Central Bhutan

The central Bhutanese region is shrouded under the high altitude dwarf bamboos and bounded with verdant forested area and daunting hills. A magnificent mountain range known as Black mountain in Central Bhutan separated Western and Eastern Bhutan. A place of many alluring and esteemed destinations, Central Bhutan has been the pilgrimage centre for people around the world. Some of the century old monasteries and Dzongs added the historical flavour for the travellers interested in visiting historical places. Central Bhutan with its grandiose Dzongs and legend behind building the monasteries has successfully hyped the interests of many travellers.

The virid forest of Royal Manas National Park has lured nature lover to Central Bhutanese region with its diverse and rich ecology. Learning about the evolution of Buddhist culture while travelling in the core of Bhutan by observing the ancient Thangkhas and painting adorning the hall of Dzongs’, and monasteries is very lovable experience for travellers. Central Bhutan is the hub for travellers who thrive to acquire more knowledge about the Bhutanese culture while feasting their eyes with the beauty of nature at its prime state. The best to venture upon the serene Dzongkhags of Central Bhutan is during October to February.

Places to visit around Central Bhutan

Trongsa

To witness the spectacular view of the deep gorge and adjacent valley travellers need to visit Trongsa formerly known as Tongsa which is situated on a steep ridge. The most fascinating artefacts and pictorial sights belongs to the tourists places in an around Trongsa. Situated atop the hill above Trongsa settlement is a monumental fortress like monastery named Chökhor Raptse Dzong commonly known as Trongsa Dzong. It was founded in 1543 by Ngagi Wangchuck and built as a dzong in 1644 under the commandment of Zabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Trongsa Dzong is the most iconic religious structure of this place. It is the most striking and largest dzong of Bhutan. Located beside the hill of Trongsa Dzong Ta Dzong or the watch tower of Trongsa is favourite destination of the scenically blessed Trongsa. Ta Dzong now renovated as National Museum initially was a watch tower. Ta Dzong provides the visitor with an insight about the importance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. The beautiful valley of Trongsa is the home for the Royal Family. Thruepang Palace located above the main highways of Trongsa is the birth place of 3rd Dragon King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck of Bhutan. The two story humble abode of the Royal Family is situated amidst the virid alpine forest. Thruepang lean towards the more simple aspect of life unlike other palaces. Trongsa with its regal history and breathtaking vista of gorges and lofty valley with the back drop view of sky kissing Black Mountain has become a vantage point to start the journey towards exploring the meaning behind sacred relics and artefacts of Central Bhutan.

Bumthang Valley

The next destination of Central Bhutan is the Bumthang Valley often compared with Switzerland. Blessed with the most pictorial view of changing terrain rhododendron forests to conifers the journey towards Bumthang valley is a visual feast for nature lovers. Bumthang valley is made up of 4 valleys. The first valley is Chumey. It is a wide fertile valley where wheat, barley, potatoes and buckwheat are cultivated. Chumey valley is also renowned in Bhutan for its famous wool weaving technique called “Bumthang Yathra”. The other remaining valleys of Bumthang are Chökhor, Tang and Ura with the main town Jakar also it’s serving capital. Among the monasteries over the hills around Jakar are the most important one is Jambay Lhakhang Drub Monastery which is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambava) who is said to have cured an ailing ruler and introduced Buddhism to the valley. Another famous monastery of Jakar town is Kurjey Lhakhang which is situated at a distance of 1 km from Jambay Lhakhang Drub Monastery. Pilgrims from around the world visit Kurjey Lhakhang to see the imprint of great sage Guru Padmasambava left inside a cave. According to legends Guru Padmasambava meditated here to subdue an angry spirit. Mebartsho also known as the Burning Lake is a sacred lake in Jakar. It is located at a distance of 30 minutes drive from Jakar Town. According to legends the pilgrim who have sinned less can see the gateway of temple in the waterbed of Mebartsho. Tourist during their Bumthang valley trip can take a day tour around Bumthang Brewery the only microbrewery of Bhutan which produces the Red panda beer. Nowhere else in Bhutan can travelers see as many temples and monasteries in such a confined area like Bumthang valley.

Ura Valley

At the periphery of Thurmsingla National Park at an altitude of 10,170 ft there is a scenically blessed valley named Ura valley. It is situated at a distance of 48 km from Jakar Town. The reason behind rich flora and fauna of Ura valley is it’s unique location. Ura valley is the last valley of Central Bhutan. The rustic style and serene ambiance has lured travellers towards this distant valley of Bhutanese region. Ura valley is also renowned for the famous dance known as the Ura Yakchoe. The dance is performed during a festival that is held every May. During the festival a sacred and important relic is put on display so that the people can receive blessings from it making festive season one of the most favourite time to visit Ura Valley. People from the neighbouring village usually comes together to celebrate and pray for a prosperous future. Trekking towards Thurmsingla National Park through the alpine woods has been a favoured activity of travellers visiting Ura valley. Ura is situated at a higher altitude making the temperature drop near 0 degree during winter season. Apart from teeth clattering cold Ura valley is an ideal destination to find solace amidst nature.