Things to do in Bhutan

Rafting on the Mo Chhu River is a thrilling experience. Visit Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, Nimalung Tshechu Festival, Ancient Punakha Dzong, Weekend Market of Thimphu, Hot Spring Therapy, Annual Black-Necked Crane Festival, Trongsa Dzong, Explore Chele La Pass, Visit Simply Bhutan, Camping in Thimphu, and many other attractions.

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to preparing a list of things to do in Bhutan. Bhutan is a country rich in natural wonders that offers a diverse choice of activities for explorers of all ages. White water rafting in the Po Chu and Moochu confluence, as well as kayaking in Wang Chhu, are available to individuals who desire to participate in nerve-wracking activities. Bhutan boasts several hundred-year-old suspension bridges that must be crossed on foot. You will undoubtedly feel a skip in your heartbeat when you pass the Punakha Suspension Bridge, which spans the Po Chu river. Staying in a traditional Bhutanese homestay and engaging with locals, on the other hand, might provide you with a rather relaxed holiday experience in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

There are so many things to do in Bhutan that one visit will not be enough to make the most of your trip. Visit the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is situated at a remarkable elevation of 10,000 feet. Bhutan is also a birdwatcher's dream, with over 600 different species of rare and common birds. On weekends, explore the lively markets where local Bhutanese sellers sell their fresh products like as handcrafts, textiles, delicacies, and other items. Wanderlust souls can rejuvenate their mind and body in Bhutan!

Here are the top 10 things to do in Bhutan:

1. Try your hand at Archery

Bhutan designated archery as its national sport in 1971. Archery, on the other hand, has a long history in the country, dating back to 600 B.C. In the late 1920s, the sport began to acquire popularity. Archery is now an essential component of Bhutanese culture. As a mark of celebration and competition, archery tournaments are held in every hamlet in Bhutan. In fact, no Bhutanese event is complete without an archery tournament.

Archers have always used bamboo arrows and bows. The tournament's contestants, on the other hand, employ sophisticated equipment. The colourful and vivid dancing brings the archery tournament to a close. The sport has evolved into a method for Bhutanese people to commemorate their lives.

2. Camping in Thimpu

One of the most captivating experiences is camping in the Himalayas, amidst the verdant woods of tall trees. Bhutan is one of the best spots in the world to camp in the high mountains and wake up to a spectacular sunrise. Camping is one of the best activities in Bhutan that can thoroughly revive you, and it can be done overnight, so why not take advantage of it? Near Paro and Thimphu, there are numerous walking paths where you may camp with local guides who will take care of everything.

3. Hot Spring Therapy

In Bhutan, hot springs, known as Tshachus, are thought to have medicinal effects. Bhutanese people have been visiting these hot springs for years to treat bodily ailments and sinus problems. In the winter, they have a centuries-old practise of visiting the hot springs.

There are several hot springs located across the United States. Small walks through magnificent forests with snowy mountains in the background will lead you to one of the hot springs, where bath cottages have been built with bathing amenities. The hot springs can be found all around the country. Gasa Tshachus, a ten-hour journey from Punakha, Dur Tshachu in Bumthang, Duenmang Tshachu on the Mangde Chu riverbank, and Gelephu Tshachu in southern Bhutan are the primary hot springs.

4. Weekend market of Thimpu

The weekend market in Thimphu is a popular site in Bhutan to purchase fresh products. A trip to the market should not be overlooked while planning your trip to Bhutan. Every Friday in the afternoon, it begins and concludes in the afternoon on Sunday. On Friday, the vendors with the greatest and cheapest veggies and fruits arrive and set up their regular stand. People of all kinds come here to get the freshest goods at the greatest prices, and this is the time when the society catches up on the weekly news. The assortment of items includes everything from vegetables to pulses, grains, fruits, seafood, and meat. Along with consumables, handicrafts, fabrics, religious items, baskets, and other such items are readily available. Anyone can attend the market and purchase anything between the hours of 7:00 a.m. on Friday and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

5. Rafting

Unlike the stereotype of rafting, which involves battling rapids and powerful currents while shouting with delight and excitement, rafting in Bhutan allows you to leisurely float down the river while taking in the scenery and passing over some gentle yet spectacular rapids.

