The last remaining kingdom of the Himalayas, Bhutan is an insanely stunning place to visit. Also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon or Druk Yul, the culture of Bhutan is something you would have never witnessed in your life. The calmness that nature brings reflects on people’s faces and also makes them great hosts for anyone travelling here for the first time. While there are many attractions in Bhutan, the best ones are those that are surrounded by nature. You can enjoy watching the wildlife, try your hands on archery, explore ancient architecture, and enjoy the slow life here. The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring and the autumn season as the weather is pleasantly serene.
An extraordinary country, Bhutan has several things to do that you may not have done elsewhere. From having a conversation with a monk to experiencing a meditative state, Bhutan fills the tourists with gratitude and serenity. While deciding the things to do in Bhutan, you can include trekking, rafting, tasting the local cuisine, enjoying cultural festivals, and more.
Top Things To Do in Bhutan
Mentioned below are some of the best places to see in Bhutan along with the things to do on your next holiday: -
- Trek to the Tiger’s Nest
- Admire the Ancient Fortress of Punakha Dzong
- Hike at Jigme Dorji National Park
- Discover Spectacular Views at Dochula Pass
- Try Out the Famous Bhutanese Cuisine
- Get to Know Bhutan’s History at Trongsa Dzong
- Witness the Natural Beauty at the Bumthang Valley
1. Trek to the Tiger’s Nest
One of the foremost things to do in Bhutan on your visit should be to take a trek to the Tiger’s Nest. As you are the most energetic on the first day of the trip, this exhilarating activity will soothe your adventure-seeking soul. This trek is known to be among the most famous things to do in Bhutan as many travellers from around the world come here to pay a visit to this unique monastery called Taktsang Paphug. Located at a height of 3120 meters above sea level, folklores claim that Guru Rinpoche flew down on the back of a tigress to this place to subdue a local demon. This sacred place offers incredible views as it is surrounded by lush greenery and blue skies.
2. Admire the Ancient Fortress of Punakha Dzong
Formerly Dzongs functioned as fortresses that are now changed over to administrative buildings. One of them is the magnificent Punakha Dzong where the King organized his wedding in the year 2011. Now it is considered among the biggest Bhutan attractions as travellers come here to explore its extraordinary architecture, monk accommodations, temples, sights of the river, and more. This place in Bhutan has a must-see Bodhi Tree where you can soak in the positive energies and ponder about the beauty that life offers. Abundance of nature surrounds the Punakha Dzong which adds more beauty to its already stunning structure. If you want to seek guidance in life, you can also have a meaningful conversation with a local monk residing here which is one of the best things to do in Bhutan.
3. Hike at Jigme Dorji National Park
Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of this foreign land at one of the best places to see in Bhutan, the Jigme Dorji National Park. It is the second-largest national park in the country as it spreads through districts including Thimpu, Paro, Gasa, etc. You can spot several endangered species such as the blue sheep, takin, Ussuri dhole, red panda, snow leopard, and more. It has some of the best things to do in Bhutan for nature lovers like trekking, hiking, bird watching, wildlife spotting, etc. You can visit the national park from March to October as the weather will be pleasant and before the hibernation period starts, you will be able to see a lot of animals here.
4. Discover Spectacular Views at Dochula Pass
While you are exploring the things to do in Bhutan on your visit, you will come across the Dochula Pass. It is located in the snow-clad Himalayas on the road from Thimpu to Punakha where you will get a full view of the majestic mountains. With an elevation of 3,100 metres from the sea level, there is nothing but nature that you will notice here. Trekking to the Dochula Pass is among the favourite things to do in Bhutan by many travellers as they come here to feel the adrenaline rush along with the tranquillity that nature provides. Make sure you visit the 108 auspicious memorial chortens that are known as Druk Wangyal Chortens which were built in honour of the Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents.
5. Try Out the Famous Bhutanese Cuisine
When you have explored enough attractions of Bhutan, do not forget to try out the famous Bhutanese cuisine. Since food is an important part of any trip, you should add this to your “things to do in Bhutan” list. In case you can tolerate the spice, you are golden here as the food comprises very distinct yet spicy flavours. Their comforting cuisine includes a lot of chillies, red rice, and cheese which makes every dish delicious for the taste pallet. The must-try dishes of Bhutanese cuisine include Ema Datshi, Zaow, Kewa Datshi, and more.
6. Get to Know Bhutan’s History at Trongsa Dzong
People who love getting to know the place where they are visiting would love the Trongsa Dzong. It is the largest Dzong in Bhutan and is home to the ancestors of the Royal Family, giving it a spot in Bhutan’s most famous things list. Among the many things to see in Bhutan, this fortress is something that you will remember forever as it reflects the beautiful history of Bhutan. While looking around, make sure you visit the 24 chapels and the museum as you will get many insights on the kingdom. Before visiting Trongsa Dzong, check out the timings for the visitors’ entry.
7. Witness the Natural Beauty at the Bumthang Valley
If you ask any traveller about the best places to see in Bhutan, Bumthang Valley will be on their list. The historical significance of this place is very important for the Bhutanese people as it boasts many monasteries, temples, villages, etc. Among the best things to do in Bhutan when you visit the Bumthang Valley is the cultural trek where you can capture the breathtaking natural beauty and take a look at the local village life.
There are so many other things to see in Bhutan while you are on your trip to this striking place. From awe-inspiring architecture to glorious natural beauty, Bhutan is a must-see country for all the globetrotters. You can find numerous Bhutan travel packages at reputed travel agencies and start planning your trip to this heavenly land on Earth. Apart from this, make sure you take a look at the travel policies of the country to enjoy a hassle-free vacation.
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