18 Things to do in Bhutan

Many people only spend a few days in Bhutan due to it’s $250 per person per day fee. It can be difficult choosing what to see and do to make the most of your money. We’ve created a comprehensive guide of things to do in Bhutan, that showcases the most popular sites broken down by areas and districts. It’s great for first-timers and return visitors alike!

Most backpackers spend an average of 4 days in Bhutan and that is enough to only see the highlights, but if you want to delve deeper into the trip of a lifetime, this breakdown offers a list of the must-see sites, and best areas to make a base when visiting the country.

We visited Bhutan with Gray Langur tour on a 14 day round trip journey from Bangkok, Thailand. See the breakdown of tours they offer to Bhutan. 

To skip to the section of your choice, click on the links below:

• Paro – Tiger’s Monastery and International Airport
• Thimphu – Capital of Bhutan
• Punakha – adventure and culture
• Himalaya – festivals, people and treks

Packing tips for Bhutan

Bhutan is a country nestled in the Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world. When packing, be sure to include layers and warm clothing. In cities like Paro and Thimphu, it can be very warm, so you will also want to have summer apparel too.

Must have items for Bhutan Travel:

Besides what you would normally pack for any backcountry adventure, we’ve highlighted a few items that are importannt when traveling to Bhutan.

• Steripen – to purify water. When trekking this is especially important and you minimize your plastic waste.
• Hiking Boots are a must – Make sure you have broken in your hiking boots and that they are waterproof and lightweight.
• Layers – base layer, mid layer and outer waterproof/windproof layer for changes in weather and temperature: read our guide to winter layering. 
• Hat – When you are above the clouds the sun is harsh, pack a peaked hat to protect from sunburn.
• Lip balm and sunscreen – as stated above, the UV rays are harsh above the clouds, be sure to protect your skin.
• Headlamp – You will be traveling to remote places, have a headlamp to get around at night hands-free. We like the rechargeable USB Headlamp by BlackDiamond. 
• Portable charger – You may go a few days without proper electricity for charging, bring a USB charger to keep your camera and cell phone batteries charged.
• Personal first aid kit – chances are you won’t be able to get a lot of medication or first aid in Bhutan, so have a full kit with you. Here’s our travel first aid kit list. 
• Sleeping Bag – If trekking, pack your own sleeping bag that is at least -10 Celcius for optimal comfort and cleanliness.
• Gloves and Wool Hat – Temperatures fluctuate and gloves and hats are excellent for keeping warm and for sleeping in tents.

Some of the above items link to Amazon, we receive a commission if you click on the links and make a purchase. It is no extra cost to you.

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Things to do in Paro – Bhutan

Paro houses the only international airport in Bhutan, so unless you are coming from overland in Nepal or India, chances are you will arrive in Paro.

If you have a full day in town, top sites to visit are 

• National Museum
• The Paro Dzong
• The Drukgyel Dzong.

Paro is mostly a jumping off point for people venturing out to see other parts of Bhutan but there is one major attraction that nobody misses when they visit the country. People either do it on the first day they arrive in Bhutan or on the last day in the country. And that attraction is Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

If you have a short time in the country, you cannot miss seeing this incredible site.
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#1 Tiger’s Nest Monastery – (Taktsang Monastery)

Tiger’s Nest Monastery aka Taktsang Monastery is located just outside of Paro and is the most popular thing to do in Bhutan period. It was blessed as one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites and is not to be missed.

Since so many people only spend 4 days in the country, this is popular because of how close it is to the airport and take just a couple of hours to climb.

It is a 1000 meter elevation gain to an approximate height of 3000 meters.

What makes this trek so spectacular is getting to see the incredible monastery that clings to the side of a cliff.

When searching images for Bhutan, chances are you will find Tiger’s Nest Monastery in the first image. It is beautiful.

The monastery is working today and monks still live on the mountains.

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See the video for the full experience

 

There are several viewpoints along the way including a lovely cafeteria where you can enjoy lunch or tea and take in the views.

No cameras are allowed in the monastery but it is worth exploring.

Where to Stay in Paro

Le Meridian Paro Riverfront was exceptional and our favorite place to stay in Bhutan. It was a perfect retreat after trekking up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

With 5-star accommodation, luxury rooms and a delicious buffet, we enjoyed every minute of our stay.

