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Bumthang Apple Orchards
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Agriculture
The apple orchards of Bumthang represent a significant sector of Bhutanese agriculture, defining the landscape of this high-altitude central valley. Apple cultivation began in the 1960s as part of development aid projects, successfully introducing European varieties to the region. The cool climate and fertile soils of Bumthang provide well-suited conditions for growing varieties such as Red Delicious and Golden Delicious. Today, the region exports large quantities of fresh fruit to India and Bangladesh, providing a crucial source of income for local farmers. In addition to fresh sales, the apples are processed locally into high-quality juice, cider, and dried products. The harvest season in September and October is a busy period during which village communities work together. The orchards are often connected to traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, offering visitors insights into the country's modern agrarian economy. Through the introduction of advanced farming methods, productivity has steadily increased over recent decades. Apple production has thus become a symbol of the successful shift in Bhutanese agriculture toward market-oriented produce.
- Location: Bhutan
- Top sights: Jakar Dzongkhag Administration · Jakar Dzong · Chakar Lakhang
- Nearby: Zhemgang (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 12 | 32 | 102 | 145 | 194 | 257 | 196 | 137 | 64 | 5 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Bumthang apple orchards are the heart of Bhutan's fruit production. Their cool valleys yield fruits for juice and cider, shaping local agriculture and tourism.
Visiting
Many orchards are open to visitors, especially during harvest time. You can walk through the groves and often join tastings, though paths may be unpaved.
Where to view it
The road from Jakar to Chhume features striking views of terraced apple orchards with snow-capped peaks beyond. Thangbi viewpoint hill provides a wide perspective over the entire valley.
Local products
Travellers can buy fresh apple juice, cider, and dried apple chips directly from producers. Seasonal items include honey, buckwheat products, and hand-knitted wool goods from the region.
Active season
Apple harvest occurs in late summer and early autumn, around August to October. The orchards are most lively then, with picking activities and festivals celebrating the crop.
Nearby
Combine orchard visits with a trip to Kurjey Monastery and Jakar Dzong, the top cultural sites in Bumthang. The Tangbi Temple and Bumthang Brewery Museum are other worthwhile stops.
Geography
Facts
- Commercial apple farming began in Bumthang in the 1960s.
- Primary varieties grown are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Royal Gala.
- Apples from this region are primarily exported to India and Bangladesh.
- The harvest season is concentrated in September and October each year.
- Bumthang serves as the hub for Bhutanese cider and apple juice production.
- The valley sits at an average altitude of 2,600 to 2,900 meters above sea level.
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Bumthang Apple Orchards (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When do the apple trees bloom?
The blooming period is usually in spring, around April.
When can apples be harvested?
The main harvest season is from September to October.
What products are made?
Bumthang is famous for apple juice, cider, and dried apples.
Can you visit the orchards?
Many farmers allow visitors to walk through the orchards for a small fee.
Is there a cider factory?
Yes, the Bumthang Brewery produces the famous Red Panda cider.
Bumthang Apple Orchards: where is it located?
Bumthang Apple Orchards is located in Bhutan.
Bumthang Apple Orchards: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jakar Dzongkhag Administration, Jakar Dzong, Chakar Lakhang.
Bumthang Apple Orchards: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Bumthang Apple Orchards: why is it worth visiting?
The apple orchards of Bumthang represent a significant sector of Bhutanese agriculture, defining the landscape of this high-altitude central valley.
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History & landmarks
Bumthang (Chokhor Valley)
The Chokhor Valley in Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, dotted with ancient temples and sacred sites.
Tang Valley
The most remote of Bumthang's four valleys, characterized by sheep breeding, high-altitude farming, and the historic Ogyen Choling Palace.
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.
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
The national mosque of Bangladesh in Dhaka, whose architecture resembles the Kaaba in Mecca.
Nature
More places
Chokhor Valley
The largest and most important of the four Bumthang valleys, comprising wide plains and numerous temple complexes.
Kurjey Lhakhang
An important temple complex in the Bumthang Valley where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century, leaving his body imprint on a rock.
Jambay Lhakhang
One of the 108 temples said to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.
Jakar Dzong
Also known as the "Fortress of the White Bird", it was built in the 16th century and dominates the Chokhor Valley in Bumthang.
Bumthang Valley
The spiritual heartland of Bhutan, consisting of four major valleys and home to numerous ancient temples.
Chamkhar Dairy Farms
In the Bumthang region, small dairy farms produce Bhutan's widely known Swiss cheese, inspired by development assistance.
Wangchuck Centennial National Park
Bhutan's largest national park was established to celebrate one hundred years of monarchy and covers vast areas of alpine ecosystems.
Chumey Valley
A beautiful, deeply incised valley in Bumthang, famous for its exquisite yak hair textiles.