Bumthang, Bhutan 🇧🇹
#1705 27.707913, 90.769743

Nomad Score: 51%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Bumthang is a district located in central Bhutan, known for its cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.
👥 Population Approximately 20,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average speeds around 10-20 Mbps, with some areas experiencing slower connections.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 BNT ≈ 0.012 USD. Banks like Bhutan National Bank and Druk PNB are available for local transactions.
🚰 Tap Water Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power 230V, 50Hz, with Type D sockets prevalent.
📶 SIM Card Popular providers include B-Mobile and TashiCell, offering prepaid options.
💳 Banking for Expats ATM services are limited to major banks; cash is preferred for small purchases.
🛌 Accommodation Options include guesthouses, hotels, and homestays, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per night.
💳 Cashless Friendly Not very cashless friendly; cash transactions are widely used.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Some platforms like Airbnb have limited listings; better options may be through local guesthouses.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Guesthouses like Jakar Village Lodge and Bumthang Hotel offer rooms starting at $15.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space The Bumthang Coworking Center, a small but community-focused space.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Café de Tashi serves coffee and local snacks, with Wi-Fi available.
💼 Networking Events Opportunities mainly through community gatherings and local festivals.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Occasional meetups at guesthouses and during cultural festivals in the town.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Local taxis are available, but ride-hailing apps are not common.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bicycles can be rented at local guesthouses for about $5 a day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Bumthang is landlocked with no beaches; scenic lakes and valleys are the highlights instead.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Druk Air is the primary regional airline offering flights to Paro.
✈️ Top International Airline Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the main carriers connecting to international destinations.
🛣️ Highway Access National highways connect Bumthang to other major cities like Thimphu and Paro.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub There are no trains in Bhutan; road travel is the primary means of transport.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Local buses and shared taxis operate, though passes are not commonly used.
✈️ Regional Travel Travel by road is the most popular method to get to nearby towns and attractions.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Jakar Hospital is the main healthcare facility, providing basic healthcare services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Chokhor Valley offers organic farms and wellness retreats that include yoga classes.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Limited fitness options; mostly local community centers available.
🧺 Laundry Services Local guesthouses often provide laundry services for guests.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Food delivery is very limited; local cafes and restaurants offer takeout.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Ema Datshi, a cheese and chili dish, is a must-try in Bumthang.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Most local restaurants offer vegetarian options, particularly during festivals.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Local bakeries offer traditional sweets like 'Zow' (puffed rice) and 'Sel Roti' (rice doughnut).
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets, especially on weekends, provide fresh produce and artisan goods.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Many expats rely on international shipping due to limited online shopping options in Bhutan.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Grocery delivery services are not prominent; local markets are preferred.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Limited nightlife; local bars and cultural events happen sporadically.
🍻 Local Brewery Karma Beer is produced locally, and some restaurants serve local brews.
🍷 Wine Bars Wine options are limited; local shops may carry some imported selections.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street food options are available, especially during festivals, offering local treats.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Limited international cuisine; local eateries dominate.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang are key cultural sites in Bumthang.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues The Bumthang Cultural Museum showcases local heritage and history.
🏰 Historical Sites The oldest temple in Bhutan, Jambay Lhakhang, is located here.
🕍 Religious Sites Bumthang is home to several important monasteries including Kurjey Lhakhang.
🎉 Annual Events Bumthang Tshechu, a vibrant cultural festival, attracts many visitors each October.
🎨 Cultural Districts The town offers a blend of traditional architecture and modern influences.
🎭 Theater Venues Local schools may host cultural performances, but no dedicated theatre exists.
🛍️ Local Markets Weekly markets offer local produce and crafts, providing insight into local life.
🎼 Music Scene Traditional Bhutanese music can be experienced during local festivals.
🎨 Street Art Limited street art, but traditional murals can be found in temples.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local hosts may offer cooking classes focused on Bhutanese cuisine.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Very few galleries, but art can be viewed in temples and local homes.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Bumthang's dzongs (fortresses) are significant historical landmarks.
🏴 Local Heritage Bumthang is known as the 'cultural heart of Bhutan' for its rich traditions.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Ura Valley and Phobjikha Valley are accessible for stunning nature views.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Bumthang is close to the Phobjikha Valley, known for its black-necked cranes.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths The landscape offers numerous trails for hiking and cycling.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The view from the Jakar Dzong provides a picturesque panorama of Bumthang Valley.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Phobjikha Valley is a designated area for observing local bird species.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated areas near campgrounds allow for bonfires in nature.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Limited international shipping services; local postal services are available.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Basic electronics shops handle repairs; specialized services may be required in Thimphu.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Local community centers occasionally have table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Language classes available for learning Dzongkha, the national language.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The local community center sometimes hosts study groups and resources.
🏘️ Community Centers Community spaces are used for events and gatherings, fostering local connections.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited options, but some guesthouses provide gaming and entertainment facilities.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos in Bumthang; gambling is generally restricted in Bhutan.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 30%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 25%.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed on worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 25%.
🧾 VAT A 10% tax applies to goods and services.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, CFC rules apply for foreign-owned companies.
🏠 Property Tax Based on assessed value; varies by locality.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Consists of a 5% transfer tax on real property.