Bumthang
Bumthang draws travelers to Bhutan's central valleys for dzongs, temples and quiet walks between villages.
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Bumthang is a district in central Bhutan made up of four valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Jakar, the main town, sits in Choekhor valley, where Jakar Dzong rises above the river. Bumthang has some of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, both a short drive from Jakar, make a good first stop. Kurjey holds a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated.
This trip suits travelers who want temples, village walks and a slower pace more than long drives between sights. Days often mix walks through valley farmland, visits to weaving houses and meals of local dishes. Spring and autumn bring the clearest skies and mild days, while winter is cold. Plan at least two nights, and three or four if you want to reach Ura or spend a day on the valley trails.
Bumthang in five
- Book through a licensed operatorIndependent travel is not allowed, so your visa, guide and driver are arranged through a licensed Bhutan operator. Ask for the daily cost breakdown in writing before you pay.Tours and tickets
- Carry small ngultrum notesMany shops, bakeries and village stalls take cash only, and card machines are rare outside hotels. Keep small notes for stalls and for donations at temples.
- Download offline maps before the valleysMobile signal drops on the long roads and in several valleys around Bumthang. Save offline maps and your guide's contact number before you set off.Phones and eSIM
- Dress for temples and dzongsCover shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes and hat before you enter a lhakhang or dzong. Ask your guide before taking photos inside.
- Pick the flight or the long roadThe domestic flight from Paro to Bathpalathang, the airport for Jakar, is the fastest way in. The road from Paro or Thimphu is long and winding, so it takes most of a day each way.Getting around
Need to know
- Currency
- Ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupees also widely accepted
- Entry
- Visa arranged through a licensed Bhutan tour operator before arrival Read more
- Emergency
- 113 police, 112 ambulance, 110 fire
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+6, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, clear
- MarchSpring, green
- AprilMild, green
- MayWarm, green
- JuneRainy season
- JulyMonsoon, wet
- AugustMonsoon, wet
- SeptemberClear, mild
- OctoberAutumn festivals
- NovemberCold, clear
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Bumthang
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
6
- Feels like
- 5°
- Humidity
- 89%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 27%
Bumthang
02:40 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today18°3°27%Tuesday: Fog. High 18°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 27%.
- Wed18°3°2%Wednesday: Fog. High 18°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Thu18°2°12%Thursday: Fog. High 18°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Fri17°2°45%Friday: Drizzle. High 17°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Sat16°1°35%Saturday: Drizzle. High 16°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Sun16°0°12%Sunday: Drizzle. High 16°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 12%.
Updated 11:37 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 95.02 BTN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Trongsaby road from JakarTrongsa Dzong, the fortress above the town, on the way west.
- Uraby road from JakarA stone village valley for a slow walk through the lanes.
- Tangby road from JakarA quiet valley north of Jakar for an unhurried walk.
Before you go to Bumthang
Rules for Bumthang, checked
- Independent travel is not permitted. Book a licensed operator and check current entry rules on the Tourism Council of Bhutan site.Source
- Dress modestly at dzongs and temples and remove your shoes before entering. Ask your guide before taking photos inside.
- Bhutan restricts tobacco imports and bans single-use plastic bags. Declare any tobacco at customs and check current limits first.
Plan around Bumthang
Valleys, entry rules and the wider route around the country
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights to Bathpalathang and the road from Paro
Read the guideMoney and costsNgultrum, cash in small towns and daily budgets
Read the guideVisas and entryHow the visa and fees run through your operator
Read the guideWhere to stayJakar, Ura and the quieter valleys
Read the guideFestivalsTshechus and autumn events in the valleys
Read the guideBumthang FAQ
Is Bumthang worth visiting?
Yes, for two or three nights. Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong and the Ura valley give a clear view of Bhutan's valley temples away from Paro and Thimphu.
How many days do you need in Bumthang?
Three nights covers Jakar, the temples near town and a day to Ura or Tang at an unhurried pace. Two nights works if you fly in and out.
Can you visit Bumthang without a tour?
No. Tourists need a licensed Bhutan operator to arrange the visa, guide and driver, so book before you travel.
Where should I stay in Bumthang?
Jakar for shops, restaurants and the most choice. Ura or Tang for quiet nights, with fewer restaurants and longer drives to the temples.
Can you visit Bumthang on a day trip from Paro?
No. The road is long and winding, so a day trip leaves little time at the temples. Stay at least two nights.
What is Jambay Lhakhang known for?
It is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and tradition links it to the 7th century. It sits in the Choekhor valley, a short drive from Jakar.