Our journey to Jakar (Bumthang) along the East-West highway has some of the most dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys. We stopped at Chendebji Chorten and toured the Trongsa Dzong built in 1644, ancestral home to Bhutan's monarch.

Onward over Yatong La pass (3425m) into Chhume Valley, home of Yatra weaving and Amankora Bumthang for 2 nights. This lodge neighbours Wangdichhoeling Dzong built in 1857 and is very close to town for exploring and local entertainment.

We visited Jampey Lhakhang built in 659 and were privileged to receive a blessing from Khumtrul Rinpoche and hiked to Kurjey Lhakhang built in 1652. A local farmhouse lunch followed by a visit to Tamshing Goemba, established in 1501 and one of the most important in Bhutan. Our stay here was completed by an Archery tournament and a blessing at Wangduchhoeling palace.