Instead of a thrilling adrenaline rush throughout the rafting, you will have time to marvel at the beauty of the lush green valleys and view uncommon birds while still having a fantastic time running the rapids.

6. Kayaking at Wang Chhu

If you're a true adventurer, don't forget to put kayaking at Wang Chhu on your bucket list of things to do in Bhutan. The adventure is designed for intermediate and advanced kayakers due to the course's grade IV and V rapids. However, because some of the courses are a little risky to navigate, you'll need to work on your Grade V skills in order to participate in this activity.

The downstream vista from the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu rivers' confluence is breathtaking, attracting kayakers from all over the nation.

7. Trek to Dagala Trail

Going on the Dagala hike is one of the top things to do in Bhutan to get your heart pounding. The glittering lakes and breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains are known to attract travellers on this walk. Because it is a high altitude hike, this exciting excursion allows you to see Bhutanese settlements nestled along the world's highest mountain peaks.

This moderate to challenging trip may challenge your emotions, but it is a fantastic chance to admire Bhutan's unspoiled natural splendour. On this walk, one may see Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Tshering Gang, Jichu Drake, Jomolhari, Gangche Ta, and other prominent Himalayan peaks.

8. Rock Climbing at The Nose

The Nose, a climbing rock in Thimphu, boasts 13 separate and firmly blasted climbing pathways with difficulty levels ranging from 4B to 7B and lengths ranging from 12 metres to 27 metres in some spots. Test your rock climbing skills in Bhutan if you want to do something crazy. Various groups prepare tourists and provide them with climbing equipment in order to ensure a safe and exciting excursion.

9. Experience Nimalung Tsechu Festival

One of the most intriguing aspects of this nation is the exquisite culture that has been preserved over time. Every year in Bumthang, the Nimalung Tshechu festival is held to honour the country's culture. Attending this 10-day event is certainly one of the nicest things to do in Bhutan, regardless of who you are travelling with. Bhutanese people show their love to many gods by performing colourful dances and singing with a variety of costumes and decorations. The Dzongs or Monasteries are the ideal sites to visit in Bhutan at this time for a refreshed feeling of spirituality.

10. Experience Bhutanese Cuisine

Bhutanese cuisine is a sign of the country's heritage and appeal, and Ema Datshi is generally the first name that people mention. Bhutan's national dish has been declared by public vote. The ingredients that go into preparing this exquisite Bhutanese delicacy are perhaps the reason for its appeal. It's created with cheese and chilies. In reality, 'Ema' means chilli and 'Datshi' means cheese in the Dzongkha language.

When cooking Ema Datshi, Bhutanese people utilise a wide range of chiles, from green to red and white. And eating it with rice is said to be the finest way to consume and appreciate it.

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Best time to visit Bhutan

You can find distinct months of summer, winter, spring and fall, making the climate in Bhutan magical and a perfect year-round destination. Perfect for travel in any season, Bhutan offers something unique to visitors depending on the time of their arrival.

How to reach Bhutan

Bhutan can only be reached by flight. Bhutan's only international airport, Paro International Airport, is located in Paro. It's around 7 kilometres from the city. It provides flights from a number of locations, including Mumbai and Guwahati.

About Bhutan

Bhutan is not an average place; it is the most popular tourist destination in the world. Bhutan's tourist attractions have always drawn visitors from all over the world, whether it's for its vibrant culture or mystical mountains.

Bhutan Tourist Destinations

The destinations to visit in Bhutan are guaranteed to entice you with their beauty, with breathtaking views of the Himalayan highlands. Blue skies, bright green rice terraces, clear running rivers, and unique Dzongs combine to create an enticing scene that appears like something out of a fairy tale.

Things to do in Bhutan

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to preparing a list of things to do in Bhutan. Bhutan is a country rich in natural wonders that offers a diverse choice of activities for explorers of all ages.