Must do Things in Bhutan
01
Rafting in Mo Chhu River
Rafting in the Mo Chhu River is super fun! You hop on a raft with a guide and float down the river. The river flows through the scenic valley of Bhutan and gives you a joyful rafting experience. Mo Chhu River has calm stretches and exciting rapids, so it's great for beginners and experts alike. Plus, the views of the stunning views of surrounding mountains and forests add to your adventure.
Best time/season: March to May and October to November.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Also Checkout: 3 Days 2 Nights Bhutan Tour Packages
Starting from
₹ 3,000
₹ 2,700
02
Best Offers on Bhutan Tour Packages: Enquire Now
Located at a height of 2600 metres Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan which is brimming with some of the ancient Buddhist monasteries. If you are on a spiritual trip in Bhutan, things to do for you are really unending. The breath-taking mountainside of Bumthang dotted with apple trees and monasteries offers a real treat to your eyes.
The famous Trongsa Dzong lying atop a steep ridge at the southern end of the Bumthang town should not be skipped from your bucket list. It is also a favourite destination for amateur trekkers for the short trails passing through turbulent streams and rolling pastures.
Timings: March-May, September-November
₹ 55,999
₹ 42,990
per adult
₹ 46,869
₹ 39,655
per adult
₹ 48,264
₹ 38,900
per adult
04
Go To Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Paro)
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Going to Taktsang Palphug Monastery is like stepping into a fairytale! You hike up a mountain and reach this amazing monastery clinging to the cliffs. It is also called Tiger's Nest because of the legend of Guru Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The views from up there are breathtaking, and you can feel the peaceful vibe washing over you. It is a bit challenging due to its elevation of approximately 3,120 meters but it's worth it for the experience and stunning scenery it offers.
Best time/season: March to May and September to November.
Difficulty Level: Moderately challenging.
Also Checkout: 4 Days 3 Nights Bhutan Tour Packages
Taking a bike trip to Bhutan is an awesome way to explore this beautiful country! You can ride through lush valleys, past rice fields, and alongside rivers like Paro Chhu and Punakha Chhu. The air is fresh, and the scenery is breathtaking. Plus, you might see some yaks or colourful prayer flags along the way. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to experience Bhutan's natural beauty!
Timings: March-May, September-November
Also Checkout: 8 Days 7 Nights Bhutan Tour Packages
06
Visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro)
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Visiting Rinpung Dzong in Bhutan is like visiting a magic fortress! It is a big, old building with colourful roofs and traditional Bhutanese architecture. Inside, you can see beautiful Thangkas, Buddha statues, and gardens. It is also a place where monks live and pray. It was built in the 15th century and is known as an important religious site in the region.
Location: Rinpung Dzong, Paro District, Bhutan
Best time/season: May to November
Also Checkout: 6 Days 5 Nights Bhutan Tour Packages
Starting from
₹ 16,300
₹ 14,700
07
Experience Nimalung Tsechu Festival
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One of the fascinating things about this country is the beautiful culture that it has managed to preserve the history. And every year in Bumthang happens the Nimalung Tshechu festival for celebrating the culture of the country.
A 10-day celebration, attending this festival is easily one of the best things to do in Bhutan, no matter who you are coming here with. The Bhutanese display their devotion to various gods through colourful dances and singing with different attires and props.
It is at this time that the Dzongs or the Monasteries are the best places to visit in Bhutan for a renewed sense of spirituality
Where- Bumthang, which is also claimed to be the most beautiful valley of the country
Best time- It is celebrated in the first fifteen days of the Bhutanese Calender, which usually fall in the month of June. in 2018, the festival begins from 21st June
08
Explore the Ancient Punakha Dzong (Punakha)
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Bhutan is renowned for its marvellous ancient architecture scattered throughout the land. Punakha Dzong is one such beautiful architecture and offers a stunning sight of the luminous aura of the white washed walls on a bright sunny day. Golden, red and black painted woods add to the charisma of this striking architecture.
The Dzong is surrounded by the splendid natural beauty with lush green hills and clear blue sky as a backdrop and is considered as one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. The Dzong is also of historical and traditional importance in Bhutan. For a long time it served as the capital. It also preserves the remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and holy artefact Ranjung Karsapani.
Location: Located at the confluence of beautiful rivers of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu in Punakha & Khuruthang , Bhutan.
Best time/season: The best time to visit the Punakha Dzong is mid-May when lavender coloured jacaranda trees blossom.
