Bumthang

Bumthang offers a captivating blend of ancient temples, lush green valleys and artisan charm. Revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan, it is a richly storied region that rewards discerning travellers with depth, beauty and understated luxury.

Set in a high-altitude patchwork of fertile valleys, apple orchards and whispering forests, Bumthang is one of Bhutan’s most historically significant regions. Known as the spiritual heart of the kingdom, it’s here that Buddhism first took root, a legacy preserved in the region’s many sacred temples and monasteries. Among them, the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang stands as a serene masterpiece, its richly adorned altar and vivid murals offering glimpses into the country’s earliest spiritual stories.

Travellers are drawn to Bumthang for its authenticity and quiet sophistication, from elegant boutique lodges and private temple visits to walks among valleys carpeted in apple groves and opportunities to sample some surprising cottage industries, including Bumthang butter, Emmenthal-style cheese and the locally brewed Red Panda beer. Reachable by either a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Paro or swift 40-minute flight, Bumthang is an essential stop on any journey through Bhutan.