BUMTHANG

The valley, with its elevation ranging from 2,600 to 4,500 meters (8,530-14,765 feet), stands as the spiritual nucleus of the nation, adorned with ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries that embody Bhutan’s religious legacy. Reverberating with tales of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered master credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan, and the tertons, the visionary “religious treasure-discoverers,” this sacred region resonates with centuries of spiritual devotion and mystical exploration.

Here, amidst the tranquil beauty of the mountainous landscape, the whispers of ancient wisdom echo through the valleys, inviting pilgrims and seekers alike to delve into the depths of Bhutanese spirituality. As the heartland of the nation’s religious heritage, this valley serves as a sanctuary for contemplation, reflection, and reverence, where the timeless teachings of Buddhism continue to inspire and illuminate the souls of those who journey through its hallowed grounds.

JAKAR DZONG

Built in 1549 by the esteemed great-grandfather of the first Zhabdrung, Jakar Dzong originally served as a monastery, reflecting the spiritual roots of its inception. Over time, its significance expanded, mirroring the evolving landscape of governance and authority in Bhutan.

In 1646, following the consolidation of power by the Zhabdrung, Jakar Dzong underwent substantial upgrades, transforming into an imposing fortress that stood as a testament to Bhutan’s growing influence and stability. Today, this historic edifice plays a pivotal role as the administrative nucleus of the Bumthang valley, serving as the nerve center for local governance and housing the regional monk body.

Jakar Dzong stands as a poignant symbol of Bhutan’s enduring cultural heritage and resilience, bridging the past with the present as it continues to uphold its legacy while adapting to the changing needs of the community it serves.

MEBARTSHO

“Burning Lake,” known as Mebartsho, holds a sacred place in Bhutanese spirituality as one of the most revered pilgrimage sites. Legend has it that Pema Lingpa, inspired by visions and guided by divine intervention, discovered treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche within the depths of this mystical gorge. This pivotal moment marked Pema Lingpa as a terton, or “discoverer of religious treasures,” and solidified the spiritual significance of Mebartsho.

Contrary to its name, Mebartsho is not a conventional lake but rather a gorge carved by the Tang river as it flows through the Tang valley. Despite its rugged terrain, Mebartsho draws visitors and pilgrims from far and wide, who come to pay homage to its spiritual significance and partake in the sacred rituals that have been observed for centuries.

One such ritual involves offering lighted butter lamps on the surface of the water, symbolizing the illumination of wisdom and the dispelling of darkness. This act of reverence serves as a tangible expression of devotion and faith, fostering a profound connection to the spiritual legacy of Bhutanese culture and the transformative power of divine revelation.

THREE TEMPLES-VALLEY WALK

Begin your journey at Jambay Lhakhang, a sacred site steeped in history and spirituality. Built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, this monastery is one of 108 such sanctuaries erected to pacify malevolent spirits in the Himalayan region. While its present architectural form dates back to the early 20th century, the aura of ancient wisdom and divine protection still permeates its hallowed halls.

From Jambay Lhakhang, venture further into the valley, meandering through verdant farmlands for approximately half an hour until you reach Kurjey Lhakhang. Nestled amidst the serene landscape, Kurjey Lhakhang comprises three distinct temples, each bearing its own significance. The temple on the right, erected in 1652, stands proudly against the rocky cliff where Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Buddhist master, meditated in the 8th century. The middle temple occupies the site of a cave said to contain the imprint of Guru Padmasambhava’s body, rendering it the holiest of the three. Lastly, the temple on the left, constructed in the 1990s by H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother, adds a contemporary touch to this sacred ensemble. Encircled by a wall adorned with 108 chortens, these temples exude an aura of reverence and tranquility.

URA VILLAGE 

The journey from BJakar to Ura spans 48 kilometers, translating to approximately one and a half hours by car. En route, travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas of open countryside, with occasional glimpses of lush forests punctuating the landscape. As the road winds its way through the Tang valley, sheep pastures flank the route for up to 20 kilometers beyond the southern tip of the valley.

