What to do in Bhutan

Visit Ta Dzong or the national museum, where a spectacular collection of religious Thangka paintings, art, relics and postage stamps are on display.

Walk to the three storey lhakhang, a recent addition to Bhutan‘s string of architecturally splendid buildings, which is located approximately 20-minutes from the Punakha suspension bridge. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon, the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten houses representations of the tantric form of Buddhist deities that subjugate enemies and ward off harmful influences on the people of Bhutan. Built for the protection of the country and the present King, the chorten also offers impressive views of the valley below.

Farmhouse visit in Paro Rich in history, the beautiful Paro Valley is a place where time stands still. In addition to a thriving commercial farming industry, the region is known for subsistence farming using time-honoured methods. Known fondly as the ‘rice bowl’ of the Bhutanese kingdom, the Paro Valley grows large amounts of red rice, the staple starch of the nation, farmed on its fertile fields and terraces. The region’s commercial enterprises and family-owned farms also yield copious amounts of millet, wheat, apples, potatoes, as well as a range of seasonal vegetables native to the area. End a fruitful day in the fields sharing an authentic Bhutanese farm dinner with the farmers and their families, washing it all down with Ara, the local rice wine.

A sacred and revered space Balanced on a spur amongst pine trees, boasting breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley, gleams the magnificent structure of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Steeped in tradition and culture, this temple houses a 4.2 m (14 ft) bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, made by local Bhutanese artisans. Other sacred statues include those of The Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, and the 21 Taras. Constructed as a Buddhist College, the temple complex houses 120 nuns and is a permanent school of higher learning and a meditation centre. Apart from religious training, the nunnery also provides vocational training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

A fluttering line of prayer flags leads the way on the highest road pass in the mountainous kingdom of Bhutan, the Chele La pass, at a dizzying 3 988 m (13 084 ft) above sea level. This two-hour drive provides spectacular scenery along this rugged mountain road to the start of the hiking trail to the Kila Goemba, a cliffside nunnery. At this high altitude, the temperate drops and the air becomes clearer as you get closer to the pass. The winter months offer particularly beautiful views of the surroundings as you pass by trickling waterfalls, dense forests and alabaster snow en route to the hiking trail. Head off early morning with a packed picnic basket and reach the northern head of the trail as the morning fog lifts, revealing each soaring mountain peak in quick succession. Set off on foot along trails north of the pass and discover even more magnificent views, including some of the world’s highest mountain peaks. The towering Himalayan crowns of Jumolhari at 7 314 m (23 996 ft), Jichu Drake at 6 794 m (22 290 ft) and the world’s third highest mountain, Kangchenjunga, at 8 586 m (28 170 ft) will be revealed as you climb. In addition to the views, keep an eye out for a variety of mountain birds, including the elusive blood pheasant. Enjoy a picnic breakfast at a stone meditation cabin high in the mountains and admire the unobstructed views in every direction before descending the slope to Kila Goemba, which is widely considered to be Bhutan’s oldest nunnery. Visit the many armed god of compassion housed in the temple and continue down the forest trail onto the main road, where your vehicle will be waiting for you.

Become immersed in Bhutanese culture Take part in a traditional Tshewang (blessing) ceremony held by a Bhutanese monk in a temple or nunnery for personal empowerment and wish fulfilment. ‘Tse’ meaning ‘life’ and ‘wang’ being ‘blessing’, the ceremony is believed to bring about a long and healthy life. The prayer will be approximately 30-minutes, during which you can make an offering by lighting butter lamps at the monastery altar. Sit with the lama (monk) as he performs the mystical rituals and prayers, entering into a humbling and safe trance to the deep rumbling notes of his voice. The sacred ceremony gently ends with the monk giving his blessings and assisting in a private circuit of the holy shrine. Special occasions, such as weddings, dedications and engagements, can also be celebrated. Please speak to your preferred travel specialist.

