Bumthang is awash with Buddhist temples, and a gentle walk from one to the other means you can see a little bit of local life on the way. This can of course be done on bikes making the whole experience is a little quicker. You can just see them for a few minutes at a time, or if you are really interested in Buddhist Monasteries can spend longer. Start at Jambay Lhakhang, where there is an excellent festival each October and where the Guru Ringpoche conducted his first sermon on Tantric Buddhism. Wander through the fields and meadows to Kurjey Lhakhang, built around a cave where the Guru Rinpoche meditated. The Cyprus tree here is said to have been grown out of his walking stick. Continue to Kurjey Drupchhu, said to contain the holiest water in Bhutan. The Tamshing Lakhang is located across the river and contains a 25kg suit of chain-mail armour. If you carry it around the Lakhang three times, you are cured of all sins. Finally, the Kenchosum Lhakhang dates from the 7th century. It is said when the bell is rung here, it can be heard in Lhasa in Tibet.