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Top things to do in Bhutan
Trek to the world-famous Taktsang Monastery, participate in traditional festivals and see the spiritual heartland. Visit the capital city, Thimphu, to fully experience modern Bhutanese living, and get lost among the ancient temples and villages in the picturesque Phobjikha Valley.
Here are the top things to do on a Bhutan holiday, as chosen by our Indian Subcontinent specialists.
Trek to Taktsang Monastery
Perched on the side of a cliff, approximately 900m above the floor of Paro valley, Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest, is the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. The climb to the view point takes around 5 hours and the path en route affords stunning views of the monastery.
Participate in festivals
Bhutan’s monastic tsechus are colourful events accompanied by Buddhist chants and masked dances. Visit the mountain kingdom's exotic and exciting Paro, Thimphu and Bumthang festivals.
Experience the capital
The Bhutanese capital city, Thimphu, maintains a strong national character and a medieval feel in its architectural style. Its narrow streets are lined with small shops packed with produce and there is a busy weekend market. Explore Thimphu and stop in at the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government and the central monastic body. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts, where children learn painting and woodcarving, the Institute of Traditional Medicine, a papermaking factory, the textile museum, and the museum of folk heritage.
Visit the Phobjikha valley
The picturesque Phobjikha valley, situated in the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang, is wide and flat in contrast to the dense forests that cover most of Bhutan. Phobjikha village is dominated by the beautiful 17th-century Gangtey gonpa. The monastery’s renovated complex is an outstanding example of the craftsmanship of Bhutan’s finest artisans. A trip to the scenic glacial valley provides a chance to explore some of its ancient temples and villages on foot.
See the spiritual heartland
With several ancient temples and monasteries dotting the undulating landscape, Bumthang is regarded as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, and is believed to be where Buddhism first took hold in the country. Monasteries to visit include Jambey Lhakhang, one of 108 monasteries built in the seventh century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region, and Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of the most sacred monuments in Bhutan. Bumthang is an ideal base from which to explore some of the seldom-visited valleys on easy day walks.
