At an elevation of 3100 meters, just below Thrumshingla resides the highest valley present in the Bumthang dzongkhag, the Ura valley. Its magnificence is located 48km away from jakar town and is surrounded by lush terraced fields and hills, dotted with alpine trees.
Ura valley is mainly known for its aesthetic view of everlasting meadows and beautiful valleys
Its connection with mother nature and vibrant scenery has attracted many tourists from all over the world. The quaint landlocked kingdom of Bhutan has been known for preserving its cultural and religious heritage in the form of its traditional wear and dzongs, and architecture.
The Valley takes its visitors back in time, with its traditionally built houses nestled below the terraced fields. After the construction of proper roads to the east, Ura Valley has grown prosperous but yet has remained untouched by the influence and impact of the modern lifestyle we’re all engrossed in.
What to see at Ura?
The sparse valley has a living pace of its own which has mesmerized many travelers. During the annual festival of Ura yakchoe, the scenically blessed valley is always flooded with a horde of people, and the once silent and vacant streets are filled with energetic men women, and children alike.
The three days of masked dances begin on the 12th day of the third month, with a parade, holding an image of Chana Dorji, Vajrapani, starting close by from Gaden Lhakhang, down to the main Lhakhang.
On the eve of the festival seeing the anxious preparation of sinchhang (a spirit distilled from millet, wheat, or rice) and the exorcisms late at night, has hyped the interest of many travelers.
Village Life & Locals Festival celebrations in Ura Valley
Being the highest valley of the Bumthang, visitors get an astounding vista of adjacent valleys and daunting hills of Bhutan. The occupants of Ura are mostly yak herders and can be seen with their yaks while they graze.
The hilly region of Ura Valley is famous for producing some of Bhutan’s best matsutake mushrooms. The mushrooms are so famous that they have their festival, called the Matsutake festival. It is celebrated in August, where stalls are put up to serve mushrooms that are cooked using different recipes and styles of cooking.
Ura valley in Bumthang’s traditional setup for the perfect place for you
If you want to get a firsthand experience of rural Bhutanese life, Ura valley of Bumthang with its traditional set up is the perfect place for you. The lush green mountains, beautiful valleys, traditional lifestyle, and the existing festivals will make you crave more.
Every season has its charm to rejoice in the Ura Valley but the festival season during May and August are considered the best time to visit. However, Ura is located in high altitude region, hence winters are extremely cold, so it is advised not to travel during extreme winters.
