Attractions in Central & Eastern Bhutan
The spiritual heartland where legends come alive 🏔️
Showing 39 attractions · Sorted by importance
Bumthang Cultural Trek
📍 Jakar
🥾 Hiking & Cycling44km moderate 3-day trek through the four valleys of Bumthang. Features an elevation gain of approximately 1,500m. The route passes through remote villages and ancient temples like Pema Sambhava. Trekking equipment is usually provided by local operators such as Bhutan Mandate (bhutanmandate.com).
Jambay Lhakhang
📍 Jakar
🏰 CastleOne of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century, famous for its ancient architecture and central role in the Bumthang cultural landscape.
Kurjey Lhakhang
📍 Jakar
🏰 CastleA grand complex consisting of three temples where Bhutan's first three kings are entombed, set against a backdrop of towering cypress trees.
Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
📍 Jakar
🏔 Scenic ViewA deeply sacred site featuring a serene river pool and rock formations adorned with colorful prayer flags.
Phrumsengla National Park
📍 Mongar
🌲 NatureKnown for its stunning rhododendron forests and the high-altitude Phrumsengla Pass, this park offers some of Bhutan's most dramatic mountain scenery and birdwatching opportunities.
Phrumsengla Scenic Highway (Lateral Road)
📍 Jakar
🚗 Road Trip193km paved mountain highway (7-8 hours). This segment of the Lateral Road is considered Bhutan's most dramatic drive, crossing the 3,750m Phrumsengla Pass. Highlights include the Namling Waterfall, the 'cliff-hanging' road at Namling Brangsa, and a descent through the temperate and subtropical forests of Phrumsengla National Park.
Trongsa Dzong
📍 Trongsa
🏰 CastleThe largest and most impressive fortress in Bhutan, this historic seat of power offers families a glimpse into the kingdom's royal heritage.
Dur Tshachu
📍 Bumthang
♨ Hot SpringA high-altitude geothermal spring system accessible via a multi-day trek. Features 7-10 natural stone pools with temperatures between 40°C and 50°C, highly mineralized and used for treating digestive and joint issues.
Swiss Farm (Bumthang Cheese & Beer Factory)
📍 Jakar
🐄 FarmA pioneer rural enterprise where families can observe traditional cheese making and sample locally produced honey, cider, and Red Panda beer.
Tower of Trongsa Museum (Ta Dzong)
📍 Trongsa
🏰 CastleHoused in a 17th-century watchtower, this museum presents a sophisticated collection of Buddhist art and historical artifacts relevant to the Bhutanese monarchy.
Trans Bhutan Trail (Central & Eastern Sections)
📍 Trongsa
🥾 Hiking & CyclingApproximately 200km of the total 403km historic trail, covering the journey from Trongsa through Bumthang and Mongar to Trashigang. Challenging difficulty, typically requiring 12-15 days for these sections. Total elevation gain across these sections exceeds 10,000m. Equipment and guides can be organized through the official Trans Bhutan Trail office (transbhutantrail.com).
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
📍 Trashi Yangtse
🌲 NatureA vital wintering ground for the endangered black-necked crane, this sanctuary features a beautiful valley landscape perfect for families interested in rare wildlife and serene nature walks.
Chorten Kora
📍 Trashi Yangtse
🏰 CastleA large, brilliant white stupa modeled after the Boudhanath in Nepal, serving as a major historic pilgrimage site in the remote east.
Jakar Dzong
📍 Jakar
🏰 CastleKnown as the 'Castle of the White Bird,' this scenic fortress overlooks the Chamkhar Valley and serves as the administrative hub of Bumthang.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
📍 Trashigang
🌲 NatureThis remote sanctuary is famous for protecting the diverse alpine ecosystem and the unique habitat believed to be the home of the 'Migoi' or yeti, set amidst rhododendron-covered hills.
Thrumshing La Pass
📍 Ura
🏔 Scenic ViewOne of Bhutan's highest motorable passes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan range.
Trashigang Dzong
📍 Trashigang
🏰 CastleBuilt in 1659, this 'Sky Fortress' sits on a high cliff and is the center of secular and religious life in Eastern Bhutan.
Ura Village
📍 Ura
🏘 Town / VillageA charming traditional cluster village in the Bumthang highlands featuring cobblestone streets and stone houses that offer a glimpse into medieval Bhutanese life.
Wangchuck Centennial National Park
📍 Jakar
🌲 NatureBhutan's largest national park protects high-altitude glaciers and coniferous forests, providing a majestic backdrop for trekking and spotting Himalayan wildlife near the Bumthang valleys.
Duenmang Tshachu
📍 Zhemgang
♨ Hot SpringNaturally heated mineral pools located in a deep valley, featuring four separate bathhouses with high sulfur content. It is a major destination for traditional healing, specifically for joint pain and skin conditions.
Khenpajong Tshachu
📍 Lhuentse
♨ Hot SpringOne of Eastern Bhutan's most sacred geothermal sites, this remote complex features naturally heated mineral pools set against steep cliffs. Highly revered for both spiritual purification and physical healing properties.
Lateral Road Cycling (Trongsa to Mongar)
📍 Trongsa
🥾 Hiking & Cycling120km expert-level cycling route on the paved Lateral Road. Includes the grueling climb to Thrumshing La Pass (3,780m), the second-highest road pass in Bhutan. Requires 2-3 days with 3,000m+ of climbing. High-end MTB rentals are available from Bhutan Beyond (bhutanbeyond.com.au) or local shops in Thimphu before transport.
Merak Sakteng Trek
📍 Chaling
🥾 Hiking & Cycling65km challenging 6-day trek through the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Eastern Bhutan. Includes crossing the Nyagchung La pass at 4,100m. Elevation gain is significant with steep climbs and descents. It offers a rare look at the semi-nomadic Brokpa people. Guide services are mandatory and can be booked via Bhutan Beyond (bhutanbeyond.com.au).
National Sheep Breeding Centre
📍 Jakar
🐄 FarmA scenic highland farm where visitors can watch sheep grazing in open pastures and learn about traditional wool production in the Bumthang valley.
Ogyen Choling Manor Museum
📍 Jakar
🖼 Art GalleryThis manor-turned-museum offers a rare look at traditional Bhutanese fine arts, including religious textiles and intricate paintings within a historic feudal estate.
Phrumsengla Rhododendron Garden
📍 Ura
🌿 GardenA high-altitude botanical sanctuary within the national park featuring over 20 species of rhododendrons in a spectacular mountain setting.
Rodung La Trek
📍 Jakar
🥾 Hiking & Cycling80km challenging 10-day trek connecting Bumthang to Trashi Yangtse. Crosses the Rodung La pass (4,160m). The route involves steep ascents through bamboo forests and alpine meadows. High elevation gain and remote conditions make it an expert-level route. Best organized through official Bhutanese travel agencies.
Ura Valley
📍 Ura
🏔 Scenic ViewA high-altitude, traditional valley famous for its distinct village architecture, buckwheat fields, and pastoral beauty.
Yutong La Scenic Drive
📍 Trongsa
🚗 Road Trip68km paved road (2-3 hours). A scenic climb from the historic town of Trongsa to the Yutong La Pass (3,400m). The route features dense coniferous forests and rhododendrons, leading into the Chhume Valley of Bumthang, famous for its Yathra wool weaving centers in Zungney.
Bumthang Beekeeping Cooperative
📍 Jakar
🐄 FarmA community-run cooperative where families can learn about Himalayan honey production and see the hives responsible for Bhutan's famous clover honey.
Gom Kora River Drive
📍 Trashigang
🚗 Road Trip55km paved route (2 hours). A scenic drive following the course of the Dangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu rivers towards the Trashi Yangtse valley. Key highlights include the Gom Kora riverside temple and the final destination of Chorten Kora, a massive white stupa built in the Nepali style.
Kori La Pass Route
📍 Mongar
🚗 Road Trip91km paved road (3-4 hours). A winding journey from Mongar to Trashigang crossing the Kori La Pass (2,400m). The route is notable for its numerous hair-raising switchbacks, stone walls lined with prayer flags, and the transition from high-altitude forests to the subtropical vegetation of the Kuri Chhu valley.
Mongar Dzong
📍 Mongar
🏰 CastleA newer but architecturally significant fortress built without the use of nails or blueprints in the traditional Bhutanese style.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
📍 Trashi Yangtse
🖼 Art GalleryThis institute provides a unique opportunity for families to observe the creation of traditional Bhutanese arts and explore a gallery of masterfully crafted woodcarvings and paintings.
National Mithun Breeding Centre
📍 Trashigang
🐄 FarmA specialized conservation farm located in the eastern hills where visitors can see the Mithun, Bhutan’s majestic and culturally significant national cattle.
Ogyen Choling Museum
📍 Tang
🏘 Town / VillageA restored manor house in the remote Tang Valley that houses a private museum dedicated to Bhutanese history and noble lifestyle.
The Owl Trek
📍 Jakar
🥾 Hiking & CyclingAn easy 3-day trek starting from Manchugang. Features views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed peak. The route reaches a high point of approximately 3,870m near Zambhalha. Approximately 22–26km total distance. Equipment can be rented from local outfitters in Jakar town.
Ura Valley Loop
📍 Jakar
🚗 Road Trip48km paved route (1.5-2 hours). A branch of the main highway leading to Ura, the highest of the Bumthang valleys. The drive offers exceptional views of Mount Gangkhar Puensum (the world's highest unclimbed peak) on clear days and passes through the traditional clustered village of Ura.