People decide to visit the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan for many reasons. Some are drawn by the majestic mountains and pristine environment, others to the rich spiritual heritage of its Buddhist monasteries and temples, and some visitors by a simple curiosity to experience one of the world’s least-visited and most exclusive countries.
Whatever brings you here, your fondest memories of Bhutan will stem not just from the spectacular sights but also from the interactions you have with the Bhutanese people and their unique perspectives. Regardless of how long your trip might be, try to fit in as many of the following unique experiences as possible. These carefully selected activities will provide you with a well-rounded and insightful feel for Bhutan, resulting in lifelong memories.
1. Chow Down on Red Chilies and Pink Rice
Brace yourself for Bhutanese cuisine—it packs a serious punch. The national dish, ema datse, consists solely of chili peppers and soft cheese, demonstrating that chilies in Bhutan are not just a condiment but a complete main course. You’ll find opportunities to try ema datse in hotel buffets or the original spicy version in local restaurants, served alongside nutty-flavored local pink rice. Wash it down with a cup of sudja (Tibetan-style tea made with salt and butter) for a classic Bhutanese meal.
Planning tip: If you don’t enjoy spicy food, it’s prudent to stick to tourist-oriented restaurants. However, if you’re willing to brave the heat, ask your guide to share some local delicacies at lunch stops, as they will be enjoying the genuine flavors, from wind-dried beef to fiddlehead ferns.
2. Attend One of Bhutan’s Spectacular Tsechu Festivals
Bhutanese festivals are an essential part of the nation’s cultural identity and social calendar—try to time your visit to coincide with at least one. The main festivals, known as tsechus, are religious masked dances held in the courtyards of the country’s medieval dzongs, featuring monks donning demon- or animal-head masks to perform Buddhist parables or portrayals of death and rebirth. Many festivals culminate with the unveiling of a massive building-sized religious embroidery that is believed to offer spiritual liberation to anyone who sees it. This is Bhutan at its most exotic and photogenic—don’t miss out!
Planning tip: Aside from religious festivals, Bhutan hosts several secular mountain festivals, such as the Royal Highlander Festival, which features music, dancing, and traditional games.
3. Trek to Jhomolhari Base Camp
Bhutan offers incredible treks through some of the most dramatic and least-visited corners of the Himalayas. One of the most spectacular destinations is Jangothang, or Jhomolhari Base Camp, which provides jaw-dropping views of the eastern face of the 7314m-high (23,996ft) Jhomolhari peak.
Five of Bhutan’s most popular treks converge at the camp, and many groups spend two nights acclimatizing here, making it a true mountain crossroads. Morning views of the mountain, when it turns from inky grey to a blush of pink and then sparkling white in the full sun, are truly a highlight.
Detour: There are fabulous day hikes from Jangothang to the twin lakes of Tshophu and the base of Mt Jichu Drakye—adding an extra day to your itinerary is worthwhile if possible.
4. Have Your Horoscope Read by a Bhutanese Astrologer
Changangkha Lhakhang, perched on the hillside above central Thimphu, has been renowned for its protective blessings since its construction in the 12th century. Bhutanese families bring their newborns here for auspicious naming ceremonies and offer in return bottles of milk and rice wine to the red-faced, horse-headed protector Tamdrin.
Tell the resident astrologer monk your birth date, and he will consult divination charts to recommend the best kind of protective prayer flags or auspicious dates for making significant decisions. You’ll then receive a sacred thread to tie around your neck, marking a powerful moment that can blur the line between tourist and pilgrim.
Detour: After visiting Changangkha, head down to one of the Buddhist supply shops in Norzin Lam for prayer flags, protective amulets, and juniper-scented incense.
5. Indulge in a Traditional Bhutanese Medical Treatment
Bhutan has a complex medical diagnosis system blending elements of Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian medicine with an ancient understanding of medicinal herbs. Thimphu’s National Institute of Traditional Medicine offers a traditional diagnosis through a pulse check and tongue observation, recommending treatments that may involve oil massages or moxibustion. This glimpse into an alternative health paradigm is incredibly relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Planning tip: Several top-end spas and hotels offer traditional Bhutanese treatments, notably Spirit Sanctuary outside Paro, Namseling Boutique Hotel in Thimphu, and Termalinca south of the capital.
6. Deck Yourself Out in Traditional Bhutanese Attire
One of the most striking features of Bhutanese culture is the use of traditional dress in everyday life. Men wear a colorful robe known as a gho, complemented by a woven belt and knee-high socks, while women don a kira, a woven skirt worn with an embroidered silk jacket. This striking attire makes a beautiful statement of identity and fashion, with high-quality kira and gho sometimes costing thousands of dollars.
