white water rafting Punakha Bhutan
Bhutan Tour - Culture & Heritage

Top 10 Things To Do In Bhutan For A Rewarding Experience

Spiritual, serene and out of this world! That’s how the beauty of Bhutan, the Kingdom of Happiness is defined. It is one of the few places on earth where you can completely be at peace and be one with nature. This quaint country boasts of its prepossessing scenery dotted with Himalayas, monasteries and a dense expanse of greenery which uplifts your senses the very moment you set your gaze on its heavenly landscape.

A trip to this magical land is a rewarding experience as you get to explore the beautiful culture and spend some meaningful moments with the locals who take pride in offering a glimpse of their free spirited lives. 

What makes this place even more interesting for seasoned travelers is the mystery it holds as a large part of this naturally proliferating nation still lies unexplored. Notwithstanding, the country stores limitless avenues for every kind of traveller hidden in its remote regions.

If you’re thinking of taking a break from crowded tourist destinations, heading to this tiny land is the best recourse. However. be ready to pay the daily fee that is required from the visitors to stay in Bhutan as a measure to promote the ecology and to maintain its status as a carbon neutral nation. But no matter what, every minute you spend in this country is worth the price you pay. For a truly satisfying vacation, here is a checklist of things you must do in your Bhutan Tour.

1. Trek To Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro
Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro

Those thirsting for an experience of the breathtaking outdoors of Bhutan should not miss trekking up till the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. It is an iconic location that showcases the booming natural wealth residing in this ecologically affluent country.

The whole path leading up towards the monastery carries a spiritual essence due to the presence of Buddhist symbols like water wheel and prayer flags that  meet you along the way. Upon reaching the Tiger’s Nest monastery, you’ll be greeted with bewitching views of alpine regions and vast stretches of greenery.

From here you have an option to go on the best treks Bhutan is famous for – the Snowman’s trek which is mostly suited for the daredevils and lovers of extreme adventure.

Also Read: Top 20 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

2. Get to know about Buddhism in Bumthang

Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang, Bhutan
Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang, Bhutan

For the spiritually inclined, Bhutan Travel Package extends scores of opportunities to uncover facts related to the origin of Buddhist religion in Bumthang. This place holds great meaning for Buddhist followers as the first Buddhist leader who brought this religion to Bhutan is known to have his residence in Bumthang.

Touring this region allows you to gain insight on Buddhist religion with the monumental treasures constructed by Buddhist spiritual leaders dating back to the seventh century.

These include:-

  • Jambay Lakhang monastery
  • Kurjey Lhakhang
  • Tharpaling monastery
  • Jakar Dzong
  • Lhodrak Kharchhu monastery
  • Temples in Kurje Lakhang, and
  • Tamshing Lakhang.

Suggested Tour : Bhutan Kingdom Tour – ( 15 Days / 14 Nights )

3. Whitewater rafting at Punakha

white water rafting Punakha Bhutan
White water Rafting at Punakha, Bhutan

One thing about Bhutan that fetches attention from travellers is its rivers fed by Himalayan glaciers especially the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. These  rivers flowing under the gorgeous Punakha valley serve as best locations for white water rafting.

The best part about sailing over these raging rivers is the views of valleys, plant and bird life you get which are highly intoxicating. All the natural beauty stored around the rivers  only works to elevate your rafting experience and you’ll be tempted to try the sport one more time to relive the experience.

Combining your rafting tour with overnight camping is a good idea to absorb the ravishing nature abounding in Punakha.

4. Watch Migratory birds at Phobjika Valley

Black-necked crane, Phobjika Valley
Black-necked crane at Phobjika Valley

A truly terrific place that is likely to win your interests is the enchanting Phobjika valley, famous for exotic black necked cranes that swarm in during winter months.

The panoramic sights of bird and plant life you get to watch in this region beats all other experiences. This is a place where photographers, birdwatchers and nature lovers can spend the most fulfilling time capturing the beauty it owns.

Phobjika Valley
Phobjika Valley

But if birding is your only motivation, then combining your trip to Phobjika valley with a few other places like – Pa Chu river, Che Lela pass and Begana and Cheri villages in Thimpu would be ideal to view the exotic birds residing in Bhutan.

Suggested Tour : Bhutan Kingdom Tour – ( 15 Days / 14 Nights )

5. Archery

Archery in Bhutan
Archery in Bhutan

The most thrilling way to observe the culture and enthusiasm of locals of any place is to engage in local sports. Archery, the national sport of  Bhutan is highly recommended for visitors to include in their wishlists.