Also Checkout: 9 Days 8 Nights Bhutan Tour Packages
09
Enjoy a Drive at Dochula Pass (Thimphu)
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Dochula Pass is a scenic spot located more than ten thousand feet above sea level, while going from Punakha to Thimphu. It is one of the best things to do in Bhutan.
The place offers a panoramic view of the surrounding snow laden mountains and the breathtaking view of the colourful flags fluttering in the wind and 108 Chortens and is considered as one of the best places to visit in Bhutan
. Druk Wangyal Chorten was constructed by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
The chortens and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple with beautiful ornate details against the lush green forest backdrop make this spot famous among locals and tourists alike. The Dochu La Wangyal Festival where the colourful mask dance can be witnessed also makes this place illustrious.
Location: The Pass is located at a height of 10,171 ft on east-west Road from Thimpu to Punakha.
Best time/season: March to May and September to November.
Also Checkout: 7 Days 6 Nights Bhutan Tour Packages
10
Experience Staying in a Homestay
The homestays in Bhutan offer you a fair insight about the place and its local culture along with warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people. From home-cooked food prepared from organic ingredients to an array of luxury amenities, the homestays in Bhutan offer a perfect retreat to soak in. To know the local people and the Bhutansese culture, staying in a homestay is certainly one of the best things to do in Bhutan.
The Namgay Homestay, Haa Valley Homestay and Paro Village View Homestay are some of the best homestays in Bhutan that are well worth your money.
Price: 1952.61 BTN
11
Weekend Market of Thimphu
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The prominent place in Bhutan where one can get the fresh produce is the weekend market of Thimphu. A visit to the market should not be avoided from the list of things to do in Bhutan. It starts in the after-noon every Friday and ends on Sunday in the afternoon. Vendors with the best and the cheapest vegetables and fruits come and settle on their permanent stall on Friday. People from all sorts come here to grab the fresh stuff at the best price and this is the time the society catches up the weekly buzzes happening around.
The collection of goods varies from different types of vegetables to pulses, cereals, fruits, fish and meat. Along with edibles, one can easily find handicrafts, textiles, religious stuff, baskets and other similar things. From Friday 07:00 AM to Sunday 07:00 PM, anyone can enter the market and get the things.
Location: Chhogyal Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Price: Entry is fee
Hot springs, more commonly known as Tshachus in Bhutan, are believed to have healing properties. For centuries, the local people of Bhutan have visited these hot springs to cure themselves of body aches and sinus. They have the centuries old tradition to visit the hot springs in the months of winter.
There are many hot springs across the country. Small treks surrounded by beautiful forests on a backdrop of snowy mountains will take you to one of the hot springs where the bath houses are made with bathing facilities.
Location: The hot springs are located throughout the country. The main hot springs are Gasa Tshachus which is ten hour trek from Punakha, Dur Tshachu located in Bumthang, Duenmang Tshachu located on the riverside of Mangde Chu and Gelephu Tshachu in southern Bhutan.
Best time/season: Winters
Approx Price: Price for 10 day hot spring tour is 200,000 BTN.
13
Visit Buddha Dordenma (Thimphu)
Image Credit : Michael Foley
One of the largest Buddha statues in the world, Buddha Dordenma is a masterpiece of architectural wonder. The massive bronze statue is more than 50 meters in height and is gilded in gold. Apart from this it also houses 125,000 other Buddha statues that are placed surrounding the Buddha Dordenma statue.
Sitting royally atop a great meditation hall, this Buddha statue exudes peace and tranquillity and is considered as one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. The project has been believed to be prophesized as early as eight century in a sacred treasure kept by Guru Padmasambhava.
It is a representation of manifestation of human faith and everlasting peace and happiness for all human beings.
Location: The Statue is on top of a mount in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and marks the southern entrance to the valley of Thimphu.
Best time/season: The early morning light makes it best for clicking photographs and enjoying the beauty.
14
Attend The Annual Black-Necked Crane Festival
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Bhutanese people sure love their festivals, and one such festival that happens in the Phobjikha Valley is The Annual Black-Necked Crane Festival. Held in the courtyard of the Gangtey Goenpa, the festival celebrates the arrival of the enigmatic endangered species of the bird in Bhutan during their winter migration to Bhutan.
