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18 Things to do in Bhutan – A Comprehensive Guide of What Not to Miss

Bhutan is a beautiful and amazing experience on its own, however, many people spend only a few days in Bhutan since it is costly. It costs around 17000/- per person per day, so it becomes difficult at times. However, in this blog, we are going to discuss the most amazing things that you need to do and see broken in areas and districts while you are in Bhutan. This guide is helpful for the first timers and returns visitors as well. People with their backpacks would only stay for 4-5 days in Bhutan which can only give you highlights of all the amazing things, but if you want to dive deep and make your Bhutan tour a memorable one, then these tips and information would surely help you.

Packing for Bhutan:

Bhutan is surrounded by the entire Himalayan range, the highest mountain range in the world. So, it can be chilling there. Hence you must ensure that you pack layers and warm clothes for you. However; places like Paro and Thimpu on the contrast, can be warm, so you need to keep your summer clothes ready as well.

Must haves while Travelling to Bhutan

Besides what you would normally pack when you are going for a tour in a different country, here are some list of item which is essential to be with you when you are setting off your journey:

Steripen: this is required to purify water when you are hiking or trekking.

Hiking boots: these are very important for the hikers, but at the same time it should be lightweight and waterproof.

Layers: base layer, mid layer and the outer layer which is waterproof as well as windproof is very important for the change in weather and the cold as well.

Hat: when you are above the clouds, the sun can be harsh, many people miss out on this point. Hence, pack a peaked hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Sunscreen: as stated above, the sun can be harsh above the clouds, hence to protect yourself from the UV rays, do not forget the sunscreen.

Headlamp: If you are a core traveller, you would like to visit the remote places and the same can be at night time as well. Hence, be prepared with a headlamp and keep your hands free.

Portable charger: there are many remote places where you might want to spend a few days but there can be issues with proper electricity. Hence be ready with your USB chargers for your cell phone and camera.

First aid kit: experience says that you would not get much medication or first aid kit in Bhutan. Hence, keep your own first aid kit always handy with you for any emergency situation.

Sleeping bags: this is very essential for trekkers. Every trekker should have a sleeping bag which is at least 10 Celsius for optimal comfort and cleanliness.

Gloves and Hats: temperature can fluctuate anytime and it can be really cold. It is advisable to keep gloves and hats ready to keep yourself warm in the tents.

Things to do in Paro

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Tiger’s Nest Monastery aka Taktsang monastery is the first thing you would notice about Paro. It is very near to the airport and not a sight to miss. It is about at an elevation of 3000 meters and it clings to a side of a cliff. The monastery is popular for its beauty and the most sacred sight of Bhutan which you would not want to miss. The most amazing things are that this monastery is still working and monks actually stay in the mountain still today. There are many viewpoints from this height or in the way of your journey, you would also get a beautiful café while going where you can enjoy a lunch or a cup of tea while experiencing the amazing view.

Where to stay in Paro

There are many options in Paro, however, Le Meridian Paro Riverfront is the best among all of them. After trekking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this is the best thing you would get in terms of stay and comfort. A 5-star accommodation, luxurious rooms, delicious food, a separate arrangement to sit outside and enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains and the river, makes it more special. Please also note that this hotel does not serve alcohol on Sundays in any of its lounges or bars or restaurants, however, you can have a room service or use the mini bar.

Thimpu

Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan and it is actually a mix of an urban and traditional culture of Bhutan. There are many things or see and do in Thimpu and this can be your next stop after Paro. Here are few places to visit in Thimpu

Buddha Dordenma

Overlooking this city of Thimpu, Buddha Dordenma is an amazing site. It was built in the year 2015 for the prosperity of the nation, it is 52 meters tall and the most popular pilgrimage and tourist attraction. You can also hike behind the Buddha to get the view from the top, there are also arrangements for camping and tents for locals and for tourists as well.

DechenPhrodrang Monastery

DechenPhrodrang was the original dzong of the city. Dzong's was one of the fortresses on the mountains of Tibet and Himayalas. Afterward, it was turned into administrative buildings and houses by the administration of Bhutan. DechenPhrodrang Monastery, at a point, was the administrative center for Bhutan, but it is a monastic school. You can see that many poor children come to these monasteries for their education since their food, clothing and stay get covered, they stay here for becoming future teachers and they allow you to take their photographs as well.

Changlimithang Stadium and Archery Ground

Archery is Bhutan’s national sport and you cannot miss seeing the same. If you are visiting the national stadium, you can see them practicing. You are not charged anything to visit them practicing, just do not disrupt their concentration.

National Memorial Chorten

The National Memorial is a hot spot while you are taking a bus route for the sightseeing in Bhutan, a wave of tourists come over here every year to visit this national memorial. This temple was built in the year 1974 in the memory of the king of Bhutan who is highly revered by the Bhutanese.

