5 best places you must visit in Bumthang

Bumthang is located at an altitude of 2800m (9,185ft) above sea level. From the time immoral, the valley is famous for holding many age-old monasteries, Lhakhang's and other secret religious sites more than any other places.

Due to its beautiful landscape, people often mislead Bumthang with Switzerland. For the local people, their main crops still remain buckwheat and barley although potatoes were recently introduced in the valley. 

For centuries the valley also houses for many highly regarded lamas and intellectuals. Above all, Bumthapzams are uniquely tall and beautiful. 

1. Kurjey Lhakhang

 

View of Kurjey Lhakhang from Tamshing monastery

Kurjey Lhakhang is located few minutes’ drive away from Chamkhar town. Kurjey means the body print of Guru Rinpoche. The main temples also called as the Guru Lhakhang, that was built by Trongsa penlop, Minjur Tenpa in 1652. As you travel more inside the Lhakhang, you can see and touch many ancient histories. But more surprisingly one can witness the 16^th century old Cypress tree still standing firm and strong, which was supposed to be the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. The other is the Kurjey Drupchhu, a sacred spring water. Therefore, don't miss the chance if you visit Bumthang valley.

2.  Membar Tsho (The Burning Lake)

 

Path that lead to Mebar Tsho

Mebar Tsho

The burning lake is located along the way to Tang village. It takes approximately thirty to forty minute's drive from Chamkhar town. Mebar tsho is considered as one of the most sacred place in the region. It is believed that the great Terton Pema Lingpa have re-discovered the hidden treasure (the text hidden by Guru Rinpoche).

The place is always filled with the local people from all works of life and as far as Lingzhi. On pick tourist season, many tourists visit the sites to offer some butter lamps and to see the amazing beauty of the lake. But more importantly, one need to be watchful while visiting the sites since the path leading to the main lake is extremely narrow and slippery. The place is not advisable for small kids alone and someone who is a heavy boozer.

3.  Tamshing Monastery

Tamshing Monastery is one of the most important Nyingma Gompa built by Pema Lingpa in 1501. It is one of the oldest monastery in the country. It holds many sacred histories and important relics. Interestingly, the heavy iron net has completely dazed me for its supernatural belief. I wish for my Australia dream and if you happen to be around the valley, please make a visit and throw your wild wishes. It may be possible sometime!

4.  Tharpaling Monastery

 

View of Tharpaling from Gyetsa village

Tharpaling Monastery from mountain top

Men in action to cross the dead lock hill. 

View of Chamkhar town from Tharpaling top

View of Chumey town from Tharpaling top

View of Chumey town

Tharpaling monastery is located above Chumey valley approximately at an altitude of 3,600m. A very narrow diversion road from the national highway goes up to the monastery from Gyetsa village. It takes an hour drive uphill to reach the site. The main part of the monastery was established by Longchen Rabjam in 1308. Chodrak monastery, a place where Guru Rinpoche mediated is also located just above the main sites. The whole flank of the mountain is serene for mind training and meditation. Therefore, if you are looking to calm your mind and body, please do visit and experience the amazing and blessed mountain.

Once you reach on the top, above all the monasteries, you get the best view of Chumey valley to the south and Chamkhar town to the north. The place is simply amazing and simply spectacular. It gives the best feel, the feel that touch heaven on earth.

However, if anyone wish to visit the monastery, the best season is cross summer and early spring. I discourage winter season because it will definitely freeze your ball however it can give the best view of some mountains and the valleys. More so, if the plan is for more detail visit, you need to look for tent and need to pack your lunch. My only advice is carry some sweets otherwise, you will go dry and etiolate on bald mountain top and I am not responsible for that!

5. The Palace of 2^nd King [Domkhar Dzong/Palace]

  

Domkhar palace is located above Domkhar village, few kilometers drive above the national highway on the left bank of Chumey river.

The second king, Jigme Wangchuck have built this palace as a summer residence for himself and the queen, Ashi Phuntsho Choeden in the year 1937. From then it continues to serve as the residence for Trongsa Penlop, the future king.

Inside the palace one can clearly see numerous relics and statue of khandroms. More interestingly one can also get to see the place where late king, Jigme Wangchuck used to meet Ashi Phuntsho Choeden in the room.