Nestled in Bumthang valley overlooking the winding Chamkhar Chu, a sparkling glacier river, River Lodge is ideally situated for historical visits, photography, bird watching and short treks. This family-run lodge has been operational since 1997 and offers highly personalized services.

The lodge features 32 Bhutanese-style spacious guest rooms categorised as deluxe, super deluxe, standard rooms and suites, each with windows opening to majestic mountain views. Housed in six blocks, all wood-panelled rooms are fitted with indoor heating systems and en-suite bathrooms with 24-hour running hot & cold water. The other room amenities include a TV, WiFi, tea/coffee maker. 

The lodge boasts one of the largest restaurants in the region with a capacity of 100 people. Using organic vegetables and ingredients, along with Kingdom’s local delicacies, the restaurant also serves Indian, Thai, and Continental cuisine. Bhutan’s regional dishes, such as Haoentoe (similar to dumpling) of Haa in Western Bhutan, Kharang (maize) of Eastern Bhutan, to Bumthang’s specialities like Putta (noodles) and Khuli (buckwheat) can all be tried & tasted at the lodge. For a good respite, after a long day of exploration, its bar offers a range of local and imported beverages at guests’ disposal. The wellness services also available at the lodge include a traditional hot stone bath, spa and sauna. 

Starting from the collection of classic books to local folklore, River Lodge boasts an interesting library and reading a book of choice in a serene atmosphere is an enjoyable experience. Handicraft showroom at the lodge offers an assortment of handwoven and crafted products.

For outdoor entertainment, River Lodge has provisions for horse & yak riding, bird watching, mountain biking, Archery & traditional dart game Khuru. Organizing bonfire along with cultural show is another activity possible here introducing guests to different forms of music such as Boedra and Zhungdra which has been passed down from generations and Rigsar, a new form of music that is becoming increasing popular.   

Culture is a distinguishing component of Bhutan, and this is mainly manifested in the religious festivals, called Tsechus, which are performed to invoke the Great Buddhist Tantric of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, who first came to Bumthang. Tshechus are held all over Bhutan on different dates and last for 3-5 days. River Lodge can make provision to have a day’s festival-like experience through the performance of different mask dances and traditional dances. Inside the lawns of River Lodge, guests can sit back and enjoy the special dances, all of which have a meaning, a story behind them. The hotel team will be there to explain the messages conveyed through the dances.

Contact details:

River Lodge
Chamkhar, Bumthang
Bhutan
www.bumthangriverlodge.com