Embarking on an adventure in Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon? Here are 15 remarkable things to do, each promising an unforgettable experience in this mystical Himalayan kingdom.
From idyllic treks and unique wildlife encounters to experiencing ancient traditions and exploring majestic monasteries, Bhutan offers a myriad of attractions regardless of the season.
Roam the serene streets of Thimphu, partake in a spiritual meditation session, hike to the Tiger’s Nest, or discover the vibrant festivals. You’ll be amazed at the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that await you in Bhutan.
In Bhutan, the towering mountains seem to touch the heavens, while the valleys reverberate with echoes of peace. Here are the top 15 things to do when you visit this captivating country.
Here are 10 amazing things to do in Bhutan you won’t want to miss!
1. Explore Thimphu
Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, is a charming city that beautifully marries tradition with modernity. In this city, you’ll notice the careful preservation of Bhutanese culture amidst signs of modern progress. For history lovers, a visit to Tashichho Dzong, a fortress and monastery, is a must. With its lush gardens and grand architecture, it serves as the administrative headquarters and houses the throne room of the king. The National Memorial Chorten is another significant site. This whitewashed structure with a golden spire is a revered Buddhist place of worship, with people circumambulating it throughout the day.
For a peek into local life, take a stroll around the Centenary Farmers Market, where farmers sell fresh produce. The market bustles with locals, offering a chance to interact and get a sense of the community’s daily life. Nearby, you can also check out Bhutan’s artistic heritage at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students are taught traditional Bhutanese arts.
2. Trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Trekking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Paro Taktsang is a spiritual journey. Perched on the edge of a 3,120-meter-high cliff, this 17th-century structure is one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. According to legends, Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a tigress, hence the name.
The trek, though challenging, is worth the effort. It offers stunning views of the lush forests and Paro Valley. Halfway up, there’s a cafeteria where you can rest and enjoy the panoramic views of the monastery. Once you reach the top, explore the caves and temples, admire the sacred relics, and soak in the tranquility that this secluded spot offers.
3. Experience the Festivals
Bhutan’s colorful festivals, known as Tshechus, are a spectacle of vibrant masks, elaborate costumes, and traditional music. Rooted in Buddhist teachings, these events depict religious stories through dances known as Cham dances.
The Paro Tshechu is one of the biggest and attracts thousands of spectators. It culminates with the unveiling of a large Thangka, a religious painting, which is considered a significant blessing. Another well-known Tshechu is Thimphu Tshechu, where the festivities last for three days. Experiencing these celebrations allows you to immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture and traditions, and provides a deep understanding of the local belief system.
4. Visit Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong, or the Palace of Great Happiness, stands majestically at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It’s considered the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan due to its stunning architecture and scenic location.
Built-in the 17th century, Punakha Dzong serves as the administrative center of the Punakha district and the winter residence of Chief Abbot. Its courtyards, temples, and the king’s quarters are adorned with fine art and carvings. The intricate artwork, grand statues of Buddha, and historical artifacts reflect the rich artistic traditions of Bhutan.
A beautiful Jacaranda garden surrounding the Dzong adds to the tranquil and serene atmosphere. The Dzong is especially beautiful in spring when the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom.
5. Bumthang Cultural Tour
Bumthang, known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, is a collection of four valleys filled with ancient temples, monasteries, and sacred sites.
Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, is a highlight. Legend says it’s one of the 108 temples built in a single day by a Tibetan king to subdue a demon. Another must-visit is Kurje Lhakhang, which comprises three temples and holds great significance due to its association with Guru Rinpoche.
Bumthang also hosts several festivals, including the famous Jambay Lhakhang Drup. This five-day festival is renowned for its fire ceremony and a ritualistic naked dance performed in the night, believed to purify and bless all who witness it.
6. Discover Bhutanese Cuisine
Bhutanese cuisine is a culinary journey characterized by the abundant use of chilli and cheese. One of the most iconic dishes you must try is Ema Datshi, a deliciously spicy dish made from chillies and the locally produced Datshi cheese. Other dishes include Kewa Datshi (potatoes with cheese) and Shamu Datshi (mushrooms with cheese).
Bhutanese people also love their meat, and you’ll find a range of dishes like Phaksha Paa (pork with red chillies) and Jasha Maru (spicy minced chicken). In terms of drinks, you must try Ara, a traditional Bhutanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Bhutan also has a unique take on momos – the popular Tibetan dumplings, which are stuffed with cheese instead of the usual meat filling.
For a truly authentic dining experience, try eating with your hands in a traditional Bhutanese home or farm stay, and wash down your meal with a cup of suja, Bhutan’s salty butter tea.
7. Take a Hot Stone Bath
A hot stone bath is a traditional Bhutanese therapy known as ‘Dotsho’. It involves heating river stones on a wood fire until they’re glowing hot, then placing them in a wooden tub filled with water. Local medicinal herbs are added, and their essences infuse the water as they react with the heat. The bath is believed to have numerous health benefits, including relieving joint pains, hypertension, and stomach disorders.
This unique experience is not just about the bath itself, but the beautiful and tranquil settings in which these baths usually occur. You can enjoy your soak amid picturesque landscapes, often with stunning views of mountains and valleys.