The festival generates awareness towards the preservation of these amazing birds, and the best way for the Bhutanese to do that is to organize dances, shows and singing of folk songs in the praise of the rare bird. Masked performances by the locals are somewhat the highlight of the whole festival, and to attend that is surely the best thing to do in Bhutan
Location- Gangtey Goenpa, Phobjikha
Best time- The month of November on the date of the festival
Entry- free
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Trongsa Dzong is famous for being the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan overlooking the mind blowing gorge of the Mangde River. A temple was established first in 1543 and in 1647, the first dzong replaced it. This dzong has a lot of importance in terms of administration and it is the headquarters of Trongza Government.
This extensive complex possesses some exemplary architectural nuances set on different levels. It houses 25 temples as well along with the beautiful courtyards, passageways, corridors and scenic surrounding. December or January will host a five day festival at the temple which symbolizes the victory of Buddhism over evil and every monastery in Bhutan takes part in this festival.
Location: Trongsa District, Bhutan
Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM and till 04:00 PM in winter
Price: Entry is free
Termed as one of the highest motor-able passes in Bhutan which is at a height of 13000 feet, the Chele La pass goes through lush green forests extending an amazing view of the serene nature. Trekking to the view point is considered to be one of the exciting things to do in Bhutan. The majestic views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake will also be a visual treat while you cross the trails.
During the winter, the beauty of the pass just heightens up and one will get to behold a mélange of waterfalls, frozen rivers, alpine flowers and much more snow. Visitors are allowed any time to enter and explore the pass. As winter adds more charm to the whole surrounding, trekkers prefer to face adventure at its best at Chele La Pass.
Location: Paro, Bhutan
If you're looking for what to do in Bhutan for an offbeat experience, then visiting Simply Bhutan should not be missed at all. It is one of its kind and hailed as 'living' museum which depicts the little nitty-gritties of Bhutanese way of life.
It allows you to cherish the culture and heritage of Bhutan and offers a guided tour where you can dress in traditional clothes, try archery, enjoy a shot of local rice spirit and so on. It is a wonderful place to escape the worries and have a carefree experience with your loved ones appreciating Bhutan.
Location: Simply Bhutan, Genyen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Best time/season: Months of spring and autumn season.
Adventurous Things to Do in Bhutan
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Camping in Thimphu, Bhutan, is one of the most amazing activities to do in Bhutan. You set up a tent, make a campfire, and cook marshmallows under the stars. It's a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. The air is crisp, and the views are breathtaking, making it a memorable experience for all.
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One of the best things to do in Bhutan to have a pulse racing getaway is to go on Dagala trek. This trek is known to enchant the visitors with its dazzling lakes and the most incredible views of the Himalayan ranges. This adventurous activity allows you a glimpse of Bhutanese villages which are located along the highest mountain peaks in the world as it is high altitude trek.
This trek tests your spirits as it is a moderate to difficult level trek, however, it is a wonderful way to appreciate the pristine natural beauty of Bhutan.One can catch a glimpse of some famous Himalayan peaks on this trek like Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Tshering Gang, Jichu Drake, Jomolhari, Gangche Ta, etc.
Location: Dagala Trail, Bhutan
Best time/season: April to June or September to October
Starting from
₹ 33,800
₹ 33,000
20
Go for Pilgrim’s Valley Trek
Live an unforgettable experience when you go for the Pilgrim's Valley trek on your vacation in Bhutan. This trek is a great combination of luxury and adventure. The trek takes you to the rural hinterlands of Bhutan where you can witness the colorful cultural side of the country.
This trek covers many important religious places in Bhutan like Paro, Bumthang, Thimphu, etc. Pilgrim's Valley trek in Bhutan is a remarkable activity to explore some of the most breathtaking places in Bhutan.
Location: Paro, Bhutan To Paro, Bhutan
Best time/season: N/A
If you are a hardcore adventurer don’t forget to include kayaking at Wang Chhu in your Bhutan things to do list. The expedition is actually for medium and expert kayakers as the course has grades IV and V rapids. But as some of the courses are little precarious to propel through you need to develop Grade V skill for participating in this activity.
The downstream view from the confluence of the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu rivers is breath-taking and invites kayakers across the country.
Location: The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu is located on the bank of Wang Chhu.
Timings: every day between 9:30am -7pm
22
Rock Climbing at The Nose
The Nose is a climbing rock located near Thimphu which takes fair pride in having 13 distinct and securely blasted climbing trails in difficulty levels ranging from 4B to 7B and length between 12 metres to 27 metres in some places. If you want to try something extreme in Bhutan, test your skill in rock climbing. There are various clubs that prepare guests and provide them with climbing hardware for a safe and thrilling expedition.
