Bumthang
Bumthang is often referred to as the Switzerland of Bhutan taking into account the beautiful scenic beauty if offers. It is a place rich in history and has highest number of monasteries in the country which were built in homage to Guru Rinpoche.
It is located in the Northern part of the country bordered by Lhuntse in the East, Trongsa and Wangdue Phodrang to the West, Zhemgang to the South and the Tibet Autonomous region of China to the North. It has an approximate area of 2708.46 sq.km with an elevations ranging from 2400 to 6000m above sea level. Approximately 59.3% of its total land area is under forest cover.
The total population was estimated at 16116 in 2005 out of which 11913 live in the rural area. It experiences cold climatic conditions with warm summer and cold winters.
Places of interest:
- Mebartsho: It was here where the historic icon Pema Lingpa found the sacred relic hidden by Guru Rinpoche. Legends have it that Pema Lingpa went under the lake with a butter lamp to retrieve the relic and as he came out, the butter lamp was still lit.
- Jambey Lhakhang and the Kurjey Lhakhang: Here you will find the bodily marks of Guru Rinpoche impressed on a solid rock. Both the temples are believed to have been built in the 8th century by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche cured this ailing ruler and converted him to Buddhist faith.
- Wangdichholing Palace: This palace is of significant importance to the Kingdom’s history, and is located in the Choekor Valley
- Ura: Along the highway between Bumthang and Mongar is the beautiful village of Ura.