Bumthang (Chokhor Valley)

The Chokhor Valley is the most expansive and widely visited of the four valleys that make up the Bumthang district. Often referred to as the spiritual heart of Bhutan, it is home to some of the country's oldest and most revered Buddhist temples, including Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang. The valley sits at an elevation of about 2,600 meters, characterized by gentle slopes, apple orchards, and sweeping fields of buckwheat. The serene environment is first-rate for exploring on foot, with well-marked trails connecting the various monasteries and historical sites. Beyond its religious significance, Bumthang is renowned for its local products. Visitors can tour the Red Panda Brewery to taste local wheat beer or visit the Swiss Farm to sample local Gouda and Emmental cheeses, a unique legacy of Swiss developmental assistance in the region. The valley is also famous for its Yathra, a brightly colored, hand-woven wool fabric unique to central Bhutan. Meals here often feature buckwheat-based dishes, such as khule (buckwheat pancakes) and puta (buckwheat noodles), offering a distinct culinary contrast to western Bhutan. Reaching Chokhor Valley requires a scenic but long drive from Thimphu, taking roughly 10 hours via the winding lateral road, though domestic flights to Bathpalathang Airport offer a quick 35-minute alternative. The good seasons for visiting are spring and autumn, providing clear skies and pleasant temperatures for trekking. Autumn is particularly special as it coincides with several lively local festivals, including the spectacular Jambay Lhakhang Drup, famous for its sacred midnight fire dance.

Nearby cities

Jakar

Jakar, known as the center of the Bumthang region, is considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with many ancient monasteries.

Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)

A sacred gorge in the Tang Valley where the 15th-century saint Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered hidden religious treasures.

Narsingdi

An industrial hub east of Dhaka, famous for its textile industry and the ancient archaeological site of Wari-Bateshwar.

Chandpur

Located at the confluence of the Padma and Meghna rivers, this city is the 'Hilsa Capital' of Bangladesh.

Trongsa

Trongsa is located geographically in the center of Bhutan and was historically crucial for controlling the kingdom.

Narayanganj

An industrial hub near Dhaka, historically significant for its jute trade and river transport.

Gazipur

A rapidly growing industrial city north of Dhaka, home to many textile factories and the Bishwa Ijtema gathering.

Mymensingh

Located on the Brahmaputra River, this city is a major center for education and agriculture in central Bangladesh.

History & landmarks

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Tharpaling Monastery

A peaceful monastery on a steep mountainside in the Chokhor Valley.

Tang Valley

The most remote of Bumthang's four valleys, characterized by sheep breeding, high-altitude farming, and the historic Ogyen Choling Palace.

Tamshing Lhakhang

This temple in the Chokhor Valley is known for its ancient wall paintings.

Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)

A sacred site that is actually a gorge on the Tang Chhu river.

Ogyen Choling Palace

A historic manor in the Tang Valley turned into a fascinating museum.

Bangladesh Taj Mahal

A scaled replica of the famous Indian Taj Mahal located in Narayanganj, built by a wealthy filmmaker.

Lhuentse (Khoma)

Khoma is a famous textile village in eastern Bhutan, renowned for its intricate Kishuthara silk weaving.

National Parliament House

An architectural masterpiece in Dhaka, designed by the renowned architect Louis Kahn.

Nature

Manas River

A mighty transboundary river that irrigates the subtropical regions before flowing into the Indian Brahmaputra.

Namtso Lake

A mountain lake on the Tibetan Plateau, considered one of the most beautiful places in Tibet.

Meghna River

One of the most important rivers in Bangladesh, forming the massive Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta.

More places

Royal Manas National Park

Bhutan's oldest national park is located in the tropical and subtropical plains of the south, acting as a biodiversity hotspot.

Gelephu Special Economic Zone

A groundbreaking visionary project by the King, known as the 'Mindfulness City'.

Gelephu Dry Port

This inland port serves as an important logistics center for the central-south of Bhutan.

Jigmeling Industrial Park

A newly developed, large-scale industrial park in Sarpang district.

Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary in southern Bhutan known for its chital deer populations and as a habitat for Asian elephants and tigers.

Jambay Lhakhang

One of the 108 temples said to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.

Zhemgang Valley

A deeply incised tropical to subtropical valley in south-central Bhutan, known for its biodiversity and dense jungles.

Chamkhar Dairy Farms

In the Bumthang region, small dairy farms produce Bhutan's widely known Swiss cheese, inspired by development assistance.