Swiss Guest House
Bumthang

Swiss Guest House is a charming and comfortable traditional farmhouse, in an idyllic setting just a few minutes by car from Jakar in the Bumthang valley. It is one of the oldest and longest serving classic Bhutanese guest lodges in Bumthang and is admired for its warm hospitality and traditional values. Here, guests can expect fine-dining and homemade Swiss cuisine in a delightfully refreshing setting.

During the seventies, the farmhouse was the headquarters of the Dairy and Forestry Project and was home to a number of Swiss Nationals who worked under the project. During this time the guesthouse was also often used by travellers as a stopover point between western and eastern Bhutan. In 2009 the lodge underwent some much-needed renovation and major construction to create a comfortable stay for discerning travellers.

Nestled amongst picturesque apple orchards, with views of the beautiful Jakar Dzong, there is an inherent charm about Swiss Guest House. There are thirteen wood panelled double rooms, which are cosy and comfortable, and come with en-suite bathrooms and wood burning stoves to alleviate the chillier evenings.

The food here is some of the finest in Bumthang, particularly the western cuisine. Since the guesthouse is run by a Swiss cheesemaker who moved to Bhutan decades ago, guests can expect traditional alpine specialities such as fondue and raclette on the menu, as well as bratwurst, rösti and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. The bar has a buzzing and warm atmosphere and is a great place to while away a few hours in the evenings. It is also one of the only places you can try a Red Panda beer, a specialty beer which is brewed in Bumthang itself – and due to its popularity, it is becoming increasingly hard to find in any hotel bars!

Swiss Guest House lends itself perfectly as a base from which to explore some of the ancient sites such as Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang. When not out and about exploring the local area, Swiss Guest House provides a quiet place to relax during the day. There is also a mini library and a small spa for the ultimate relaxation.

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling