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7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan @Cheekypassports

By Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor February 28th, 2017 Posted in Asia Travel Blog, Travel Blog, Travel Guides 8 Comments

Sitting on the eastern slopes of the Himalayas, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is a landlocked country bordered by Tibet and India. Bhutan holds a policy of attracting high-value low impact tourism and the country is therefore not your typical backpacker budget destination.

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Bhutan has been implementing conservation and eco-friendly practices long before the rest of the world caught up and is the world’s first carbon-negative country. Television and internet were only introduced to the country in 1999, plastic bags and cigarettes are banned, and Bhutan’s constitution, states that 60% of the total area needs to remain forested at all times. All these measures result in a very unique nation which is lush, green, and absolutely gorgeous. Bhutanese people take great pride in their country and genuinely care about living in harmony with their environment, themselves appreciating their relative isolation from the outside world, believing that more exposure to it could only leave a negative impact.

Bhutan tourism charm lies in its uniqueness and authenticity, the friendliness and good nature of its people and most of all in the discovery of a nation where history, tradition, and culture are still naturally integrated into the daily routines.

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Here are our top 7  awesome things to do in Bhutan

1. Hike up to Tiger’s Nest

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Takstang) is one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and its image is probably the one most associated with the country. The monastery is located at the side of a steep cliff wall in the Paro valley and legend has it that this location was chosen by a tigress who brought Guru Rinpoche (an important figure in the Buddhist religion) to the site to subdue a local demon. It is a steep two hours’ hike up to the monastery, during which you can stop for a tea break at a little cafe with wonderful views of the monastery on the way up. You can also hire a horse to take you up the hill but you still need to do some walking so be sure to wear comfy shoes anyway!

2. Visit the Temple of The Divine Madman

Does being hit on the head by a wooden penis sound like a blessing to you? Well it is in Bhutan! The Temple of The Divine Madman (yes really) is a pilgrimage site for childless couples who are blessed in the temple in the hope of becoming fertile. I wasn’t 100% aware of this at the time the monk was performing the blessing on me, and listened in horror as I was afterwards told that I would most likely now fall pregnant.  And who is the Divine Madman you may ask? Drupa Kunley was a monk who wanted to show that it is possible to become enlightened without giving up on earthly pleasures, so his methods included “blessing” women with sex (again, yes really).

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Because of this, Bhutan is full of phallic images painted onto houses, hanging outside the doorways, even placed on the dinner table in the place of a flower bouquet. Phallic images are said to ward off evil spirits and are the subject of intense devotion in Bhutan. After a while you even get used to looking at them as you try to eat your way through some fiery ‘ema datshi’ (the national dish). Oh, by the way Drupa Kunley’s own penis is referred to as the “Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom”!

3. Experience a Homestay

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

One of the experiences we enjoyed most in Bhutan was spending some time with a local family on their farm in the Paro valley. Our bed was a hard mattress on the floor covered in pink blankets and dinner was rice flavoured with pork fat and butter tea (that’s tea churned with actual butter, in case you’re wondering). The kind owners prepared a traditional hot stone bath in an outhouse consisting of rickety wooden bath, filled with water from a nearby stream reputed to have medicinal properties, heated by placing in it large stones which had been thrown into a fire. Despite not having any noticeable effects on our health, the long relaxing soak ensured that we spent that night blissfully snoring away until we were rudely woken up by the farm animals in the early morning.

4. See the Takin

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

You may not have heard of takin before. We hadn’t either before we travelled to Bhutan! The takin is the national animal of Bhutan which can be found in forested valleys, however there’s no need to go on a trek in order to catch a glimpse of animal; you can see plenty at the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimpu. Although the facility was previously a mini-zoo, the Fourth King of Bhutan had proclaimed that keeping animals captive was against Bhutan’s environmental principles whereupon all the takin had been set free. However, the animals refused to leave the city and spent their time roaming around Thimpu’s streets looking for food. The only solution to this problem was to take them back into the enclosure. Indeed the animals look very content and well-fed and seem to spend most of their time lazing about in the facility.

