Don’t miss Bumthang, the “Switzerland of Bhutan,” with its rolling hills and ancient shrines. The Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival here is a riot of firelit dances and local brews. Our guidebook maps out the best spots to sip yak butter tea with locals and explore hidden monasteries like Kurjey Lhakhang, tucked in a forest. Bhutan’s visa system means you’ll need a guide for some areas, but our book helps you navigate the less-restricted valleys for a truly offbeat experience.
Begin your journey in the Haa Valley, a serene region often skipped by tourists. Tucked west of Paro, Haa is a patchwork of terraced fields, apple orchards, and ancient temples. Stay in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where hosts serve homemade ara (rice wine) and share tales of mountain spirits. Our guidebook lists trusted homestays and details the Haa Summer Festival, held in July, where you’ll witness masked cham dances, archery contests (Bhutan’s national sport), and locals in colorful kira and gho attire. It’s not just a festival—it’s a glimpse into Bhutan’s living culture, far from the tourist crowds.
Next, venture to the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial basin that’s a haven for rare black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet. This valley is a photographer’s dream, with rolling meadows and mist-shrouded hills. Our guidebook recommends eco-friendly guesthouses run by local families, where you can savor ema datshi (chili-cheese stew) by a wood stove. Visit during the Black-Necked Crane Festival in November, a celebration of conservation and community, with folk dances and crane-watching tours. We include trails like the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle hike through pine forests and wetlands, plus tips for spotting cranes without disturbing them.
In Bumthang, known as the “Switzerland of Bhutan,” you’ll find a cluster of valleys brimming with spiritual history. The Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, held in October or November, is a highlight—monks perform firelit dances under the stars, and locals gather to honor Guru Rinpoche, Bhutan’s patron saint. Our guidebook maps out sacred sites like Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated, and lesser-known spots like Mebar Tsho, a burning lake with a mystical vibe. We also share where to find the best yak butter tea and how to join a local family for a meal, a true Bhutanese experience.
Bhutan’s unique visa system requires a daily fee and a guide for some areas, but our guidebook helps you navigate less-restricted valleys like Haa and Phobjikha for a more independent adventure. We include practical tips, like packing for Bhutan’s chilly nights and respecting local customs (always walk clockwise around stupas!). From the Lhuntse region’s handwoven kishuthara textiles to the Merak-Sakteng trek in the east, where you’ll meet semi-nomadic Brokpa herders, our guidebook ensures you experience Bhutan beyond the postcard views.
Ready to explore Bhutan’s hidden side? Grab our Hidden Bhutan guidebook for insider tips and book your flight to Paro using our Go Travel Un Limited widget on newwaysys.com. Let’s find your new path in the Himalayas!