There is a pool, spa, and gym as well.

It offers outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and the river and has wonderful places to sit outside in solitude.

Note: On Sunday’s the hotel doesn’t serve alcohol in the main restaurants and lounge. You can order room service and use the mini bar.

Check it out on TripAdvisor

Book it today on Booking.com

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What to do in Bhutan – Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and there are many things to see and do in the city.

This is usually the next stop on  Bhutan Tour. We actually left Paro as soon as we arrived in Bhutan from Thailand and drove directly to Thimphu leaving Tiger’s Nest Monastery for the end of our tour.

It is worth spending a day or two in the city checking out all the sites. And here are the highlights that we took part in during our three days in Thimphu.

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#2 Buddha Dordenma

Overlooking the city of Thimpu, Buddha Dordenma is an impressive sight. Finished in 2015 it was built for prosperity of the nation.

 

Standing at 51 meters tall, it is a popular pilgrimage for locals and huge attraction for visitors.

Make sure to hike up behind Buddha for a look at it from above. There are tents and camps that locals use behind Buddha and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

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#3 Dechen Phrodrang Monastery

Dechen Phrodrang was the original dzong of the city.

Dzong’s were once fortresses in the Himalayan mountains of Tibet and Bhutan. They were turned into administrative buildings and house the administrative centers of Bhutan. Dechen Phrodrang Monastery was at one point, the administrative center of the country, but today it is a monastic school.

During our tour, we learned that many of the poor attend monasteries for studies as their food, education, and clothing costs are covered. Many boys stay in the system becoming teachers.

The boys are friendly and so far (due to the low tourist numbers in Bhutan) enjoy having their photos taken.

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#4 Changlimithang Stadium and Archery Ground

Archery is Bhutan’s national sport.

We split from our group while in Thimphu to see the sites ourselves and had a great time exploring on our own.

Archery was a must for us to see, so we made a point of heading to the National Stadium.  There are usually competitions going on at the stadium and we missed one by a day but managed to still catch a group practicing.

Their skills are impressive. It was hard enough seeing the bullseye from where we sat let along hitting the target from hundreds of meters away.

You are free to watch without charge when they are practicing, just don’t disrupt their concentration.

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#5 National Memorial Chorten

The National Memorial is clearly a hot spot on the Bhutan tour bus route judging by the number of people walking around the stupa during our time there. It seemed that waves of tourist came in and out of the chorten during our stop.

The temple was built in 1974. The Chorten is popular in Bhutan because it was built to honour the King of Bhutan who is highly revered.

On a side note, we met the King of Bhutan.

Check out our video about it here.

Tip: A Chorten is a monument or stupa that is used as a place of meditation. 

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#6 Tashicho-Dzong

There are many dzongs to visit around Thimphu, and the Tashicho Dzong is the main administrative building used today. It’s massive and there are monks wandering the grounds.

You can watch the changing of the guards here as well. Unfortunately for us, I was snuggling with a cat beforehand and had a serious allergy attack.

My eye swelled up to the point that my guide wanted to take me to a hospital. The changing of the guard was only 20 minutes away, but instead, we chose to go back to the hotel so I could take some Benedryl.

Lesson learned – Don’t pat animals in a foreign country and then scratch or touch your eyes. It will ruin your day. 

There is also a textile museum and paper factory that that can be visited in Bhutan that is supposed to be fascinating.  But Dave and I didn’t blend well with our fellow journalists so we went off to explore the more adventurous side of Thimphu like the archery and monasteries, while they went the other way on the bus.

Remember, when on a tour, it’s your vacation, you don’t have to stick with the crowd, even if you feel pressured to.  Group tours are good for helping to guide you, but you can still explore on your own. 

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Where to Eat in Thimphu

#7 Simply Bhutan

Simply Bhutan is a fun little stop in Thimphu for lunch and to take a look at all things Bhutan.

It is a place to eat in Thimphu, but it is also a museum that gives you a taste of everything Bhutan including a taste of the local spirit, Arag.  (a creamy spirit distilled from rice, wheat or maize)

You can try your hand at archery, see the phallic garden and try on some traditional dress.

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#8 Seasons Restaurant

This little place feels like it could be anywhere in the world. They offer pizzas and pasta and although we didn’t order it, others tried the  (either yak or ox – I cant’ remember which one it was) burgers and said they were great.

