What to do in Bhutan

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.

Following breakfast, you’ll embark on your trek along a well-defined trail, passing through Tibetan refugee settlements. Ascend through a forest of blue pine and silver birch to Jilli La (3580m), where you’ll enjoy magnificent views back down the Paro Valley. Continue your trek through conifer and rhododendron forests, with the chance to glimpse the snow-capped Jomolhari peak. You’ll pass by yak herder settlements before reaching your campsite at Jangchu Lakha (3780m), set in a stunning valley.

Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. The trek begins by walking up through apple orchards and pine forest past ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. In the next 4 days, you climb above the tree line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m.). En route, you come across clear mountain lakes, number of yak herder’s camps and have splendid views of Himalaya along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. The final descent through pine and juniper forests via Phadjoding monastery would lead into Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Gangkhar Puensum, standing at a towering 7,570 meters on the Bhutan-China border, is the world's highest unclimbed mountain.

After exploring around beautiful valley, walk down to Jimi chu and climb up to Janey Tsho where we camp at scenic spot surrounded by dwarf rhododendron trees.