Introducing Bumthang Dzongkhag
The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. Because the dzongs and the most important temples are in the large Chokhor valley, it is commonly referred to as the Bumthang valley.
There are two versions of the origin of the name Bumthang. The valley is supposed to be shaped like a bumpa, the vessel of holy water that is usually found on the altar of a lhakhang. Thang means 'field' or 'flat place'. The less respectful translation relates to the particularly beautiful women who live here – bum means 'girl'.
Activities in Bumthang Dzongkhag
Jakar
Near the foot of the Chokhor valley, Jakar (or Chakkar) is the major trading centre of the region.
Tang Valley
Tang is the most remote of Bumthang's valleys.
Bumthang Dzongkhag destination guides
Shingkhar
The traditional village of Shingkhar, made up of only 35 households, is 9km up a good gravel side road from Ura.
Ura Valley
Southeast of Jakar, Ura is the highest of Bumthang's valleys and is believed by some to have been the home of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan.
Chokhor Valley
To most people the Chokhor valley is Bumthang and the Chokhor valley is often called the Bumthang valley or just simply Bumthang.
Shopping in Bumthang Dzongkhag