To the east of Trongsa lies the Bumthang valleys. These valleys are the religious heartlands of the nation and home to some of oldest Buddhist temples.It has an approximate area of 2708.45sq.kms with an elevation ranging from 2400m to 6000m above sea level.
Jakar Dzong
Ja means a bird and kar means white. While Choeje Minjur Tempa the first Trongsa Governor was wondering where to built a fortress for the administration in Bumthang region, he found a folk of white birds at the site of the present dzong, which was taken the sign of aspicious and built the fort in 1646 and named Jakar dzong, white bird fortress.
Jambey Lhakhang (Monastery)
This temple was built in 7th century by the first Tibetan Buddhist King, Songtsen Gembo. The King had taken the vow to built 108 temple in the Himalayas and two are found in Bhutan . Kyichu in Paro and Jambay in Bumthang. This temple is one of the very special pilgrimage spot for the Buddhist people.
Kurjee Lhakhang (Monastery)
Kur means the body and the jee means the imprint. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava meditated in a small cave leaving his body print to subdue the local spirit which caused unbearable sickness to the King Sindu Raja of Chamkhar valley in 8th century. The temple where Guru meditated was built by his follower in 12th century and renovated in 1652.
Tharpaling Monastery
This monastery was founded in the 14th century by Longchen Rabjampa as part of one of the 8 sacred places (Ling Gyed). Tharpaling, the land of liberation, is one of the main places from where Longchen Rabjampa spread his teachings. A massive phallus carved of stone and cement which is popularly known as the great cannon of Tharpaling reveals a great connotation which will fascinate the visitors.
Kharchu Monastery (Lhodrak)
This is a new monastery established by Lam Namkhai Nyingpo. The original monastery is in Lhodrak in Tibet, close to the border in Lhuntse. It is not even half an hour drive from Chamkhar town. It houses monks and above the temple are retreat centers for meditation. The complex is made of cement in a more Tibetan than Bhutanese style. It has wonderful paintings of Guru Rimpoche’s life and other statues.
Memba Tso (Burning Lake)
Its famously known as the Burning Lake. It’s a scared lake for all the Bhutanese who believe that Terton Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12th Century. In the occasional days in Bhutan, Many Bhutanese go and offer butter lamps on this fresh water lake.