8. Visit Haa Valley
Nestled amidst lush green fields and dense pine forests, the Haa Valley is one of the most picturesque places in Bhutan. The valley is home to several nomadic herds and has a serene, peaceful atmosphere. Visit the Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo (White and Black Monastery) which are among the 108 monasteries reportedly built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in a single day.
Haa Valley is also the starting point for many hiking trails, including the popular Chele La trek. This trek provides stunning views of the snow-clad mountains and lush valleys. The annual summer festival showcasing the Shamanic rituals and local sports like archery and riding is another must-experience event. The Haa Valley is relatively untouched and offers a slice of the unspoiled beauty of Bhutan.
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9. Visit Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha Valley is a beautiful glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. It’s best known for being the winter home of the rare and endangered Black-Necked Cranes that migrate from the Tibetan Plateau from late October to mid-March.
Besides crane-watching, the valley offers beautiful walking and biking trails through the pine forests. Visit the Gangtey Goemba monastery, a beautiful 17th-century monastery that sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. Participate in the Black-Necked Crane Festival held annually to celebrate the crane’s arrival. The festival features cultural programs, crane dances, dramas, and songs performed by local school children.
10. Enjoy Archery
Archery is more than just the national sport in Bhutan – it’s a significant part of Bhutanese culture, a form of entertainment, and a way for communities to connect. Archery competitions are colourful and lively events, filled with traditional songs and dances, accompanied by delicious food and local brew.
Competitors, dressed in their traditional Gho, use bamboo bows to aim at small targets placed over 140 meters away – a testament to their impressive skill. The event is as much a social occasion as a sport, with spectators often engaging in good-natured banter and cheering on their favourite teams. These competitions offer a unique way to engage with local traditions and interact with the friendly Bhutanese people.
11. Explore Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass, located between Thimphu and Punakha, offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayan range. On a clear day, you can see as many as 26 snow-capped peaks. The main highlight here is the 108 memorial chortens or stupas, known as Druk Wangyal Chortens, built to honour the Bhutanese soldiers who fought in the 2003 war.
Also worth visiting is the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a beautiful temple located near the chortens. The temple’s murals depict the history and changing times of Bhutan. The pass is also the venue for the Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival, which presents masked dances unique to the Royal Bhutan Army.
12. Explore Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong is the largest Dzong fortress in Bhutan, beautifully situated overlooking the Mangde Chhu River. Trongsa is of great historical importance to Bhutan, as it is the ancestral home of the royal family.
Walking through the maze of courtyards, temples, and corridors is like taking a step back in time, with magnificent woodwork, whitewashed walls, and red-tiled roofs. The fortress houses a printing house, which produces religious texts in the traditional manner. The watchtower, known as Ta Dzong, offers a breathtaking view of the entire valley and houses a museum that holds significant cultural and historical artifacts. Visiting Trongsa Dzong gives a fascinating insight into Bhutan’s history and the essence of its architecture.
13. Visit the Motithang Takin Preserve
Located in Thimphu, the Motithang Takin Preserve is home to Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. This unique creature, with the physique of a cow and the head of a goat, has a mythical status in Bhutan. Legend says that the Takin was created by the Divine Madman, a beloved saint, to showcase his powers.
The preserve, initially a mini-zoo, was converted when the Fourth King of Bhutan felt that such a facility was not in line with Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions. The Takins were released, but surprisingly they roamed around Thimphu city instead of going to the wild, leading to the creation of this preserve. It’s a great place for families, with well-maintained walking paths and opportunities to spot other wildlife species too.
14. Tour the Folk Heritage Museum
The Folk Heritage Museum in Thimphu provides a peek into the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, showcasing rural households and rural life. The museum is housed in a 19th-century traditional house, presenting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Bhutanese people.
Exhibits include traditional household objects, tools, and equipment. You’ll find agricultural tools, storage vessels, and even samples of domestic animals. The museum also offers demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits, and customs, such as food and beverage preparation, particularly the brewing of the local area drink.
15. Experience Bhutanese Art at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum
The National Institute for Zorig Chusum, often known as the Painting School, offers a deep insight into Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts. Here, students undergo a six-year course on Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts, which include carving, painting, sculpture, and weaving.
As you tour the school, you can watch students at work – meticulously carving statues, painting thangkas, or weaving intricate designs. The school also has a shop where you can buy the works of the students, making for great souvenirs. This visit offers an appreciation of Bhutan’s rich artistic traditions and the craftsmanship of its people.
Bhutan’s beauty transcends just its natural landscapes. The blend of ancient traditions, spiritual depth, and warm hospitality makes this Himalayan kingdom an enchanting destination that you won’t soon forget. Experience the tranquility and peace that pervade this magical kingdom when you journey to Bhutan.
Further Reading:
- Top 20 Delicious Bhutanese Cuisine to Eat
- 10 Famous Buddhist Sites in Bhutan
- Top 7 Hill Stations to See in Bhutan for Himalayas Experience
- 10 Popular Honeymoon Destinations in Bhutan
- Bhutan’s 20 Famous Places to Visit
- Top 10 Destinations to See in Bhutan in December 2023
- Bhutan ‘Royal Highland Festival’ in Laya, Gasa from October 23
