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Bumthang
2600-4500m/ 8530-14765 ft
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A favored haunt of Swiss expatriates in Bhutan, Bumthang
is made up of four pastorally scenic valleys: Chhoekhor,
Chhume, Tang and Ura. The Yuelay Namgyal Dzong, which
houses the district administration and monk body, and
town are located in Jakar. Like Paro, Bumthang is known
for its numerous religious sites; you could stay there
for a week and still not be able to visit each one. Most
notable among these are the Jambay Lhakhang, which
celebrates its own annual festival, and the lhakhangs at
Kurje. The first king’s summer residence, the extensive
Wangdichholing palace, and the Swiss cheese factory make
for interesting viewing as well. One of Bhutan’s two
local brands of beer, the Red Panda, which is a favorite
of Americans and Europeans, is manufactured in Bumthang.
Kurje Lhakhang: Located further along the valley,
Kurje Lhakhang comprises three temples.
The one on the right was built in 1652 against the rock
face where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th
century. The middle temple is built on the site of a
cave containing a rock with the imprint of the Guru’s
body, and is therefore considered to be the most holy.
The temple on the left was built in the 1990s by H.M.
Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are
surrounded by a 108 chorten wall. |
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Jambey Lhakhang: This monastery was built in the
7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. It is
one of 108 monasteries which he built to subdue evil
spirits in the Himalayan region. Its present
architectural appearance dates from the early 20th
century.
Tamshing Lhakhang: Located across the river from
Kurje Lhakhang, this temple was founded in 1501 by
Terton Pema Lingpa, a re-incarnation of Guru
Padmasambhava. There are very old religious paintings
around the inner walls of the temple, which was restored
at the end of the 19th century.
Jakar Dzong: Constructed in 1549 by the great
grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the dzong was
initially built as a monastery. It was upgraded in 1646,
after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power.
Jakar Dzong is now used as the administrative center for
Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional monk body.
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