Central Bhutan

Central Bhutan

Central Bhutan is where the country's spiritual heart beats loudest. The districts of Trongsa and Bumthang are rich in history, legend, and the kind of quiet beauty that rewards slow travel.

Trongsa

The most strategically important fortress in Bhutan's history, Trongsa Dzong sits on a mountain spur above a deep river gorge. It controlled the only road between east and west for centuries, and tradition still requires every new king to serve as Governor of Trongsa before ascending the throne. The Ta Dzong watchtower above the Dzong now houses a museum dedicated to the monarchy.

Bumthang

Four connected valleys make up Bumthang, the spiritual core of the country. Jakar Dzong — the Fort of the White Bird — anchors the area. Surrounding it are Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples said to have been built in a single night by a Tibetan king; Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body print in a cave; and Tamshing Lhakhang, the most important Nyingmapa monastery in the kingdom.

Burning Lake

Near the Tang Valley, Mebar Tsho is where the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa dove into the water holding a butter lamp and surfaced with sacred texts and the lamp still burning. It remains one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the country, set in a narrow gorge where the river pools beneath overhanging cliffs.