Tashicho-Dzong

There are many Dzongs in Thimpu, TashichoDzong being the most important administrative center in all of them. This is a huge building with monks wandering everywhere. The change of guards really happen here and if you spend a little time, you can also experience the same. If you are travelling in a group, it sometimes becomes difficult to wander and explore as per your choice, but you can still set your priorities and join the group back again at any point in time.

Where to Eat in Thimpu

Simply Bhutan

Simply Bhutan is a fun filled restaurant or you can call it a mini Bhutan. It is a restaurant with a little museum in it where you can take a lunch break and also check out almost of Bhutan at a time, like archery, phallic garden and try on some traditional dress as well. They also serve the local spirit Arag which is a creamy spirit made of distilled rice, wheat or maize.

Seasons Restaurant

This is a little restaurant with many options available. You can try out Pizzas, kinds of pasta and also yak or Ox burgers which are really delicious.

As per the accommodation is a concern, you can again try out Le MeridienThimpu. This is an SPG hotel with luxurious accommodation and facilities. They have a swimming pool, spa, gym, lounge, and restaurants. Many eateries and famous places are also walking distance from here.

Things to do in Punaka

The next stop from Thimpu is the district of Punaka. Punaka used to be the capital of Bhutan until Thimpu was made the capital in 1955. Within the Punaka valley, you can see two rivers meet Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Po Chhu (Father River). There are many things to see and do in Punaka.

Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is a popular stop when you are travelling by bus between Thimpu and Punaka. This is set at an elevation of 3100 meters and there are total 108 chortens (shrines) overlooking the valley. There are many more temples, shops for tea, snacks and souvenirs and a botanical park nearby. Take your time and explore the place, when the sky is clear you can also get an amazing view of the Himalayan range from here.

PhunakaDzong

PhunakaDzong is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. It is already mentioned that dzongs used to be the fortresses of Bhutan which turned into administrative centers. They are huge buildings with interior courtyards surrounded by walls. PhunakaDzong is the administrative center for Punaka and this is the accommodation for the monks. They stay here and if you spend some time, you can also get a chance to interact with some of them.

PhunakaDzong is the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan which was built in 1637 and is considered to be the most majestic one. The king of Bhutan also got married here in the year 2011. You would get a special feeling when you would walk through the wooden bridge across the river to reach the dzong. The monks also walk the grounds here and they would be happy to take a stroll with you as well discussing their everyday business. Spend a quality time here to explore the place.

Suspension Bridge

Just a short walk from PhunakaDzong, you would get the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan. 160 meter long, this bridge spans the Po Chhu river and while walking through this bridge you can experience the white water rafting below and the tress cladded with colourful flags.

KhamsumYulleyNamgyalChorten

Overlooking the Phunaka Valley, this chorten is a 45-minute hike through rice terraces and rice fields, this is a spectacular view. You can reach the top and take a breathtaking view of the valley below. This chorten was built by the Queen Mother for the well-being of the kingdom.

Festivals of Bhutan

Royal Highlander Festival

Bhutan is a land of traditions and festivals and you cannot miss attending one while you are there. Mainly these festivals happen in Paro, Thimpu, and Punaka, however; if you come out of the main city and go a little remote, you would experience a different Bhutan altogether. The festival of Royal Highlander happens in a Himalayan village called Laya, this is the most remote village of Bhutan and it is located at an elevation of 3000 meters. There are no cars in this village.

The Royal Highlander Festival was started by the King himself to promote the culture and the Highlander community of this region. If you are lucky you might get to meet the king himself while attending the festival.

Meet the locals

Although Bhutan is a very expensive country to visit, their people are still hard working, innocent and happy. Bhutan has been considered the happiest country on earth. While you are travelling Bhutan, if you meet the locals and have a conversation with them, you would feel the charm. They are always welcoming, they would happily share their life story and would love to know your country and your experience in Bhutan. Maybe, this makes a Bhutan trip much more memorable.

Food

Food is completely a new chapter of any tour. You really need to spend the time to explore and taste different foods of a particular place starting from their street food to the top-notch restaurants. Bhutan has different varieties of food to offer:

Momos: you can get it anywhere, starting from street shops, snack stalls to the best restaurants.

EmaDatshi: a local curried stew mixed with cheese, potatoes, and onions.

Arag: this is a creamily textured spirit made of distilled rice, wheat or maize.

KewaDatshi: scalloped potatoes

Zaow: puffed rice poured into milk, tastes a lot like cereal.

Trekking to the Himalayas

And last but not the least, once you visit Bhutan, you cannot miss trekking the Himalayas. This is an experience of a lifetime.

Trekking in Bhutan is available from 2 days to 25 days, it can be easy and can be the most grueling as well. If you do not have much time for trekking, you can take a short trip and get the hang of it. It will give you a feeling of what it feels like hiking to the Himalayan mountain range. If you have time in your hand, you can also try snowman trek. It is a 25 days trek and considered to be the hardest trek in the entire world.

Bhutan is beautiful, mesmerizing and enriching. It is magical and very few people get the chance to visit here, hence if you are getting a chance to visit Bhutan, make it a memorable one.

For the travel guide and Packages do visit here

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