8 Must-dos in Bhutan

Are you planning a trip to Bhutan? Or consider that should you reach to this magical land? With a list of Top 8 must-dos in Bhutan below, I bet that it takes your breath away! Not convinced yet? Find the most amazing experiences when coming to the Last Shangri La!

1. Visit Monasteries

Looking for some peace of mind without hustle and bustle of the busy cities? A visit Bhutanese monastery is one of the must-dos in Bhutan to satisfy your expectation!

Tiger’s Nest Monastery overlooks the fabulous Paro valley in the mysterious Legend still keeps the spiritual and scared atmosphere. Another destination, the Rinpung Dzong is a must-see because of its splendid Dzong architecture and typical Buddhist influence. It is also known as a university where monks study the Buddhist scriptures.  If you want to find a peaceful place to enjoy the natural beauty among the immense forests and tranquil cloister, Tango monastery in Thimphu is the best choice.

Rinpung Dzong in Paro

Famed as the King of Monasteries, not surprisingly that priories scatter over the countries such as Punakha Dzong in Punakha, Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang Valley or Trongsa Dzong in Trongsa. Bhutan is one of the premier places to go for those seeking the holy abbeys and feeling of scared spirit in mind.

Check out Bhutan Travel guides carefully before you come here!

2. Hiking up the Tiger’s Nest

Commonly known as “inscrutable land”, Bhutan, an alluring Buddhist kingdom, is situated in the Himalayas, cuddled between India and China. No surprising that Bhutan reserves an aura of extravagant charm, and visitors can pierce through the calls of the nature in Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, lies on the side of a cliff at 900 meters from the Paro valley, is perhaps the most famous landmark in Bhutan. Taking the hike to Tiger’s Nest is arduous, but without a doubt, a must-do in Bhutan.

Perched on a 1,200 meter cliff, Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger's Nest is perhaps the most famous place in Bhutan

An eight- km-hiking to the monastery, begins at around 2,500 meters elevation and ends at around 3,300 meters, is extraordinary for adventure lovers. Near the halfway, there is also a tea shop where you can take a break and get a drink to continue your journey. The vivid sky and cool weather with the splendid rays of sunshine make it a perfect time to relax and take great photos. The copiousness of colorful flags, the picturesque hillsides and a close-up view of monastery amaze you a lot. If you are not fit enough for a hike, take a mule to go up the top. Thus, you don’t lose awesome feelings when traveling to Bhutan.

3. Ride up to the Dochula Pass or Chele La Pass

Located on the slopes of Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan has a lot of panoramic landscapes to offer you. Taking a ride through the Chele La Pass at high of 3988 meter will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Like an artist’s palette, abundant flora and fauna makes an evident impression in the eyes of visitors. Particularly, magnificent colorful rhododendrons absolutely allure you by its magical beauty hidden behind the dense fog. One side with the lush forests and the prayer flags scattering on the other side, these passes are a very spectacular attraction that you shouldn’t miss when traveling to the Last Shangri La. Don’t let the idea of the riding motor through the Chele La Pass be too daunting. It is actually worth it!

4. Bird-watching

Your Bhutan travel turns out to be an awesome experience with a bird-watching trip! Blacked Necked Cranes is an endangered species of cranes in the wetlands of Phobjika Valley in Bhutan. Come here in the early morning of frosty winter to watch these beautiful landscapes. The cranes dancing in the immense valley make an astonishingly gorgeous creature. The Black Necked Cranes, the mixture of white, black and red color, is like the present that God gave us. It is absolutely a carnival of sound and color. The Royal Bhutan Government deep respects for nature and guarantees the environmental preservation on purpose of eco-tourism. Thus, a bird-watching trip guides you close to the authentic nature of Bhutan.

The Black Necked Crane in Bhutan

5. Celebrate with Bhutan  traditional festivals

Bhutan is considered a destination combining the best of tantric culture and pristine nature. To be one of the religious countries in the Tibetan Buddhist, Bhutanese culture is characterized by religious festival celebration. “Tsechu” is the local word for festivals.  There are enough here to keep you stay longer by never-ending festivals. Whenever you come, you are immersed into the majestic festivals of the faith and traditions. It is truly said that Bhutan is home to hundreds of festivities.  Among the best, Thimphu Tsechu and Paro Tsechu are symbol of antique living Bhutanese culture. They attract a huge of people coming here, especially in autumn, to see the masked dances. Each dance represents for each period of Bhutan history as well as Bhutanese culture. No word can express all attractive Bhutan. If you are curious of the colorful celebrations, don’t hesitate to come here and feel!

One of the Tsechus in Bhutan

6. Go to the weekend market in Thimphu

The weekend market occupies stalls on both banks of the Wang Chhu, north of Stadium. People from the surrounding villages arrive here on Thursday and Friday, until Sunday night.

The essential products of market are red rice and tsampa, jackfruit, fresh vegetable and food-street. Stroll around and you will find some specialities in Bhutan. Bring home a souvenir from the travel is the best thing that all people want. You will find it here. On the west bank is the collection of clothing market and handicraft as well. Products include wooden bowls, amulets, yak tails and mala beads. Bargaining is the great way to get the best price of the authentic gifts. This is a must-do in Bhutan to see the beautiful wares, enjoy unique street-food and feel you as a part of it all. Among Bhutan destinations, coming to Thimpu, especially weekend market here is a no-brainer!

7. Sample local cuisine and drinks

Bhutanese cuisine is a must-try! It is spicy and healthy with cheese, meat red rice and chili, the staple of Bhutanese food. Ema Datshi, made of cheese and chili, is Bhutanese national dish as it’s so unique and flavorful.  For those who can’t handle spice a simple yet scrumptious meal of boiled vegetables, rice and meat is also available. Don’t miss chances to taste some delicious local foods. Sampling Aezay - chopped chilies with onions, front to rear – wild ginger rice, beef, roast pork are must-dos in Bhutan to fulfill your knowledge of Bhutanese recipes and culture.

Chili in Bhutan is not an ingredient, it's the staple of its cuisine!
credit: himalayanfootsteps.com

8. Learn Archery

As you know, people all over the world enjoy football, basketball or tennis as their popular sports. However, coming to Bhutan, it will be a memorable experience if you learn archery, the Bhutan national sport since 1971, called Dha in Bhutanese.

Archery in Bhutan is more than a sport, it's a way of life

In any villages in Bhutan, it's not hard to find an archery competition. Each archers will wear a traditional dress and takes part in a team of 13 members. They have to run fast to get close to the target and gallop to the shot. The distance to the target is about 145 meters (476 ft.). The rows and bows is made of bamboo or reeds. Archery is still culturally distinctive among the modern population. For such a long time, it has still remained from generations to generations.