33 things to do in Bhutan
Before COVID-19 threw the world into chaos, Bhutan topped Lonely Planet's list of best trips as the country to visit in 2020, and for good reason. Bhutan promises a unique adventure for any traveler; The soaring mountains are covered with evergreen forests and dotted with Buddhist temples, valleys cut by glacial rivers and a delightfully pure pine air. Bhutan is already the only carbon negative country in the world, and the kingdom is set to become the first fully organic nation, so it will only get more beautiful... Here is our list of 33 things to do in the kingdom most happy with the world:
Perhaps the most enduring image of the country is the Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger's Nest temple, a sacred pilgrimage site. Perched like an eagle's nest, 3000m high on a cliff, the temple is an exhilarating and rewarding hike that ranks as a must-see experience.
For an exhilarating experience, go on a heli-hike! Take a helicopter through Paro Valley to Bumdra and descend into the valley via Tiger's Nest.
Outdoor activities can be balanced with delicious spa treatments. Treat yourself to one of the many rejuvenating treatments offered at Como Uma Paro in their Shambhala spa.
In the neighboring valley of Paro district lies the spectacular Haa Valley, a tiny region that is one of the most beautiful and remote areas of Bhutan. There are plenty of hiking trails, and once the ancestral home of Queen Grandma and the illustrious Dorji family, the valley is culturally rich with a fascinating history.
Bhutan is known as the happiest country in the world, so meeting the people of Bhutan is a must. You will quickly see that they have a wonderful sense of humor and are a lot of fun!
Bhutanese cuisine has a very distinct flavor and for a full cultural experience you must try popular dishes, such as momos, ema datshi, and zaow.
Take the time to experience Bhutanese city life in the tranquil capital, Thimphu. Enjoy the Changangkha Temple and National Museum, as well as traditional painting lessons and the fascinating Royal Textile Academy where examples of delicate local work can be purchased.
Visit the impressive Dordenma Buddha in Thimphu which was completed in 2015 for the prosperity of the nation. Make sure to climb behind the statue for incredible views of the city below.
Visit Motithang Takin Reserve in Thimphu and learn about the 'takin', the national animal of Bhutan.
Get out of the luxury hotel circuit and live with a host family. Spending time with a local family at a traditional farmhouse will give you a great sense of the warm Bhutan hospitality and traditional values, in a charming and comfortable setting.
The weekend market in Thimphu is a fantastic experience; vendors gather to sell their produce of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and grains, fish and meat, as well as crafts, textiles and other knick-knacks.
There are 108 memorial chortens built by the Elder Queen Mother at Dochula Pass, en route from Thimphu to Punakha. If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you will have stunning views of Mount Everest.
Visit the mighty Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century monastery restored to its former glory by the king and considered one of the most sacred and important dzongs in the country.
Stay at Six Senses Thimphu, one of our favorite hotels. It has an expansive outdoor terrace, with spacious ponds that reflect snow-capped Alpine peaks and white clouds in the glassy surface - a particularly striking sight during a sunrise breakfast at the lodge.
Walk along Bhutan's longest suspension bridge a short walk from Punakha Dzong. The 160-meter-long bridge spans the Po Chhu River connecting the town of Punakha to Punakha Dzong.
Punakha is home to Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious 15th century fertility monastery where women go to pray for their children and help them conceive, and it's well worth a visit.
Idyllic Amankora Punakha owns a farm that once belonged to the Queen Mother and a private dinner here is a positive note that will linger gently.
Bhutan is well known for its many colorful festivals. Celebrate Punakha Tshechu in Bhutanese national costume - like I did last year, what an amazing day!
There is no better way to experience the tranquil paradise of Bhutan's pristine natural landscapes than to camp among peaceful nature in a cozy tent, compete with a woodstove and toasted marshmallows and explore all that nature has to offer. The rustic and comfortable ti-udders of Tented Outposts in the Wild offer the ultimate experience of nature.
If you visit the Phojikha Valley from November, you may witness the migration of black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau to escape the brutally cold winters. One of the rarest birds in the world, the incredibly diverse route is only taken by 300 birds per year.
In Gangtey, a visit to the Black Neck Crane Center is priceless. The center features material on popular cranes and their environment, as well as conservation awareness operations on the threatened bird.
Long journeys by car are often as awe-inspiring and thrilling as sightseeing. Drive from Punakha to Gangtey and soak up the fairytale landscapes that float beyond - a different view greets you around every turn, like a real Disney movie.
The terrace at Gangtey Lodge, one of our favorite hotels in Bhutan, is the perfect place to spend hours just gazing out at the scenic valley below. The weather changes so frequently that the lights are constantly changing and there is always something to watch out for, as the staff bring you hot drinks, blankets, hot water bottles and neck warmers.
The impressive 17th century monastery, Gangtey Goemba, is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa Buddhist school and is inhabited by monks during the summer months and the lively Black-necked Crane Festival is celebrated here every November.
Hot stone baths are an ancient Bhutanese tradition where rocks from the river are used to heat water, releasing key minerals that relieve aches and pains in the body. A hot stone bath at Gangtey Lodge is the perfect treat after a long, relaxing massage.
Go whitewater rafting on the Mo Chhu River with the Himalayan backdrop.
For those not short on time, continue from Gangtey, passing spectacular scenery to Bumthang, stopping for a visit to Trongsa Dzong - the ancestral home of the monarch of Bhutan - along the way. Trongsa's sprawling white dzong with its distinctive yellow roof is perched on the edge of a mountain ridge and appears to be suspended above the plain.
Bumthang is a region combining the four valleys of Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Explore Wangdicholing Palace, the home of the first and second king of Bhutan, the great Kurjey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most auspicious landmarks, Tamshing Monastery and the famous Red Panda brewery.
Bumthang is one of the best places in Bhutan for walking, due to its wide U-shaped valleys and gently sloping mountains, so it is suitable for all levels of fitness. The hikes can be quite easy for the relatively fit or the more grueling people. Whatever you choose, this is a must do for hiking the mighty Himalayan mountain range.
Try your hand at Bhutan's national archery. Often performed at religious and cultural festivals, it is an extremely popular activity for locals and visitors alike. Most afternoons, you can see groups of men clashing, aiming at incredibly small targets 120 yards away.
Biking through Bhutan's mountainous and rugged landscape has become increasingly popular with a variety of cycle routes available ranging from smooth rides on paved roads to challenging off-road dirt trails that meander over rugged terrain. .
Bumthang is one of the best places in Bhutan for walking, due to its wide U-shaped valleys and gently sloping mountains, so it is suitable for all levels of fitness. The hikes can be quite easy for the relatively fit or the more grueling people. Whatever you choose, this is a must do for hiking the mighty Himalayan mountain range.
For a totally unique experience, visit Trashigang in the far east of Bhutan. Once the center of bustling trade with Tibet, today it is the junction of the east-west highway. This town is also the main market for the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng, whose way of dressing is unique to Bhutan.
Even leaving Bhutan is a picturesque affair. Make sure you have a seat by the window as the view of the Himalayas as you land and take off can be exquisite on a clear day: blue skies and snow-capped peaks stretch out for miles below you. .
Here are some of the amazing and inspiring things to do in Bhutan to start your Bhutanese adventure.
James Jayasundera is Founder and CEO of Ampersand Travel. Ampersand Travel creates bespoke and luxurious travel experiences in Asia, the British Isles and Southern Africa. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to enhance your profile, please contact us.
