Bhutan is well known for its pleasant atmosphere, rich culture and numerous religious sites. However, the country also attracts its visitor with huge offering of exciting attractions and activities. Whether you are an adventurer seeking to explore offbeat terrains or someone who wants to explore the rich culture, Bhutan is ready to fulfill your wanderlust. Below are some of the musts to do things that you must consider when visiting Bhutan.
For hikers and trekkers, Bhutan is a haven that offers an opportunity to see its stunning and biodiverse landscapes outside of the typical tourist destinations. Imagine following mountain trails to find secluded, revered monasteries and meeting farmers and eating meals to feel the coziness of country life. Bhutan is a gem for trekking enthusiasts due to its breathtaking landscapes and unspoiled wildness, which include isolated mountain trails, tranquil alpine forest, and immaculate lakes. Many paths are still in pristine condition because of Bhutan's forward-thinking tourism policy, and trekking opportunities range from easy high-altitude excursions to brief cultural encounters.
Over the years river rafting has been one of the most favourites among tourists due to its thrills and opportunity to witness the magical landscape of Bhutan. Punakha is one such subtropical valley that present wonderful opportunities for rafting adventures. The Mo Chhu, often referred to as the female river, provides a delightful experience for beginners, seniors, and children. The river offers rafting course from 7kms to 11kms that are exciting and challenging at the same time. These two rivers beautifully complement the Punakha valley, enhancing its appeal with options for both leisurely and more adventurous aquatic explorations.
Visiting a traditional farmhouse is a must to get a true taste of Bhutanese culture. These modest homes include unique Bhutanese wood carvings and colorful paintings and are built from natural resources like mud, lumber, and stones. Tourists may also plan to experience the traditional supper in these farmhouses followed by a restorative hot stone bath to maximize your experience. This age-old method of healing is used to treat common conditions like wounds, stomach problems, and body aches. In order to create a calming and healing soak, mineral-rich stones are heated to a blazing red over a hardwood fire before being immersed in the bathwater.
For cyclists, Bhutan's rugged terrain offers an exhilarating playground. The twisting roads featuring exhilarating climbs and exhilarating descents with thousands of meters in height guarantees an experience that will never be forgotten. Tourist can also traverse through variety of landscapes while cycling, ranging from beautiful meadows and medieval villages to towns and luscious pasturelands. There are alternatives to fit every ability level, whether you like easy rides or more strenuous courses, you will diverse terrains to meet your adventure needs.
Ancient culture is something that has been a major highlight for tourists and the best to explore the culture is through its arts and crafts. Thimphu is home to one of the largest marketplace of the country that showcases great artworks. Authentic Bhutanese artwork can be found in the several bamboo huts located across from the Taj Tashi in Thimphu. On weekends, the Centenary Farmer's Market turns into a bustling marketplace where locals from surrounding areas sell farm produce incense, nuts, meats, and cheese, grains, fish, and more handicrafts and imported apparel can be found after crossing the Thimphu Chhu bridge.
Thimphu is a really unusual city that offers an intriguing combination of modern influences and Bhutanese history, and it is the only capital in the world without the usual clamor of traffic lights. You can explore the local social scene here by going to its bars, vibrant karaoke spots, and even discos, which provide an insight into the Bhutanese respect for other cultures. Beyond the city centre, exploring Thimphu's picturesque outskirts reveals another side of the city, where time slows down and you can feel the real beat of rural Bhutanese life.
Alongside this rich cultural aspect, archery stands as the national sport, with opportunities for demonstrations or lessons available for a more direct experience. There are numerous organizations that offers visitors with a brief lesson of archery. Other intriguing national costumes in Bhutan include the Kira, a sophisticated ankle-length woven dress for women that is belted at the waist, wrapped and pinned at the shoulders with brooches, and often worn with a tego, and the Gho, a knee-length robe for men that resembles a kilt and is fastened with a woven belt.
With some genuinely world-class beers and whiskies, Bhutan is becoming more and more known for its outstanding alcoholic beverages. The smooth Lager, the unique Red Panda, and the crisp Druk 11000 are all excellent choices for beer lovers and will definitely please your palate. Try some of the regionally created fermented wines, which are frequently made from fruits, and the traditional ara, a strong distilled spirit that is usually manufactured from rice, maize, or wheat and offers a distinctive taste of Bhutanese culture, if you want to fully experience the flavors of Bhutanese alcohol. Discovering these regional spirits and beers adds an intriguing element to your trip to Bhutan.
Bhutan provides an especially favorable setting for developing mindfulness through meditation because of its tranquil surroundings and deeply ingrained Buddhist culture. In monasteries or retreat centers, you may be able to participate in guided meditation sessions where skilled practitioners can teach you different techniques like practicing loving-kindness or focusing on the breath. Even in the middle of breathtaking natural beauty, practicing mindfulness may be as simple as setting aside some time to sit quietly and objectively examine your thoughts and feelings. You can establish a deeper connection with yourself and the present moment through meditation.
There are numerous outdoor kitchens in Paro that offers open-air cooking with freshly harvested organic produce for a unique culinary experience, while Suja, or butter tea, a blend of boiled tea leaves churned with butter and salt, is a distinctive and ubiquitous beverage in Bhutanese tradition. Chilli and cheese are essential to Bhutanese cuisine, as demonstrated by the must-try "ema datshi" curry, which is often enjoyed with red rice and dried beef for a truly flavourful staple meal. Majority of the foo dishes have high level of spice which can be challenging for some.