Price: 5,600 BTN
23
Take a Walk at Punakha Suspension Bridge
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Located quite near to the very well known Punakha Dzong in Punakha, this bridge holds the claim of being the longest suspension bridge ever built in Bhutan. Spanning the Po Chu river in Punakha, the bridge is surrounded by mountains that make the whole setting of this place breathtakingly beautiful.
One of the best things about this piece of architecture here is that despite being a suspension bridge and having such a great length, the bridge does not shake even the slightest bit, which might result in a high amount of panic on the visitors and commuters, as the bridge also is a connecting link between the nearby villages.
Location- Punakha, Bhutan
Best time- Through the year
24
Try Your Hand at Archery
Image Credit : Zachary Collier
Archery was declared as the national sport in Bhutan in 1971. However, the history and tradition of archery in the country dates back to six hundred B.C. The sport has started gaining popularity in the late 1920s. Now the archery is an important part of life in Bhutan. There are many archery tournaments held in each and every village of Bhutan as a mark of festivities and competition. In fact, any festival in Bhutan is rendered incomplete without archery competition.
Traditionally the archers use the bamboo made arrows and bows. However, the participants of the tournament use modern equipment. The archery tournament completes by the colorful and vibrant dancing. The sport has become a way to celebrate the life of Bhutanese people.
Location: The archery tournaments are held throughout the Bhutan. Each and every village organizes and competes in these tournaments.
The culturally rich and naturally endowed land of Bhutan offers outstanding opportunity to savour the landscape, traditions and flora and fauna of the country while enjoying the adventures of mountain biking. There are ample climbs and thrilling descents as well as smooth paved roads to cater to the needs of all types of mountain bikers.
The downhill rides are also available for those looking for some adrenaline rush. The unspoiled natural beauty and the ancient Buddhist culture that colours this land offers an amazing experience to all mountain bikers. The guided tours are available and the bikes can be rented.
Location: Paro Valley, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Tongsa, Wangthang La, Wamrong and many other locations in Bhutan are ideal for mountain biking.
Best time/season: March to May and September to November.
Approx Price: Average price for mountain biking tour is 300,000 BTN.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to extremely challenging
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Bhutan is a pretty open country in terms of the wild open riding grounds. One of the best adventure sports in Bhutan is horse riding. A religious land and a hotspot for tourism lately, many of Bhutan’s treks also include the option of riding a horse through the plains and valleys here.
And there are many riding clubs and ranches here as well, where you can learn under the supervision of an expert rider. With so many different options in one adventure, why wouldn’t one experience at least one.
Where- There are many ranches and horseback treks in Punakha and Bumthang
Best time- April to June and September to October
27
Hike Around Haa Valley
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Haa Valley of Bhutan is a true jewel in the sense that it has been mostly left untouched by the modernisation and by the heavy footsteps of the visitors. It is one of the best places to just sit back and relax by the riverside. One of the best adventure sports in Bhutan is cycling, and as it so happens, Haa valley is the home to some of the best biking and hiking trails.
Just choose a day and it is guaranteed that you will find the valley quiet and the perfect place to take a walk by the river that so lovingly flows through it. Some of the famous hiking trails here are the Hike to Katsho Goemba (Buddhist Monastery) and Hike to Jana Dingkha
Where- Haa Valley is at just 70 kms from Paro
Best time- Best time to hike or cycle in the Haa Valley is definitely in the months of Autumn and Springs
Other Things to Do in Bhutan
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The mystical land of Bhutan has been endowed with rich natural beauty and biodiversity. The prevalent Buddhist culture profoundly believed in preserving and deeply revering the nature. Today, this Himalayan province is one of the most important places of biological significance in the world. The country boasts of gamut of rare bird species and flora and fauna.
With over six hundred bird species including the endemic and endangered, the country has been considered a paradise for the bird watchers. Imperial Heron and rare Black-Necked Crane both of which are endangered bird species can be spotted in the country along with Beautiful Nuthatch and Blyth’s Kingfisher.
Location: Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang, Bomdeling, Trongsa, Tingtibi, Punakha and Thimphu among others places are ideal for bird watching.
Best time/season: The spring season from mid March to late May.
