Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is a landlocked country bordered by Tibet and India. It sits on the Eastern slopes of the Himalayas. Bhutan follows a policy of high-value, low-impact tourism. It is not your usual budget destination. But the things to do in Bhutan are truly memorable!
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Bhutan has focused on eco-friendly practices for years. It is the world’s first carbon-negative country. Television and internet only came in 1999. Plastic bags and cigarettes are banned. The constitution requires 60% of land to stay forested. The result is a green, clean, and beautiful nation. Bhutanese people are proud of this and value harmony with nature. Many prefer the country’s limited contact with the outside world.
Bhutan tourism is unique. Visitors see authentic culture and history in daily life. The people are friendly and welcoming!
1. Hike up to Tiger’s Nest
The Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Takstang) is an icon of Bhutan. It sits on the side of a steep cliff in the Paro valley. A tigress is said to have brought Guru Rinpung Dzong Rinpoche here to subdue a demon.
The hike takes about two hours. A café halfway up offers a tea break and great views. You can hire a horse part of the way, but walking is still needed. Wear a hiking jacket and comfortable shoes. Along the trail, you pass suspension bridges and courtyards lined with prayer flags.
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, also called Chimi Lhakhang or the fertility temple, is a famous pilgrimage spot. Childless couples come here to be blessed.
Drupa Kunley, the Divine Madman, taught that enlightenment is possible without giving up earthly pleasures. His legacy left phallic images painted on houses and displayed in doorways. They are believed to ward off evil.
Don’t worry. After a while, you can get used to looking at them as you try to eat your way through ema datshi, the national dish. Oh, by the way, Drupa Kunley’s own penis is referred to as the “Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom!”
If you feel like it, take a camera for picture taking!
3. Experience a Homestay
Some people get to spend time with a local family in the Paro valley. Our bed was a hard mattress on the floor covered in pink blankets. Dinner was rice flavored with pork fat, cheese, and butter tea. That’s tea churned with actual butter, in case you’re wondering.
Hosts may prepare a traditional hot stone bath. It’s a rickety wooden bath, filled with water from a nearby stream. It’s known for having healing powers. But even so, the long relaxing soak makes sure guests can snore away.
4. See the Takin
The takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It can be found in forested valleys. No need to go on a trek to catch a glimpse of it, though. You can see plenty at the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimpu. The facility was a mini-zoo back then. But the Fourth King of Bhutan thought keeping animals captive was against Bhutan’s environmental principles. In the end, all the takin were set free.
Still, the animals didn’t leave the city. They spent their time roaming around Thimpu’s streets, looking for food. The only solution to this problem was to take them back into the reserve. The animals look very content and well-fed there.
5. Attend a Traditional Festival
Festivals, called Tshechu, are full of dance, color, and music. The Paro Tshechu in March and events in November are highlights. Masked dancers and plays show the battle between good and evil. Visitors often find the celebrations exciting and full of adventure.
6. Visit the Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is the “Palace of Great Happiness.” It sits where the rivers Po chhu and Mo chhu meet. The dzong has Buddhist murals and symbols. Its long courtyard is great for photos. Close by, you can cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge for amazing views.
7. Watch (Or Learn) Archery
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport. Locals play it everywhere. Tournaments are lively. Teams tease each other and cheer loudly. Visitors sometimes get the chance to join in.
8. Explore Thimphu’s Weekend Market
The weekend market in Thimphu is always busy. People shop for produce, textiles, handicrafts, incense, and rice wine. Visitors can see daily life and meet locals.
9. Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue
The Buddha Dordenma is a massive golden statue. It overlooks Thimphu. Inside are thousands of small Buddha statues. The view of the valley is stunning.
10. Trek the Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass on the road to Punakha. It has 108 memorial chortens. On clear days, you can see Himalayan peaks. It’s also a good spot to plan your itinerary for mountain biking or hiking nearby trails.
11. Try Bhutanese Cuisine
Bhutanese food is hearty. Try ema datshi, a chili and cheese stew. Momos, or dumplings, are popular. Red rice is a staple. These dishes connect visitors to local culture.
12. Visit Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha Valley is a glacial valley. It is the winter home of black necked cranes. The valley is peaceful and great for hiking and bird watching. You can also visit Gangtey Monastery here.
13. Tour Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong is the largest in Bhutan. It has been the seat of the government for centuries. The dzong shows Bhutanese history and architecture in detail.
14. Explore Bumthang Valley
Bumthang is called the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. It has old temples, monasteries, and peaceful scenery. Jigme Dorji National Park and other national parks show the country’s love for nature and wildlife.
15. Discover the National Museum of Bhutan
The National Museum of Bhutan is in Paro. It is in a former watchtower. It holds Bhutanese art and cultural treasures. Just below, you can also see the impressive Rinpung Dzong.
Where to Stay in Bhutan
Best Budget Hotel
Khamsum Inn is 500m away from the Memorial Stupa. 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.
Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV, a seating area, and a 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
Wangdue Ecolodge is in Wangdiphodrang. It has a bar and free private parking. Some rooms have seating areas with views of mountains, rivers, or gardens. All rooms have private bathrooms. Wangdue Ecolodge is a great mid-range choice for visitors.
Best Luxury Hotel
Taj Tashi Bhutan is in Thimphu Valley. It features Bhutanese design, a spa, a fitness center, and four dining options. It is 7 km from Buddha Point. Paro International Airport is 60 km or about an hour’s drive.
Rooms at Taj Tashi are stylish with wooden décor. Some rooms have views of Thimphu Valley. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea or coffee makers. Suites come with walk-in closets and bathrooms with bathtubs.
Plan Your Trip to Bhutan!
Bhutan is a special place. Its traditions and modern life exist together. You can hike to monasteries, visit valleys, and enjoy festivals. Every trip reveals something deeper about the country. With stunning views, eco-friendly laws, and kind people, Bhutan will leave every visitor inspired.
Read more about Bhutan, here.
FAQs
Yes. Travel health insurance is important. Bhutan has rugged trails and adventure activities like mountain biking. Insurance gives safety and peace of mind.
The best time is spring and autumn. March to May and September to November are perfect. Skies are clear and weather is mild. Many festivals happen, such as the Paro Tshechu.
See Tiger’s Nest, Punakha Dzong, Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang Valley, and the National Museum of Bhutan. Add suspension bridges, national parks, Haa Valley, and Chimi Lhakhang to your itinerary for more adventure.
About The Writer
Michelle 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.
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