5. Attend a Traditional Festival

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Like everything else in the country, Bhutan’s festivals are overflowing with colour and mystical legends. Religious festivals (Tshechu) are celebrated in several parts of the country and are considered to be very special events where locals gather to watch masked dancers and singers perform whilst taking the opportunity to socialise. Plays involving some type of drama depicting good and evil (from the little we could understand) are also held, and it is great fun to watch the locals “ooh” and “ahhh” over a particular story or event. You might even be asked to participate in a scene much to everyone’s certain delight!

6. Visit the Punakha Dzong

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Dzongs are fort-monasteries found throughout Bhutan, significant not only because of their particular structure, but also because they are the administrative and religious centres of Bhutanese communities. The most beautiful of these is the Punakha Dzong, otherwise known as the “Palace of Great Happiness”. The dzong stands at the point where the rivers Po chhu and Mo chhu converge and is one of the the most picturesque structures in the entire country. Additionally, the dzong itself features typical detailed Buddhist symbols and murals some of which depict the life of Buddha. You can also experience rafting on the rivers like we did, although it is not something we would really recommend to adrenaline seekers!

7. Watch (or learn) Archery

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Archery is Bhutan’s national sport and is practised everywhere in the country. From local tournaments between friends to national competitions, the activity is taken rather seriously. Traditionally, members of the opposing team make fun of each archer so as to confuse the contestant whilst members of the same team celebrate each successful shot. Once you understand what is going on, the spectacle provides some great fun and entertainment! Nikki managed to convince some locals to let him join in their game and I happily joined their hysterical laughter at his attempts!

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Where to Stay in Bhutan

Best Budget Hotel in Bhutan – Khamsum Inn

The Memorial Stupa is 500 m from the property. The Tashichho Dzong Fortress is 1 km while the Buddha Point is 5 km. The Tourist Taxi Stand is 2 km. The Paro International Airport is 65 km.

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV, a seating area and heater. There is also an electric kettle and minibar. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a bathtub and free toiletries.

Best Mid Range Hotel in Bhutan – Wangdue Ecolodge

Wangdue Ecolodge offers accommodation in Wangdiphodrang. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site.

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Certain rooms feature a seating area for your convenience. Views of the mountain, river or garden are featured in certain rooms. The rooms have a private bathroom.

Best Luxury Hotel in Bhutan – Taj Tashi

Five-star luxury awaits at Taj Tashi Bhutan, set in the heart of Bhutan’s Thimphu Valley. Featuring elaborate Bhutanese architecture, the hotel offers a fitness centre and luxurious spa. 4 dining options are provided in the hotel.

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Taj Tashi Bhutan is 7 km from Buddha Point Thimphu. Paro International Airport is 60 km or an approximate 1-hour drive from the hotel.

7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan

Stylish rooms feature wooden décor, with select ones providing stunning views of Thimphu Valley. A flat-screen TV, minibar and tea/coffee-making facilities are provided. Suites offer walk-in closets and luxurious bathrooms with a standalone bathtub.Monkey Dividers

About the Writer

7 Awesome Things to Do in BhutanMichelle and Nikki are a couple from Malta struck by wanderlust and curiosity. A pharmacist and a mechanical engineer, they have traveled to over 60 countries on 5 continents and have recently traded their full-time jobs for an indefinite trip around the world. Follow their blog: www.cheekypassports.com

Read more about Bhutan, here.

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8 thoughts on “7 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan @Cheekypassports

  1. What a wonderful content!
    I think I am in love with this nice post.I really appreciate such a smart blog.Actually,Bhutan is the paradise of earth to me. Keep more articles like this best tourist destination in Asia
    Thanks a bunch for sharing this informative post.

  2. Thank you for this blog! Bhutan is a beautiful place. It’s great to know more about facts of this lovely country.

  3. very in-depth article covers all the major places of Bhutan what you can do or see in Bhutan. touring Bhutan follows the journey across western and central Bhutan. that “wooden penis sound like a blessing to you” was epic

  4. This looks really nice! I was just wondering how many days you would recommend as the minimum to visit the country? And would December be a good time to go according to the weather?
    Thanks 🙂

  5. It’s a great place and to be honest the cost is reasonable, it does include all hotels, food, admissions and local transport to a very high standard – we though it was great and have every intention of going again !

  6. What a divine looking country … I will plan a trip here someday, just got to save up the $200 a day it costs to travel there!

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Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]