Approx Price: Average price for 18 day birding tour is 400,000 BTN.
Difficulty Level: Easy
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Bhutan is a country that loves its festivals. And Bhutan is also a country that loves to dance when it comes to celebrating these festivals. And in this Buddhist country, even the monks are not untouched by the fervour of dancing. During many of the festivals here, which they already have a lot of, the local monks of the monasteries and Dzongs (temple fortresses) come together to dance and celebrate the occasion.
And if you happen to visit one such monastery, you can also be lucky enough to join in the celebration and that will one of the most fun and memorable activities in Bhutan for you. But remember that photography is a big no inside the sanctorum, so it’s just enjoying the flow of the dance
Where- Monks dance in many of the monasteries and Dzongs of Bhutan, including the Trongsa province Dzong and Rinpung Dzong
30
Dine at Babesa Village Restaurant
One of the best activities to do in Bhutan for the foodies is to grab a meal at Babesa Village Restaurant. This place is known to enchant you with the sumptuous local dishes of Bhutan in the most flavourful way. It is unique in a way as this restaurant was once a Bhutanese house which is now converted into a restaurant and thus allows you to cherish the cozy ambience of this place.
It is visited by the tourists for it's rustic ambience and mouthwatering food with a traditional Bhutanese experience.
Location: Babesa Village Restaurant, Thimphu Expressway, Thimphu, Bhutan
Best time/season: Any time of the year
31
Shop at The Handicrafts Market
Bhutan and the neighbouring areas are famous for their craftsmanship and a certain expertise when it comes to handicrafts. And the fact that Thimphu has its own market entirely dedicated to handicrafts is a great testimonial and an amazing place to collect some of the best additions to your collection, or to even begin a new one. Most of what you will see here has been made in Nepal and is authentic Himalayan handicraft, that you will have a hard time finding otherwise.
You can buy bowls, amulets, prayer beads, badges and even printing blocks. But above all what you will love here the most is the polite attitude of the shop owners who will always welcome you with a warm smile. Shopping for handicrafts here is probably going to be one of the most memorable activities in Bhutan for you
Where- Across the Kundeyling Baazam Footbridge in Thimphu
32
Take Blessing at Gangtey Monastery
If you're wondering what to do in Bhutan to soak in the spiritual ambience of the country, then visiting the Gangteng Monastery comes highly recommended. It is the biggest Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan and offers a glimpse of the religious tradition of Pema Lingpa.
It is built in the style of Tibetan architecture and boasts of some intricate woodwork in it's massive hall. Gangteng Monastery is one of the important historical tourist attractions of Bhutan which was built in 1613 by Pema Tinley. It is also known to host the Blacked-Necked Crane festival in the month of November.
Location: Gangtey Monastery, Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan
Best time/season: October to December
33
Spot Snow Leopards at Jigme Dorji National Park
Bhutan’s second largest national park that covers almost the entire region of Gasa, and small regions of the major districts of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. Spread in a whopping 4316 square km, the park’s elevation varies from 1400 to 7000m above sea level.
Some of the most amazing sights here are the resident animals, namely, Takins, Snow Leopard, Bengal Tiger, Himalayan black bear, Red Panda and over 300 species of birds.
One of the best adventure sports in Bhutan, that is trekking, is such a big craze in the Jigme Dorji National Park, that one of the most famous signboards here says ‘Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories’.
Location- The district of Gasa, Punakha, Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang
Best time- March to October, with September being the most pleasant time
34
Check out The Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), Thimphu
Image Credit : Andrea Williams
Tashichho Dzong is a remarkable architectural structure which currently is the house of the throne room and seat of the government. More commonly known as the Thimphu Dzong, it is also called the ‘fortress of glorious religion’.
The impressive structure with white washed walls, golden, red and black wood and lush gardens on a backdrop of blue sky and flourishing green valleys, emanates a look of splendour.
The Dzong was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung on the grounds of Dho Ngon Dzong which was earlier built by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The Dzong caught fire a few times in the history first in 1968 and later again in 1869, which could be considered a mystery. You must check the 5 Days Bhutan Tour Package (Flat 11% Off) and visit Tashichho Dzong to get a glimpse of Bhutan's Culture.
Location: The Tashichho Dzong is located near the Thimphu town on the west bank of Wangchhu River and offers magnificent view.
Best time/season: March to May and September to November.
