Plizio Visual Lab
Chamkhar Dairy Farms
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
The Chamkhar dairy farms in the Bumthang Valley are the hub of Bhutan's dairy industry, renowned for their high-quality produce. The development of modern dairy farming in this region began in the 1970s through a successful cooperation project with Switzerland. Chamkhar's cool climate and alpine meadows resemble the Swiss landscape, providing good conditions for raising Brown Swiss crossbred cattle. Today, these farms produce not only fresh milk but also the famous Bumthang cheese, crafted using traditional Swiss recipes for varieties such as Emmental and Gouda. The Chamkhar Dairy Cooperative plays a vital role in marketing and quality assurance for the Bhutanese market. Visitors can tour the processing facilities and sample local specialties like yogurt, butter, and various aged cheeses. These farms serve as a prime example of successful technology transfer and the diversification of Bhutanese agriculture. The dairy industry has significantly boosted local farmers' incomes, earning Bumthang the nickname 'the Switzerland of Bhutan.' Sustainable grazing management and the promotion of local value chains remain central to the region's future development.
- Location: Bhutan
- Nearby: Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 12 | 32 | 102 | 145 | 194 | 257 | 196 | 137 | 64 | 5 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Chamkhar dairy farms in the Bumthang valley produce the famous Bhutanese Swiss cheese. They are an example of successful agricultural development aid, strengthening the local economy of the region.
Visiting
Some of the dairy farms can be visited, often by prior arrangement. Visitors have the opportunity to watch the cheese-making process and see the cows on the pastures.
Where to view it
The farms are set in a photogenic valley landscape with wide alpine meadows. A great view of the surrounding hills and pastures can be had from the main road through the valleys.
Local products
Fresh cheese, butter, and yogurt can be bought at the farm shops. Seasonally, traditional Bhutanese dairy products like „datshi” (buttermilk cheese) are also available.
Active season
Milk production and cheese making is active year-round, but summer is the main grazing season. In the warmer months, cows give more milk and production runs at full capacity.
Nearby
The farms are near Jakar Dzong and Kurjey Monastery. Visiting these cultural sites can be easily combined with a tour of the dairy farms.
Geography
Facts
- Established in the 1970s with assistance from Swiss development aid.
- Bumthang cheese is produced using traditional Emmental and Gouda recipes.
- Chamkhar was the first region in Bhutan to host a commercial cheese factory.
- Farms primarily raise Brown Swiss and Holstein-Friesian cattle breeds.
- The region is also specialized in organic honey and clover-fed milk.
- The central dairy processes several thousand liters of fresh milk daily.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chamkhar Dairy Farms (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cheese factory there?
Yes, the famous Bumthang cheese factory produces Swiss-style cheese and Gouda.
Can the farms be visited?
Some farms allow insights into milk production and livestock farming.
What products are sold?
Fresh cheese, butter, yogurt, and sometimes apple cider are available.
Are the farms open year-round?
Agricultural work takes place daily; visits are possible during the day.
Where exactly are the farms located?
Most farms are located in the Chamkhar Valley within the Bumthang region.
Chamkhar Dairy Farms: where is it located?
Chamkhar Dairy Farms is located in Bhutan.
Chamkhar Dairy Farms: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Chamkhar Dairy Farms: why is it worth visiting?
The Chamkhar dairy farms in the Bumthang Valley are the hub of Bhutan's dairy industry, renowned for their high-quality produce.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Bhutan →
Nearby cities
Laya
An isolated high-altitude village at 3800 meters, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people known for their unique conical bamboo hats.
Gasa
Gasa is the northernmost and highest district capital in Bhutan, famous for its healing hot springs and harsh high-mountain climate.
Jakar
Jakar, known as the center of the Bumthang region, is considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with many ancient monasteries.
Narsingdi
An industrial hub east of Dhaka, famous for its textile industry and the ancient archaeological site of Wari-Bateshwar.
Chandpur
Located at the confluence of the Padma and Meghna rivers, this city is the 'Hilsa Capital' of Bangladesh.
Trongsa
Trongsa is located geographically in the center of Bhutan and was historically crucial for controlling the kingdom.
Narayanganj
An industrial hub near Dhaka, historically significant for its jute trade and river transport.
History & landmarks
Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
A sacred site that is actually a gorge on the Tang Chhu river.
Bumthang (Chokhor Valley)
The Chokhor Valley in Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, dotted with ancient temples and sacred sites.
Ogyen Choling Palace
A historic manor in the Tang Valley turned into a fascinating museum.
Tang Valley
The most remote of Bumthang's four valleys, characterized by sheep breeding, high-altitude farming, and the historic Ogyen Choling Palace.
Bangladesh Taj Mahal
A scaled replica of the famous Indian Taj Mahal located in Narayanganj, built by a wealthy filmmaker.
Lhuentse (Khoma)
Khoma is a famous textile village in eastern Bhutan, renowned for its intricate Kishuthara silk weaving.
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
The national mosque of Bangladesh in Dhaka, whose architecture resembles the Kaaba in Mecca.
Nature
Meghna River
One of the most important rivers in Bangladesh, forming the massive Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta.
Namtso Lake
A mountain lake on the Tibetan Plateau, considered one of the most beautiful places in Tibet.
Tanguar Haor
A unique wetland ecosystem in northeastern Bangladesh, providing shelter for many migratory birds.
More places
Wangchuck Centennial National Park
Bhutan's largest national park was established to celebrate one hundred years of monarchy and covers vast areas of alpine ecosystems.
Bumthang Valley
The spiritual heartland of Bhutan, consisting of four major valleys and home to numerous ancient temples.
Jakar Dzong
Also known as the "Fortress of the White Bird", it was built in the 16th century and dominates the Chokhor Valley in Bumthang.
Bumthang Apple Orchards
The cool valleys of Bumthang are famous for their fertile apple orchards, yielding delicious juice and cider.
Chokhor Valley
The largest and most important of the four Bumthang valleys, comprising wide plains and numerous temple complexes.
Kurjey Lhakhang
An important temple complex in the Bumthang Valley where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century, leaving his body imprint on a rock.
Jambay Lhakhang
One of the 108 temples said to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.
Tang Valley
One of the most remote Bumthang valleys, known for the burning lake and deep gorges along the river.