Where to Stay in Thimphu

We stayed at the Le Meridien Thimphu. An SPG hotel, it was luxurious and central. We could walk to many of the popular eateries.

There is a swimming pool, spa, lounge and restaurant.

Check it out on TripAdvisor

Book it now on Booking.com

 A delicious buffet breakfast was served in the mornings and our room was well appointed with modern amenities and the staff was beyond friendly. It was a wonderful experience.

Things to do in Punakha, Bhutan

The next stop from Thimphu is usually the district of Phunaka.

Phunaka was once the capital of Bhutan until it was moved to Thimphu in 1955. It is set within the Phunaka Valley where the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River) rivers meet.

There are plenty of things to do in Punakha and the tone is set immediately just a short drive outside of Thimphu when you reach your first viewpoint.

#9 Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is a popular stop for tour buses driving between Thimpu and Punakha.

Set at 3100 meters in the mountains, there are 108 Chortens (shrines) overlooking the valley. Take your time to explore the monastery and surrounding pathways for different views.

There is also a botanical park nearby, a shop for snacks, tea and souvenirs and a temple. Most people don’t stay here for long, but we had two separate stops here and couldn’t get enough.

When the weather is clear, a stunning view of the high Himalayas opens up that can be seen over the valley.

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#10 Phunaka Dzong

Phunaka Dzong is the most famous Dzong in Bhutan.

As you now know, Dzongs were fortresses in Bhutan that were changed over to administrative buildings. They were usually massive complexes with interior courtyards surrounded by exterior walls.

Besides being administrative offices they are also monks’ accommodation and when visiting a dzong, chances are you will have the opportunity to interact with local monks.

The Phunaka Dzong is the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan built in 1637 and is considered the country’s most majestic dzong. The King even had his wedding here in 2011.

Today it is the administrative center for the Phuaka District and is open to visitors.

Taking the wooden bridge across the river sets the tone for entering the dzong. You know you are going somewhere special. Monks still walk the grounds and you share your stroll with them going about their daily business.

Visitors are free to explore all the rooms in the dzong including the temple and courtyards. The main courtyard houses a massive Bodhi Tree (a very old and sacred fig tree) and offers a serene setting to take in the extraordinary structure.

Take your time and feel the energy and serenity of the dzong. It is worth spending a couple of hours enjoying the tranquility.

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#11 Suspension Bridge

Just a short walk from Phunaka Dzong is Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.

The 160-meter long bridge spans the Po Chhu River connecting the town of Phunaka with Phunaka Dzong.

It’s a heavenly scene with prayer flags draped over the rails all the way along. Take a walk across and keep an eye out for people whitewater rafting below.

Take a break from reading and enjoy our video to not only learn about Bhutan, but to get a feel for what it is like to be there.

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The Very Best Things to do in Bhutan

 

#12 Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Overlooking the Phunaka Valley, this Chorten (shrine) is spectacular. It’s a 45-minute hike through rice terraces and rice fields. It takes passed prayer wheels on a dirt trail that turns into a stone path.

The chorten was built by the Queen Mother as a dedication to the well being of the Kingdom.

Fun Fact: The 4 story building was built using measurements from the Holy scripture rather than engineering stats.

Once you reach the temple, it offers incredible views of the Phunaka Valley.

You cannot take photos or video inside the shrine due to the holy scriptures and paintings on the walls, but you are free to take out your cameras once you reach the top to take in the incredible views of the valley below.

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#13 Whitewater Rafting

It’s always fun to go whitewater rafting, and just outside Phunnaka is an easy class 2-3 whitewater rafting trip that takes you through the valley.

How many people can say they went whitewater rafting in the Himalayas? 

You’ll go under suspension bridges, see the surrounding mountains, dzongs, and chortens.

We recommend whitewater rafting during the day for a refreshing cool off. We boarded our raft near sunset and once that sun went down, that cold water created quite a chill.

But it was still a lot of fun and a great way to return back to the city.

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#14 Fertility Temple

Walking to the fertility temple is the highlight of this trip. The village is lined with shops selling phallic symbols covered with paintings and art of giant cartoonlike penises.