35
Pray at Chimi Lhakhang Temple (Punakha)
Image Credit : Denis De Mesmaeker
One of the most revered temples of Bhutan, Chimi L’hakhang is considered as the temple of fertility, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. Lama Drukpa Kuenley is a legendry saint in Bhutan, who is much revered in the country but because of his unusual way of teaching, he is considered an eccentric.
People from all across the country come to the temple to pray for children. The couples visiting the temple are sanctified with a wooden phallus, the imitation of the saint’s iron bow and arrows and his scriptures. Surrounded by the abundant paddy fields this temple is a must visit.
Location: The temple lies on the edge of the Lobesa valley on the confluence of the borders of Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang.
Best time/season: The best time to visit the Chimi L'hakhang Temple is spring and autumn.
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Experience Bhutanese Cuisine - Ema Datshi
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One of the symbol of Bhutan’s heritage and popularity is their cuisine, and the very first name that people usually find themselves saying is of Ema Datshi. Declared by popularity as the national dish of Bhutan. The reason behind this popularity is probably the ingredients that go into making this delicious Bhutanese delicacy. It is made with chillies and cheese. In fact, in the local Dzongkha language, ‘Ema’ means chilli and ‘Datshi’ means cheese.
The Bhutanese people use a lot of variety in chillies while making Ema Datshi, ranging from green to red and white. And the best way to consume and enjoy this is considered to eat it with rice.
Where- You can have it almost anywhere in Bhutan, as it is one of the most loved dishes in the country. The best experience will, however, sure would have to be in experiencing it at a local's house.
Best time- Whenever you feel like
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Witness the Beauty of Kyichu Lhakhan
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The beautiful Paro district in Bhutan has a lot of attractions within it but Kyichu Lhakhang prompts a lot of tourists toward it every time. This Himalayan Buddhist temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songstan Gampo. It is believed to have a lot of precious stuff inside the temple hidden by the ancient rulers. It possesses another belief as well that says the two orange trees in the courtyard bear fruits throughout the year.
Tributes to the deities named Vahrasattva, Palchen Heruka, Vajrakilaya, etc have been done here from the earlier times. Located amidst the scenic nature, the temple holds 11 Buddha statues and other architecturally intriguing stuff. A visit to Paro will give you the opportunity to spend almost one hour at the temple offering prayers and enjoying the surrounding.
Location: Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001, Bhutan
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Located in the southern part of Thimphu, Simtokha Dzonga is another Buddhist temple that was built in the year of 1629 under the guidance of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Mark the temple as a must visit and it could be counted as one of the best things to do in Bhutan. The temple houses Yeshay Gonpo or Mahakala which is belived to be the chief protective deity of Bhutan. It is placed inside the 12 sided central tower or Utse as people call it.
A number of different types of paintings, statues etc of Buddha are displayed inside the temple such as the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rimpoche, Shakya Gyalpo, the Buddha of Compassion etc and many other carvings which are explicitly portrayed. There is a belief about the temple saying it was constructed to subdue an evil spirit that had disturbed the travelers of this region continuously.
Location: Semtokha, Bhutan
Price: Entry is free
39
Explore National Memorial Chorten
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National Memorial Chorten is one of the important religious center in Bhutan. This building holds the remarkable features of Tibetan architectural style. A bunch of Bhutanese comes on a regular basis to offer prayers at this temple. Built as a memorial to Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the temple extends such a peaceful ambience equally adopting elder people and children.
The architecture itself makes the temple one of the most visited landmarks of Bhutan. The structure has a classical stupa with golden spirals and bells along with a pyramidal pillar that has a crescent and sun on the top. Also, the alluring annexes facing the four directions bring forth a specific charm.
Location: Doeboom Lam, Thimphu
40
Visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum
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13 traditional arts of Bhutan have been included in the course subjects at National Institute for Zorig Chusum which provides four to six years courses in each topic. But the institute bears the name of ‘the painting school’ in general. The students coming to attend the courses mainly focus on painting, embroidery, sculpturing, clay modeling, wood carving etc.
The incomparable skills and enduring passion the students at this institute are to be appreciated well. From March to June and from August to September are the best times to visit the institute. Visitors are allowed to explore the institution from 10:00 AM to noon and from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM on working days (Monday to Friday). On Saturdays, the timing is from 10:00 AM to noon.
Location: Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Price: For SAARC and adults it is Nu 100
41
Go for Antique Shopping
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Because of being surrounded by so many ethnicities and having had such an elaborate cultural history, there is no shortage of art collectives in the country. Antiques can be found anywhere in the country’s various markets all the time.
