From exploring villages and cities to trekking some high mountains; spending some time in the peaceful monasteries to enjoying the colorful festivals. There is no denying that Bhutan is one of the best places to visit across the world. Also, did you know that the travel and tourism sector of Bhutan alone contributes to a large part of the country’s GDP?
To top it all, Bhutan is also amongst the happiest countries in the world. And clean as well! So, this brings a lot of people to this country every year across all the seasons. Needless to say, there is a long list of things to do in Bhutan which can be enjoyed by adventure junkies and wanderers.
So, let’s get started with our list of best things to do in Bhutan
1. Thousand Lakes trek – Go on the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Also known as Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek; this is one of the heavenly places that tourists visit. Taking this trek is not as easy as you might think but there are multiple adventure seekers who do take this. This trek is not only an enjoyable thing to do but also helps in exploring the gems of the country.
So, if you too are interested in exploring the hidden gems far away from the city then go for the Thousand Lakes trek. We have given below some important information about the trek.
| Maximum Elevation attained | 4720 m |
| Minimum Elevation in the trek | 2250 m |
| No. of days taken | 6 days |
| Level of trek | It is a short trek with medium level throughout |
| How to reach the starting point | You can access it from Paro and Thimphu |
| Can beginners take this trek? | Yes, beginners can also complete this trek if they don’t have any medical issues. |
| Trek Route | Paro or Thimphu- Geynizampa- Gur- Labatamba- Panka- Talakha- Chamgang |
| Best time to take this trek? | September to June |
| Cost approximation | It can be around 15,000- 20,000 INR (including stay and meals throughout the trek) |
2. Guided bike tour – Join a cycling tour from Paro to Thimphu
From guided city tours to the rugged off-roading session; Bhutan has everything for you in-store. It is always advised to take a guided tour in the country except for the city tours. You will have to hire a guide and that’s a mandate and it will also keep you safe.
Most regions of the country are left pristine to offer the visitors exactly what they want from nature. So, there have been instances where people have gotten lost. To prevent this from happening, you can take guided tours. Here are a few trials that you can enjoy the most.
| Motor Biking trails in Bhutan | Mountain Biking Trails in Bhutan |
| Gangtey Valley Ride | KC Trail (Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang) |
| Paro Ride | Thimphu-Punakha Trail |
| Bumthang Valley Ride | Punakha Trail |
| Thimphu Ride | Tshalu Maphey |
| Haa Valley Ride | Thimphu Debsi Trail |
You can decide amongst the options given above to enjoy the most from your trip. If you are an avid biker and have enough time, take as many of these trails as you can.
3. Druk Path hike – Trek along the high-altitude Druk Path
As we are already well aware of the fact that Bhutan is well-known for its treks and hikes. One of their best is the Druk Path hike which is taken by a lot of people every year. It is a short and classic trekking trail that is enjoyed by a lot of people.
If you want to take this hike, you will have to know a bit more about it. From the route to the total distance, isn’t it? This will help you in packing the bag and preparing properly.
| Total distance to be covered | 54 km |
| Days you require to complete the hike | 6-7 days |
| The difficulty of the hike | Medium (rated by the Tourism Council of Bhutan) |
| Maximum Elevation attained | 4235 m |
| Route to be followed | Paro- Jili Dzong- Jangchhu Lakha- Jimilang Tsho- Simkotra Tsho- Phajoding- Motithang |
| Approximate cost of the hike | 15,000 – 20,000 INR |
4. Birdwatching walk – See migratory cranes in Phobjikha Valley
Bhutan is a wonderful place. We have already established this fact. But that is not only because of nature. The fauna collection of this place is also amazing and well kept. If you are one of those avid birdwatchers, your plan to visit Bhutan will be a hit.
Bhutan is a heaven for birdwatchers because at multiple places you will get to see migratory birds, rare species, endangered species of birds, and even those that are found in this country only.