Once you leave the village, the walk through the valley towards the temple is about 20 minutes (unless you are like us and take forever photographing and filming the incredible views)

The temple itself was surprising because once we arrived there, we saw no phallic symbols of the sort. We expected to see golden penis statues lining the yard, but was a proper temple. The temple was built in 1499 by the Divine Madman. Hew as called the diving madman because he practiced Buddhism differently than others and was considered eccentric.

Women come to the temple for blessings for their children and to help them conceive.

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Where to Stay in Phunaka, Bhutan

The Dhensa Boutique Resort was a wonderful break from traveling Bhutan. Bhutan is a physical destination with a lot of trekking and activity. Staying in a boutique resort gave us the energy to recharge.

Here we had a wonderful massage at their spa and enjoyed breathtaking views on their patio for dinner and breakfast.

They offer nightly shows highlighting Bhutan culture around the outdoor fireplaces as well.

Dhensa Boutique Resort – TripAdvisor

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Festivals 0f Bhutan

 

#15 Festivals – Royal Highlander Festival

Bhutan is known as the land of festivals and you cannot visit the country without attending one.

The most popular festivals take place in the main cities of Paro, Thimphu, and Phunaka.

But there are festivals wherever you go. Getting out of the main tourist towns can give you a more authentic experience.

We highly recommend checking with your tour company or with the government website to see if there is one near your route.

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We attended the Royal Highlander Festival in the Himalayan village of Laya; one of the most remote villages in all of Bhutan. Located above 3000 meters, there are no cars in this village.

The King himself started this festival to promote the culture and highlander communities of the region and when we attended, we met the king! He made himself available to everyone going down the line saying hello.

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In case you missed it above, see our full video fo the Royal Highlander Festival

 

 

To Find out where and when festivals take place in Bhutan, visit the government website. 

16. Meet the locals

What makes travel so special to Bhutan are the people.

Bhutan has a happiness index that has given it the distinction as the happiest country on earth. Because Bhutan has kept tourism to a minimum by imposing a $250 per day tariff, the people of the country aren’t jaded to tourists yet.

They are still excited to see you and enjoy talking about life in Bhutan and asking about your home country.

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Many of our most memorable moments in Bhutan were when we stopped to say hello and have a conversation with the local residents.

They were eager to call us over and have a chat. It is as if the Bhutanese are there to make sure you are having the best time possible.

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17. Try the Food

Food travel is an important part of any cultural experience. Bhutanese food has a distinct flavour and you will have plenty of opportunities to taste.

Popular Bhutanese food to try are:

1. Momos – Dumplings that can be bought at any roadside stand, shack or fine dining establishments.
2. Ema Datshi – a local curried stew mixed with cheese, potatoes, and onions.
3. Ara (Arag) fermented wheat, corn or rice spirit creating a milky texture.
4. Kewa Datshi – Scalloped Potatoes, my favorite!
5. Zaow – This puffed rice is poured into milk and tastes a lot like a cereal I ate in my youth.

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18. Trekking to the Himalayas

And last, but not least, when visiting Bhutan, you must trek into the Himalayas.

I would have put this at the top of things to do in Bhutan, but it seemed like a cop-out. Everyone knows that when you go to the Himalayas, you must trek into the mountains!

Treks in Bhutan range from 2 days to 25 days. They can be fairly easy for the relatively fit, to the most grueling trek on earth.

If you have limited time, there are several day hikes that will give you a glimpse of what it is like to hike in the mighty Himalaya mountain range.

We had the opportunity to hike from Gaza to Laya. Laya is one of the most remote villages in Bhutan and the trek is a wonderful 2-day hike taking you above 4000 metres. In total it is four days return. Longer if you hike from Gaza village proper.

We had the luxury of taking a mini bus to the valley entrance.

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Check out our trek to Laya

If you have more time, try the  Snowman Trek. It has the distinction of being the toughest trek on the planet. It is a 25-day trek that has a sustained elevation over 4000 meters.

Bhutan is a magical destination that very few people on earth have the chance to visit. If you are looking for a dream trip to somewhere unique, you should put Bhutan at the top of your list!

For tours to Bhutan information visit https://graylangur.com/

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Have you been? What do you suggest for the best things to do in Bhutan?

Read More:

Searching for Happiness in Bhutan

5 Cultural Experiences in Bhutan

Bhutan Trek to Laya

Why I chose to Travel to Bhutan on my First trip out of India

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