And with the population hailing from different cultural backgrounds that have survived here for centuries, you can rest assured about the originality and authenticity of the products that you will be buying here. One of the best ways to collect souvenirs of your trip here is to make a run in the local markets of Paro and Thimphu.
Where- Local markets of Thimphu and Paro are pretty well known to people looking to collect souvenirs
Best time- The Fall and Spring seasons are the best time to visit. Months of October to December and April to June are best suited.
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Admire the National Folk Heritage Museum
Image Credit : panoramio.com
Located in a 150-year-old mud and wood structure of 3 stories, the folk heritage museum in Thimphu showcases the local way of life in Bhutan and the cultural aspect of living here. The ground floor of the house is a barn, the second floor is a safe store and the top floor is the living area, each of which is very tastefully decorated.
The 19th century home was opened for public in the year 2001 after the long-term efforts of the royal family, and has since then, served as one of the premier Bhutan Tourist Spots. It is a must visit if you are looking for something to explore in an hour. What is even more amazing is that the founder of the museum is none other than the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Dorji Wangmo
Location- Thimphu, Bhutan
Best time- Throughout the year
Image Credit : pinterest.com
Seeing the giant Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on the earth is somewhat every human’s dream. And Bhutan offers you just that, not just one but in 2 different ways. Although a little difficult to be there at the right time of the year, but the resort on the top of Dochula Pass is one of the best locations to see Mt Everest from Bhutan.
If you arrive here on a clear day, you can clearly see as far as the Everest mountain range of Nepal, which is sure going to be one of the best things to do in Bhutan. Also, another great way of seeing the giant is to look out of your window as you are on a flight between Kathmandu and Paro.
Sometimes even the Pilot announces in the flight that you can see the Everest, which you would feel like is on almost eye level with you as they fly past the diamond-shaped rock jutting out of the ground.
Location- Dochula Pass, or on a flight
Best Time- Any time of the year when the skies are clear
Entry- Free for the cafe
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Philately Counter at the National Post Office
Philately is the art of collecting and studying stamps, and the National Post office in Bhutan’s Thimphu has taken one of the most royal hobbies of people to a whole new level. The post office that operates like a normal one also provides the amazing opportunity of turning your own picture in an amazing stamp.
Just bring one of your pictures at the counter and see the team work on it. Or if you wish, you can also have the team here take a picture of you on the spot to work with. After a short span of time, you will be handed a complete sheet of stamps with your picture on it. That for sure is one of the best things to do in Bhutan.
Location- GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Best time- Any time of the year
Entry- Free of cost
Image Credit : bhutan.travel
A town in eastern Bhutan, and in the valley of the Drangme Chhu river just before its confluence with Gamri, Trashigang is one of the less crowded cities of Bhutan despite being the administrative capital of the largest district of Bhutan.
Home to the Trashigang Dzong and the amazing yearly Tsechu of the district, this place is definitely a must visit while coming to Bhutan. It is also the place where the very first college of Bhutan was opened
Location- Trashigang Dzongkhag, Bhutan
Best time- The months of Spring and Autumn
Image Credit : drukpatrails.com
One of the least developed districts of Bhutan, Lhuentse in the northeast is one of the best offbeat places to visit if one wishes to see the local life in its full swing. Known for being a textile producer and as an ancestral home of the royal family.
It is more renowned for the Lhuentse Dzong which lies on the banks of Kuri River on top of a small hill jutting out at the end of the valley. The Dzong and Chortens are connected to the main city with the help of a Suspension Bridge over the Kuri Chhu River.
Location- North Eastern Bhutan
Best time- Spring and Autumn Months
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Marvel at Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit : bhutan.travel
Spread over 1,520 sq. kms, and covering most of the Trashiyangtse District and small portions of the neighbouring districts, the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is situated between the elevations of 1500m and 6000m above sea level. Because of such diverse conditions, the park also exhibits several characteristics when it comes to the diversity in Flora and Fauna that call this place their home.
It has been internationally recognized as an important bird area for the conservation efforts that this place has put into the protection of the endangered black-necked cranes, wood snipes and the grey-crowned prinias. With sightings of many other rare birds, this place in Bhutan is a must visit for bird and nature lovers.
Location- Trashiyangtse District, Bhutan
Best time- Winters if you wish to see the famous black-necked crane
