Bajothang Voyage Tips and guide

Bajothang (AKA Bajo) is a town in Western Bhutan. It is the largest town of Wangdue Phodrang district.

Bajothang is a new town built as the administrative center for Wangdue Phodrang District. The town is a chessboard of uninspired, concrete blocks and is totally devoid of any charm or character. Unless travellers are interested in failed urban planning, there is absolutely no reason to visit Bajo, except maybe to purchase necessities as the town offers the best selection of goods in the area.

Nearly all visitors arrive by plane in Paro. Bajothang is a 2-hour drive from the capital, and about a 2-hour 45-minute journey from the airport.

There are daily buses from Phuentsholing, Thimphu and Paro. Buses from the capital to Jakar, Samdrup Jongkhar, Mongar, Damphu and Gelephu pass near Bajo, though don't enter the town.

The town is small enough to negotiate on foot.

• Taxi: There is a set rate for taxis plying city routes. Maximum is around 70nu. There is a taxi stand in center of town. Taxis also cruise and can be hailed at any point.
• Bus. There exists a bus service to nearby villages of Gaselo but only on Saturdays and Sundays.

There is nothing of interest in the town, but it is a logistic base to visit nearby sites, such as Chimi Lhakhang and Wangdue Dzong.

There are a number of eateries serving local food in the town.

• Hotel Dekiling (Top end of town), ☏ +975 2 481555. A small property. . 

• Baylangdra Nye (Literal translation of the name: 'Hidden Treasure of the Bull Cliff'.) - a monastery and sacred site above Baylangdra Village in the Sha Valley. Guru Rinpoche meditated here and the cave is considered one of Bhutan's most sacred sites. Among the relics on display is a thumb print of Guru Rinpoche embedded in rock, and there are around 60 hidden sacred treasure (terma) concealed in the cliff face. The name of the site is derived from when Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon in the form of a bull. Directions: At Chuzomsa take a left, just after passing the Kichu Resort (when travelling from Thimphu). The road to the base of the sacred site (22km) is paved for the first half. Pass a large monastery with a stupa (just below which is a tall cypress tree which grew from a staff planted by Guru Rinpoche). The paved trail starts near the second temple, next to 'Sonam Tobgay General Store'. It's an easy climb, taking no more than one hour. The trail passes through forests and near a number of retreat huts.
• Gangtey Monastery. A 17th century monastery in the Nyingma school of Buddhism. The monastery affords wonderful views over the Phobjikha Valley and mountains beyond.
• Phobjikha. A wide and lush valley that is the winter home of the black-necked crane. There are a number of hotel options in the valley, including high end resorts, such as Aman Kora, Gantey Lodge, and Six Senses.

• Chimme Lhakhang, Lobesa - a temple dedicated to the Mad Monk (Drukpa Kinley). All Children named in this lhakhang have names starting either with "Chhimi" or "Kinley". A brief Walk of about 20 min through scenic paddy fields and you reach the Monastery. A ten minute drive from Bajothang and a five minute drive from Lobesa in the direction of Punakha.
• Jakar - the administrative headquarters of Bumthang district. Many sacred sites. Home to Wangdicholing Palace, home of the first and second king. A seven hour drive from Bajothang.