The Yutongla Pass and a series of hair-raising bends at 11,500 feet separates the valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang. Views of Trongsa valley on the ascent are superb. Bumtha has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprising of four smaller valleys. The deeply spiritual region of Bumtha is shrouded in religious legend. Jakar is the centre, comprising of the Dzong area and the town. Apart from Jakar Dzong, a number of monasteries can be found throughout the hills. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava dominate these holy shrines. The valley is home to the sacred Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhangs where bodily marks of Guru Rinpoche are impressed upon a rock. Bumthang valley is host spectacular religious festivals in October and November. Bumtha is also the traditional home of the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa to whose descendents the present dynasty traces its ancestry. The town of Jakar is the largest between Thimphu in the west and Trashigang in the east. Jakar is famous for its honey production, cheese, apple and apricots.

Visitors to Jakar should plan to spend a few days taking advantage of the valley’s relatively gentle slopes to hike to nearby medieval temples and glimpse Bhutan’s mostly rural population.

URA. The last valley in central Bhutan.

Ura valley falls within the Bumtha district. Wide open spaces characterise the valley that sits in the shadow of the Thrumsingla Pass, separating the east from the west of the Kingdom. Ura village and its monasterey are a charming stop before the climb to the east. Cobbled streets and a medieval feel give Ura an unusual yet very attractive atmosphere. The old women of Ura still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion.

 Short hikes around Bumthang

Thangbi valley (4hrs from Wangdichholing) Begins with a gradual climb till Tek tek Zam (Zam=bridge), then follows the trail through the forest. Stop at Tangbi village and visit the Tangbi Lhakhang. A short hike to of one and a half hours to visit the Shok-Drag monastry.

Pasaling Gompa(3hrs from Hotel Wangdichholing) The hike begins with a gradual climb through blue pine trees. Visit the Lhakhang over looking the beautiful valley of Bumthang.

Tharpling Monastry (6hrs from Wangdichholing) Drive to Lamigompa for about 20mins. Start with a gradual climb through chirpine forest. Visit to three different monasteries around the Tharpling village. View of the entire Chumey valley. Walk down to the Chumey village and from there drive to Hotel Wangdichholing.

Accomodation in Bumthang

WANGDICHHOLING LODGE
Located in an area of over eleven acres of alpine meadows adjacent to the old Wangdichholing Palace (The second King’s Palace), the lodge features fourteen rooms in six cottages equipped with a wood stove called “Bukharis” to warm up the cool Himalayan evenings.

Housed separately in the courtyard is a spacious restaurant and lounge which adds to the warmth and hospitality of this exceptionally cozy retreat.
Room Capacity: 14 Rooms

• Facilities
  Restaurant
• Bar
• Laundry
• Attached bathrooms
• Money Exchange
• Heating

Telephone:
975-3-31107

Fax:
975-3-31130