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, Paro Taktshang is a revered temple and monastery built in 1692. The sacred structure sits at 3,120m (10,240ft) above sea level, perched on the edge of a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. Shrouded in folklore and myth, the monastery consists of four temples adorned with Buddhas, cotton tapestries and frescos of enlightened beings. The holiest site in Bhutan, this ‘tigers lair’ pays homage to Guru Padmasambhava, the initiator of Buddhism in Bhutan. Legend has it that the Guru flew from Tibet on the back of a mystical tigress and landed on the steep cliff to meditate in a cave. In the late 17th century, the monastery was constructed around the cave by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, who was universally believed to be the reincarnation of the Guru. Numerous miracles are associated with the monastery, such as sightings of mysterious flowers that appear in the air, only to disappear before touching the ground. The Guru has also been spotted both inside and outside the cave at the same time. The hike to the temple, and back, takes around five hours and travellers will pass through a dense forest and emerge on the edge of a rocky chasm, where they will need to climb down to a trickling waterfall and then back up the cliff face to the monastery on the other side. Added to its rich history, the monastery boasts magnificent views over green valleys and mountain ranges.

Enjoy a short hike to Tango Goempa Monastery, initially built in the 13th century, and perfected by the 4th temporal ruler in 1688. Tango literally translates to ‘horse head’ in honour of the main idol, Hayagriva, consecrated in the Monastery. Legend states that a lama heard the echo of a horse neigh in the direction of the cliffs, only for the crags to take the form of the god Tandin, consumed by flames. It was prophesised that a monastery and temple would be built on the site and dedicated to meditation and prayer. Walk through an iridescent violet and crimson rhododendron woodland for about an hour to the Monastery. Revealing a rich history with saints once meditating within its walls during times of war, today the Monastery serves as a Buddhist university with nearly 300 monk scholars in residence. Walk around the Drolay loop, pass by Drolay Goemba meditation centre and end with unparalleled views of the Cheri Monastery, surrounding mountain ranges and the city of Thimphu, meaning ‘the meadow of pearls’, before enjoying a picnic in the Jigme Dorji National Park.

Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge of its kind Stretching across the majestic Pho Chu river, the Punakha suspension bridge is 180 m (590 ft) in length, making it one of the longest suspension bridges in the country. Strongly strengthened with iron chains and metal netting, this extraordinary bridge adorned in fluttering prayer flags, connects Punakha Dzong to the surrounding villages, and offers a great view of the glistening stream below. The Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten is located approximately 20-minutes from the bridge.

Immerse yourself in a sensory experience at the Thimphu farmers market, on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. Drawing in Thimphu’s residents, the market comes alive with colourful stalls brimming with local and imported goods, friendly locals eager to chat and vendors happy to stuff your bags with arts, crafts and delicious food products. On the upper level of the market, relish contemporary and traditional Bhutanese dishes, infused with spices and savoury herbs that waft throughout the market. The lower levels are a feast of international dishes sure to awaken a taste sensation. Watch crimson clad monks browsing through glimmering brass cymbals and trumpets as you peruse antique brass, woven textiles, incense, fruit, vegetables, clothing, handicrafts and jewellery. Keep your camera handy for excellent photographic opportunities.

A colourful and exciting affair The Punakha Tshechu festival is one of Bhutan’s most popular celebrations. A colourful and exciting affair, a ‘tshechu’ includes a masked dance performances with great religious or historical importance. Typically taking place in February or March, the Punakha Tshechu festival follows the three days of the Drubchen Tshechu festival. Celebrated over several days, the Punakha Tshechu festival features an array of dances performed by monks in beautiful costumes and masks. The local people are kept entertained between dances by atsaras, clowns whose expressive masks and postures are an indispensable element in the festivities. They confront the monks, toss out salacious jokes, and distract the crowd with their antics whenever the religious dances begin to grow tedious, keeping the mood joyous. The Punakha Tshechu festival is one of the best ways to witness and experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. The unfurling of the Thongdrol (a large silk painting) of Guru Rinpoche on the last day is a highlight of the festival for local communities. A true celebration of tradition and culture, Bhutan’s array of year-round festivals aim to bring local people together, from across the country, to share stories and pass on traditions. Tshechus are held in most valleys, at different times of the year, based on the Bhutanese lunar calendar. It is recommended to speak to your preferred travel specialist to confirm your travel dates coincide with the confirmed date of the festival you wish to attend.

