture and Beauty: A Luxury Tour through Bhutan

    An insight into the ancient living culture of Bhutan with an intrepid festival tour
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    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Bumthang tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

    Gangtey thumbnail

    Gangtey

    Another naturally stunning area where black necked cranes visit from Tibet each winter. Also home to Nyingmapa, Bhutan’s largest monastery.

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    Paro thumbnail

    Paro

    A pretty little town with lots going on. Paro is the starting point for the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery and it’s also home to the Bhutan's fascinating national museum.

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    Punakha thumbnail

    Punakha

    A small town with a lot of character; regal and relaxed. The fully restored Punakha Dzong is considered one of the country’s most spectacular fortresses.

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    Thimphu thumbnail

    Thimphu

    A relaxed, friendly city, dominated by the 17th century Tashichho Dzong. Intrinsically Bhutanese, despite a sense of gradual modernization.

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    Meet your Indian Subcontinent team

    The best time to visit is from October to May when the climate is mainly dry and sunny. For festivals and cultural events, the best time is in April and October.

    Take part in festivals

    April & October

    Explore the outdoors

    September - November, March - May

    See flowers in bloom

    March - May

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Bhutan?

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Bhutan?

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    Plan your trip to Bumthang

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Bumthang, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Start planning

    Don't take our word for it

    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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