Trongsa and Bumthang
Central Bhutan is often called the country’s spiritual heartland. The road east from Punakha crosses Pele La and descends to Trongsa, whose dzong long controlled travel between east and west. Beyond Yotong La lies Bumthang, a group of valleys rich in temples and legends.
Places to know
- Trongsa: Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong watchtower above it, closely tied to the history of Bhutan’s monarchy.
- Bumthang: the valleys of Chhume, Chokhor, Tang and Ura, with Jakar Dzong and temples such as Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang, linked to Guru Rinpoche and Pema Lingpa.
- Mountain passes: Pele La and Yotong La, crossed on long and scenic road days.
Travelling here
Road journeys in central Bhutan take most of a day, so we plan them as travel days with stops along the way. Our East to West Cultural Tour includes Trongsa and Bumthang, and we can design shorter journeys to the region on request.