The best time to enjoy this activity is between September and May which means throughout the year except the rainy season. So, all the birdwatchers make a note of these important things so that you get to enjoy the most from the trip.
| Places to visit for birdwatching in Bhutan | Highlight species of birds |
| Paro | Fire-capped tit, Brown Dipper, Dark-Throated Thrush, Ibis Bill |
| Phobjikha Valley | Black Necked Crane |
| Che Le La | Yellow-Billed Magpies, Silver Fir, Blue pines, Rhododendrons |
| Thimphu | Maroon-Backed Accentor, Golden-Breasted Fulvetta |
| Bumthang and Sengor | Fire Tailed Sunbird, Rufous-Necked hornbill |
| Punakha | White-Bellied Herons, Golden Bush Robin |
5. Bhutanese history – Trace the history of Bhutan’s monarchy
Bhutan is one of those places that follow the monarch’s rule till date. It is still considered a kingdom where people live in harmony. There is no denying that democracy is the right of these people but they love the monarch’s rule.
That’s about Bhutanese; what about you? Do you love to know about the history of these people? How were they ruled and what makes them a top-notch country. How are people still happy here even though they are not given the taste of democracy? To know all of this, you will have to turn over a few pages of the history of Bhutan. For that, you will have to visit the monarchs.
6. Buddhist monastery hikes – Hike trails to mountaintop monasteries
While visiting Bhutan, it feels as if the Buddhists didn’t wish for everyone to visit the monasteries. They wanted to see the determination and perseverance of people before they entered the holy place. Now, that’s just a hoax but one true thing is the hikes. Bhutan is one of those countries where you get a lot of hiking chances. Even if you want to visit the monasteries, you will have to hike. But that’s an invitation for the adventure souls visiting here, isn’t it?
Therefore, if you want to visit the fabulous monasteries then you might have to fasten your shoes and get going. Here are some amazing monasteries that are located at heights so if you wish to visit here, you will have no other option but to hike up.
| Name of the Monastery | The altitude of the Monastery | Location |
| Taktsang Monastery | 3120 m | Paro Valley |
| Cheri Monastery | 2850 m | Thimphu |
| Tango Monastery | 2320 m | Thimphu |
| Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery | 900 m | Jakar |
| Punakha Dzong Monastery | 1200 m | Bumthang |
| National Memorial Chhorten | 3800 m | Thimphu |
7. Fortress architecture – Check out dzong buildings in Paro
Paro is undoubtedly one of the most important, visited, and beautiful places in Bhutan. There is no denying how many attractions here lure people from across the country. It will be worth saying that Paro is amongst those destinations where you can have a great time with your travel partners.
With such a huge list of attractions, you won’t find any problem in engaging yourself with some activity. But if you still want you can explore the forts and fortresses of the city. There are 2 amazing and huge forts in Paro and they will keep you engaged.
- Drugyel Dzong which was built in 1649
- Rinpung Dzongkhag which is another fort
8. Traditional cuisine – Order a family-style Bhutanese meal
There is a huge list of traditional cuisines that you can savor while being in Bhutan. Also, this is amongst those countries in the world where you will find a lot of tasty and healthy food options. Local eateries offer tasty and healthy meals. You can explore and sit at any of those to get your tummy full before leaving for your next destination or activity.
Okay, to help you with options we have a list of food items and drinks that you can savor here. Try to enjoy these at least once.
- Ema Datshi
- Shakam Ema Datsi
- Kewa Datsi
- Lentil Soup
- Shakam Pa
- Sikam Pa
9. Raft down rapids on the Pho Chhu River
Bhutan is undeniably an amazing destination for adventure seekers and if you are one, there is a treat at this place. You will surely love spending time at multiple locations indulging in the various adventure and thrilling activities it has on offer. And white water rafting at Pho Chhu River is one of them. This is one of the best things to do in Bhutan in May and that’s the time when you will see most of the visitors trying to ride the tides.
| Starting Point | Wolathang |
| Ending Point | Samdinkha |
| Difficulty of the rafting | Grade IV and V |
| Total Distance Covered | 7 Km (approximately) |
10. Buy local produce at Thimphu market
If you want to go on a shopping spree then the Thimphu Market is one of the best places to visit for this work. The entire market is a bustling and vibrant place to even go for window shopping. At this market, you get a huge production of spices, fruits, and vegetables. There are many places in the market where you see multiple opportunities to buy handcraft and other items too.
When you visit the Thimphu Market, it not only elevates your shopping experience but helps in immersing in the local colors of the country. It helps you in understanding and observing the traditional Bhutanese dresses, cuisines, and other things as well.
Conclusion
There are a lot of other things to do in Bhutan that we will be update shortly. You can include these in your list of activities. So that while you visit here, you will have at least some breathtaking activities on your plate.
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