The ascent culminates at Ura-la pass, standing at an elevation of 3,600 meters, where travelers are greeted by a magnificent panorama featuring the majestic Mt. Gangkar Puensum. Descending from the pass, a leisurely one-hour walk leads to Ura village along an ancient trade route. Ura village stands out with its distinctive clustered houses, a rare architectural feature in Bhutan.

Perched above Ura village at an altitude of 3,100 meters, lies a newly constructed temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, this temple boasts a towering statue of the Guru and showcases remarkable wall paintings depicting the cycle of his teachings. Over the past quarter-century, Ura has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a marginalized community to a thriving valley marked by prosperity and progress.

KUENZANGDRA MONASTERY

Located at an elevation of 3350 meters (10990 feet) atop a precipitous cliff overlooking the valley floor, this monastery stands as a testament to Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the revered Buddhist master, meditated at this sacred site, where a small temple is said to have been constructed towards the end of the 8th century. The present-day structure was established in 1488 by Pema Lingpa, who also made it one of his residences, imbuing the monastery with profound spiritual significance.

Accessing this revered sanctuary entails a scenic three-hour trek along a ridge, flanked by quaint villages on both sides. The journey, while relatively easy, offers glimpses of rural life and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Moreover, the panoramic view of the Tang Valley below, observed from the monastery’s vantage point, is nothing short of spectacular, inviting contemplation and reverence amidst the serene beauty of Bhutan’s natural splendor.

In the 19th century, Trongsa Penlop Tshokye Dorje, a direct descendant of Dorje Lingpa, erected the palace that stands today. However, tragedy struck in 1897 when an earthquake damaged the structure. It was painstakingly rebuilt by Trongsa Penlop Tshokye Dorje’s grandson, Jakar Dzongpon Ugyen Dorje, ensuring the preservation of its architectural legacy.

A visit to the museum provides a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, offering insights into the aristocratic lifestyle prevalent before the 1950s. The main structure houses various facilities including the kitchen, granaries, library, printing room, trade room, reception room, and a collection of religious dance costumes. Additionally, the Jokhang, a separate building within the estate, shelters two temples adorned with exquisite artworks crafted by Tibetan artisans. These statues and paintings, dating back to the early 20th century, bear witness to the rich artistic heritage of the region.

Located a scenic 2-hour drive from Jakar, followed by a leisurely 45-minute walk to reach the museum, visitors can anticipate a comprehensive tour lasting 1-2 hours. Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry woven into the fabric of Ogyenchoeling Manor, where history, art, and spirituality converge to offer an unforgettable experience.

THANGBI GOMPA

A leisurely stroll of approximately 30 minutes north of Kurjey Lhakhang unveils a hidden gem nestled amidst the tranquil landscape: this monastery, perched atop a spacious, fertile plateau overlooking the meandering river below. Founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche of the Karma Kagyupa religious school, this venerable structure comprises two sanctuaries and a temple housing awe-inspiring representations of terrifying deities.

The ground-floor sanctuary houses a sacred collection of statues representing the past, present, and future Buddhas, alongside three clay statues likely dating back to the late 15th century. Ascending to the upper floor, visitors are greeted by a vestibule adorned with two remarkable paintings depicting the celestial realms of Guru Rinpoche and Buddha Amitabha.

With its serene location and rich cultural heritage, this monastery offers a spiritual sanctuary where visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless teachings of Buddhism while marveling at the exquisite artworks that adorn its sacred halls.

NGANG LHAKHANG

Located a few hours’ trek from Thangbi Gompa, nestled approximately 100 meters above the valley floor in the quaint enclave of Ngang Yule, also known as “Swan Land,” stands this sacred temple. Historically graced by the presence of Guru Rinpoche, the site holds profound spiritual significance. Constructed in the 15th century by Lama Namkha Samdup, a peer of the revered Pema Lingpa, the temple stands as a testament to their legacy. Annually, a vibrant three-day festival is celebrated during the winter season, featuring mesmerizing masked dances paying homage to the temple’s esteemed founder.