Situated at Karsumphe, a historical place with a small, traditional farmhouse, which was once the residence of the famous “Karsumphe Angye”, the older sister of the first King of Bhutan, it was the first such establishment in the region. The old house served as the headquarters of the Dairy and Forestry Project in the seventies, with an office and a residence for the Project Manager. In those days, there were a number of Swiss Nationals working on the project who met frequently at Karsumphe, and gradually the actual name “Karsumphe Guesthouse” slowly disappeared, and the guests named it just ‘Swiss Guesthouse’.

In the early seventies, the guest house was mainly used by travellers to/from eastern Bhutan who used this place as an en route stopover. With the development of the tourism sector, a real Guesthouse was then constructed with more facilities and later on the major construction and renovation took place by 2009, thus providing a comfortable stay option for discerning travellers.

Set in the middle of orchards and surrounded by the immense beauty of the Jakar Dzong, overlooking the valley and the river, the guesthouse offers sylvan charm and a peaceful atmosphere. The wood-panelled rooms are cosy, comfortable and have an attached bath. The food here is one of the finest in Bumthang, especially the western cuisine. Since the Guesthouse is run by a cheese maker who was trained in Switzerland, it is obvious that specialities prepared with cheese, such as ‘Fondue’ and ‘Raclette’, are served. Also, ‘Bratwurst’ and ‘Röschti’ as well as ‘Züri Gschnätzlets’ and many more Swiss specialities are available here. Its bar is the only place in Bhutan where guests can get Red Panda beer on draft, guaranteed fresh.

The guest house is ideally located to explore some of the ancient sites such as Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang and many others.

Contact details:

Swiss Guest House
Kharsumphe, Choekor
Bumthang, Bhutan
www.swissguesthouse.bt

(Photo Credit: Swiss Guest House, Bumthang)