Bumthang, which literally means "beautiful field", is considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. It was in this region that the Guru Rinpoche cured a local king of a spirit-induced ailment in the 8th century, an event that resulted in the king, and finally the whole country, embracing Buddhism.
Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. Its lush and scenic valleys, gently carved by ancient glaciers, draw a large number of tourists each year. It is also a major producer of apples and apple juice.
Notable landmarks in the Bumthang district include the Membar Tsho, a sacred site of pilgrimage; Kurje Monastery, the final resting place of the remains of the kingdom’s first three kings; Jakar Dzong, adjacent to the main town of Jakar; Jambay Lhakhang, an ancient temple built in the 7th century; and other important temples and monasteries.