The impact of this sport is visible at every place you visit in Bhutan. The most interesting part of this sport is the cheerleading sessions and celebrations that infuse an air of jovialness into the sport.

In earlier times it was only men who were seen exhibiting their talents in archery but with time even women started to show interest in the game and the country now has many international level female champions.

For tourists, the sport tends to be a great entertainer as it gives them a chance to indulge in discussions with the locals about the sport and the unique culture of Bhutan.

6. Take a walk at Punakha Suspension Bridge

An entrancing view that is going to leave every visitor speechless in Bhutan is the one nestling the Punakha Suspension Bridge. A walk through this iconic bridge hovering over Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers is an enchanting one as it shows you the most beautiful side of Bhutan.

Punakha Suspension Bridge
Punakha Suspension Bridge

This 160 metres long bridge is believed to be constructed by a Buddhist monk as a measure to connect some remote villages to Bhutan’s administrative centre. The bridge is lined with prayer flags and thus imbibes a spiritual character.

However, if you are scared of heights, you need to move with caution as strong currents of winds sometimes sway the bridge. Hence, it makes a good option for adventure seekers who also get to scan the spell binding nature located around this bridge.

Suggested Tour : Bhutan Kingdom Tour – ( 15 Days / 14 Nights )

7. Attend a festival

Leaving all things aside, be it nature or adventure options, if we think what gives Bhutan the recognition as a potential tourist hotspot, then it surely is its incredibly maintained culture.

This land is famous for its folk festivals that celebrate local culture in the most profound way. These festivals hold a special place both for locals and travellers as they put forth the culture, art, folk music and dances in the most colourful manner. The energy and fervour showcased in these festivals regard them as best occasions to capture the hues and merrimaking that goes on in this land.

festival in Bhutan
festival in Bhutan

No matter which season you plan to travel to Bhutan, you have a chance to attend a festival which take place from February till November. Paro Tsechu, Haa Summer Festival, Punakha Drubchen and Thimphu Psechu are a few festivals that deserve to be attended in your Bhutan Tour.

Some Famous Festivals:-

  • Paro Tsechu
  • Haa Summer Festival
  • Punakha Drubchen
  • Thimphu Psechu, etc.

Also Read: Top 20 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

8. Shop at Norzin Lam

shopping at Norzin Lam
Shopping at Norzin Lam

The top things that serve as testimony  to the fine culture of Bhutan are its art objects and handicraft items. One of the best shopping centres selling these objects are located in Norzin Lam street in Thimphu. This street hosts scores of stalls and shops selling local artwares and textiles.

You can find wooden and bamboo craft items as well which tend to be great souvenirs. Plus, there’s an endless range of woollens available in the stores which most tourists willingly buy to manage the changing weather conditions in Bhutan. You also get a chance to invest in antique jewelery and thangka paintings.

Shopping Attractions:

  • Handcraft Items
  • local artwares and textiles
  • wooden and bamboo craft items
  • woollen products
  • Antique Jewelery
  • Thangka paintings.

9. Stay with the locals

Your visit to Bhutan stays incomplete if you don’t get to experience the superb hospitality of locals who are famous around the world for their affectionate nature. They take pride in giving a peek into their culture and show you all the things that set this country apart from all other nations.

The villages of Bhutan are perfect places to take stock of the rural life with its homestays where toursts get to stay, take part in cooking and other activities undertaken by the family. This kind of stay packs in the essence of Bhutan no matter which village you visit.

The most preferred spots for rural stays are villages of Punakha, Phobjika, Gangtey, Sakteng, Bumthang, Wangdue and Paro. To gain information about the stay options available in these villages you can contact the best India Tour Operator you are hiring to arrange the trip.

10. Sample Bhutanese Cuisine

Ema datshi Bhutan Cuisine
Ema Datshi Bhutan Cuisine

Food tells a lot about the culture, people and living conditions of a particular region and when it comes to the cuisine of Bhutan, the country with a high happiness index, you’ll be left thrilled with its vast range of fiery flavored dishes.

The locals liberally use chillies, spices and peppers in their recipes to beat cold weather conditions. The most famous dish you need to try is Ema datshi made from cheese and chilli peppers.

Suggested Tour : Bhutan Kingdom Tour – ( 15 Days / 14 Nights )

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