Bumthang is the perfect place for day hikes, with its lush valleys and hilly forests. It's about two and half hours from Trongsa, and the drive includes a climb over the 3,500-meter Yutong La (pass), where you may see some yaks grazing, depending on the season. There are many temples and monasteries in the Bumthang region, some of which are the oldest in Bhutan . You can reach some by car, while others require a short hike. Among them are Tharpaling Monastery, Thangbi Monastery, Kurjey Lhakhang (temple), and Jambey Lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century and is the oldest in the region. You can take along a packed lunch and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty around you.

Other sights include the Jakar Dzong, which is said to be the largest dzong in Bhutan; the Udee woodcarving factory in Jakar; and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa—it's a nice spot to meditate. You can also tour Tamshing Lhakhang, which houses interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Bumthang is a good place to buy woven textiles (yethra), which are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Bumthang is the best place to buy hard yak cheese (chugo), or you can stop at the Yoezer Lhamo shop and buy Swiss cheese. Bumthang is also famous for its Red Panda beer.