BUMTHANG - The Switzerland of Bhutan
Nestled between jaw dropping valleys and surrounded by dazzling himalayan mountains. An exact replica of a must visit country- Switzerland lay in the last Shangri la, tucked away miles from the western world. When Bhutan opened up to tourism in1974, it was an European tourist ,who was astonished by seeing an exact replica of Switzerland in Bhutan. From that day, Bumthang valley became an epitome of attraction for Travellers around the world. Bumthang offers a wholesome activity for all travellers.
In recent times, the government has built up a domestic airport making it convenient for people wishing to visit Bumthang and it takes only 35 minutes of airtime from the international airport, which used to take 10 hours in the yester times by Vehicle.
5 must do activities in Bumthang
(1) Cycling/Biking
Want to freewheel from a mountaintop on asphalt? Or you want the passionate juices flow battling cycling uphill and offbeat cycling trails? If that is less, the region allows awkward geographical slopes to make a trail at your own risk. Paved cycling trails in Bumthang are for amateur as well as professional cyclists. The geographical gradient allows one to learn cycling.
(2) Culinary
Mouth watering buckwheat pancakes,buckwheat polenta,buckwheat flat noodles,freshwater algae are the delicacies of the Bumthang valley, which is a must try one for anyone new to the place.
You must try the pancakes spicing up with any curry you want, it goes well with anything. However, if you are vegetarian, go for asparagus fried in local butter with a dash of salt. If not, the pancakes are for you to experience.
(3) Picking wild berries
Bumthang grows strawberries and raspberries. During summer, locals engage themselves to pick wild berries in the wilderness as their leisure activities. However, some households make hay while the sun shines, it mints income for them. They make homemade jam for self-consumption and for sale.
If you travel to Bumthang in advent of summer, go out to pick wild berries.
(4) Local Handicraft
Yathra – Hand woven with intricate colorful designs made from natural dyes are specific to the Bumthang region known as “Yathra”. Designed like jackets worn over by Bhutanese women over their traditional clothing were initially made to protect the Bhutanese people from the harsh cold winter. It’s now a fashion among the youths with more creative designs coming out from young entrepreneurs in order to preserve the old culture. Most of the visitors take it as a souvenir for their beloved ones back home.
(5) Horse Riding & Sheep Breeding Farm
In order to promote eco-tourism and local horses, Tour operators arrange horseback rides for their guests to relish every moment of mountainous terrains of Bhutan.
Do not miss the Sheep breeding center in Bumthang. The center serves educational purposes for children’s and visitors to learn about sheep farming & breeding. The center even sells sheep products like wool, which is used to produce the local textile of the region.