Try your eye at Bhutan’s national sport Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and even more so, a nationwide obsession, and can be watched in any part of the country over the weekend. Enjoyed as a group activity, targets are typically set approximately 145 m (475 ft) from the archer, making for a fun experience suited for the whole family. Every village in Bhutan sports an archery field, and no festival or celebration is complete without a game. Traditional tournaments between villages are battles for honour, and include an array of feasts and prizes.

Dochu La is an incredible Bhutanese mountain pass peaking at 3 140 m (10 301 ft) above sea level. Boasting exceptional views of the snow-capped eastern Himalaya on clear days, the pass links the capital city of Thimphu and Punakha. Stop to see the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of Bhutanese soldiers slain in the insurgency against Bodo militants from India. The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, commissioned the shrine in 2003 after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck overcame the insurgents. From here you can opt to hike through beautiful forests down to the Lampelri Botanical Garden or for something more strenuous, hike up to the Lungchutse Temple through thick woodlands of broad hemlock trees. At the foot of the temple lies a rich bamboo underbrush and dense juniper shrubs flourishing against a backdrop of the Himalaya. One of Bhutan’s highest peaks, Gangkhar Puensum, and the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, can also be seen from here. Alternatively view the nearby monastery, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, built in reverence of the king.

Trek to one of Bhutan’s largest lakes Sitting at an elevation of 2 130 m (6 988 ft) above sea level, Hokatsho Lake is approximately 9 km (5.5 mi) from Punakha Valley. Drive through bustling villages before reaching the 15th century temple, Chorten Nyeabu. This is where the hike (approximately two to three hours) to Hokatsho Lake begins. From here, the path follows a man-made irrigation channel almost all the way to the beautiful lake tucked between dense jungle vegetation. As you proceed upwards, the jungle around you comes to life with the sounds of insects and birds. Upon reaching the lake, a small path leads down to the water, offering magnificent views of the peaceful and untouched surrounds. Legend has it, the Hokatsho Lake never overflows owing to the continuous drainage through an opening believed to have been created by the lake’s deity. The opening was formed after a demon threatened to flood the area. ‘Hokatsho’ directly translates to “lake with a hole or opening”.

An avid birdwatchers paradise The last remaining great Himalaya kingdom of Bhutan boasts magnificent mountain scenery, exceptional architecture and colourful culture. Recognised as one of the world’s few carbon-negative countries, with almost 70% of Bhutan covered in dense forest, the country features a staggering variety of landscapes, as well as an incredible array of flora and fauna. Not forgetting about the country’s prolific bird life. Ideal for first-time or serious birders, Punakha’s unique landscape of mountains, hills, rivers and forests offers the perfect landscape to search for native and migratory species in the area. At times, bird calls might lead you to sightings of the common kestrel, Pallas’s fish eagle, crested kingfisher, white-bellied heron, chestnut-headed tesia, slender-billed oriole, plumbeous water redstart, and white-capped redstart, to name a few.

Cycle off-road for an exhilarating adventure Immerse yourself exploring Punakha Valley’s sacred, forested landscapes off-road, on two wheels. Ideal for beginners to experienced riders, there are an array of mountain bike routes to choose from. With a selection of easy-going, non-technical single tracks as well as a wide mix of extreme, adrenaline-pumping off-road trails, mountain-bike riders of all levels are welcome.

Navigate rapids on this exhilarating adventure The Pho Chu river, which translates to ‘male’ or ‘father’ river, is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region. Its 16 km (9.9 mi) course is loaded with 15 different rapids, ranging from class 2 to 4, making it a favourite amongst thrill-seeking adventurers. The Mo Chu river, which translates to ‘female’ or ‘mother’ river, originates from the northern hills of Laya and Lingzhi. Although calmer than its counterpart, the Mo Chu too offers an exciting rafting opportunity for those trying out the sport for the first time. Covering 10 km (6.2 mi) with 10 rapids graded class 2, this gentle journey is perfect for the whole family. At the confluence between Pho and Mo Chu lies the Punakha Dzong, and thereafter the main river is known as the Punatsang Chu river. On your rafting journey you will witness breathtaking views of sub-tropical scenery, plus secluded stretches of serene sparkling water.