Ura is a town located in Ura Gewog, Bumthang District, in the northeastern part of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The settlement lies at coordinates 27°28′39″ N, 90°54′17″ E and observes Bhutan Time (UTC+6).
Geography
Ura is situated within the central Bhutanese valley of Bumthang, an area noted for its scenic mountain vistas, agricultural terraces, and traditional Bhutanese architecture. The town is accessible via the east‑west national highway that connects it to the district capital, Jakar, approximately 48 km to the west.
Administration
As part of Ura Gewog, the town falls under the local government structure of Bhutan, which is organized into districts (dzongkhags) and gewogs (blocks). Administrative responsibilities for local development, resource management, and cultural affairs are managed at the gewog level.
Culture and Festivals
Ura is especially known for the annual Matsutake Festival, held each August. The festival celebrates the seasonal harvest of matsutake mushrooms, a prized local delicacy, and includes cultural performances, traditional dances, and communal meals that highlight Bhutanese heritage and the region’s agricultural practices.
In Popular Culture
The town served as a primary filming location for the 2023 Bhutanese film The Monk and the Gun, directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji. The film’s depiction of Ura has contributed to increased interest in the area among both domestic and international audiences.
References
- National Geospatial‑Intelligence Agency, “NGA GeoName Database.”
- Bhutan Tourism Board, “Ura – Travel Guide.”
- Gates, Marya E. (8 February 2024). “The Monk and the Gun movie review.” RogerEbert.com.
This entry reflects information available from reliable sources as of the latest revision.