If you’re attending a festival, consider investing in your own traditional attire. Festival-goers will appreciate your effort, and you’re likely to be showered with invitations for photos and social gatherings. While you may need guidance on how to wear it, mastering the attire will provide you with a stunning outfit for life.
Planning tip: You can purchase off-the-peg outfits at many shops in Thimphu or have a made-to-measure outfit crafted at local tailors if you have a few days to spare.
7. Hike Up to the Iconic Taktshang Goemba
One excursion that every visitor to Bhutan should prioritize is the half-day hike through pine forests to Taktsang Goemba, the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located in the upper Paro Valley. This breathtaking temple, with its striking gold roof, clings to the side of a dramatic cliff and is centered around a cave where Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche meditated for three months after flying there on a tigress.
The temple is accessible via a two-hour uphill hike, best undertaken in the morning when the sun is less intense. Consider saving this hike for the latter part of your trip, allowing for better acclimatization.
Detour: Fit hikers can continue above Taktshang to explore the timeless shrines and temples that dramatically overlook the Tiger’s Nest, providing a unique perspective on this iconic site.
8. Walk Ancient Paths on the Trans Bhutan Trail
The Trans Bhutan Trail is a newly rebuilt 403km-long (250 miles) walking path that traverses Bhutan from east to west. Used over centuries by traders, messengers, and government officials, it meanders through forests, villages, and valleys, offering wonderful sections for day hikes. One of the most scenic and accessible parts lies in the Paro Valley, climbing the eastern slopes for outstanding views.
Detour: Other popular sections include rhododendron forests on either side of Dochu La Pass or a beautiful yet challenging day hike from the Haa to Paro valleys.
9. Join Pilgrims on a Visit to a Sacred Site
Bhutan is rich in pilgrimage sites associated with Buddhist saints who visited, meditated, or performed miracles centuries ago. Visitors can often join fellow pilgrims along sacred paths, marveling at stone marks left by demons, rubbing joints against holy rocks for relief, and squeezing through narrow rock openings as a karmic test. This experience is wonderfully leveling and unifying.
Upon reaching a shrine, expect to receive blessings or holy relics, often in the form of colored threads tied around your neck. Relish tales of flying saints, absorb the serene landscape, and enjoy a picnic with fellow pilgrims—truly an authentic Bhutanese experience.
Planning tip: There are numerous pilgrimage sites in Bhutan, with favorites including Dzongdrakha Goemba, Drak Kharpo, or Chumphu Ney, all located in the Paro Valley.
10. Catch a Live Band in a Dive Bar in Thimphu
For a glimpse of the modern face of Bhutan that most short-term visitors miss, dedicate a day to its capital city, Thimphu. Watch local youths practice skateboarding in Clocktower Square, and afterward, indulge in diverse global cuisines from Korean and Japanese to Indian or Thai.
Once you’ve dined, head to a local bar to mingle with engaging locals while enjoying a Bhutanese-brewed Red Panda weissbier. Then, experience a rock concert at the best music venue in the city. On weekends, you can dance the night away at vibrant clubs filled with youthful energy, providing excellent opportunities to connect with the young Bhutanese crowd.
Planning tip: For upcoming live events, check local social media pages for updates.
11. Soak Up the Atmosphere in a Rural Farm Stay
To escape the tour group bubble of Bhutan, nothing beats an overnight stay in a traditional, family-run farmhouse or homestay. The accommodations are simple, often featuring a mattress on the floor in a wood-walled room adorned with traditional Buddhist symbols, but the focus should be on the immersive experience rather than luxury.
Spend time in the family kitchen enjoying butter tea accompanied by traditional snacks like fried rice and corn while chatting with the hosts as they prepare an authentic Bhutanese meal. Many families will even provide informal cooking lessons during your stay.
Planning tip: Enhance your farm stay experience by taking a dip in a traditional hot-stone bath, where water infused with Artemisia is heated using river stones, providing both relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
12. Watch Arrows and Insults Fly in a Traditional Archery Match
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and you’ll often see young men honing their skills in open spaces across the country. This traditional game is played with bamboo bows over seemingly impossible distances but provides fascinating entertainment for visitors, thanks to the lighthearted banter exchanged during competitions.
Opposing teams use good-natured insults to distract their rivals, while successful archers celebrate with joyous dances after scoring, ensuring a fun-filled atmosphere.
Planning tip: One of the best spots to witness an archery match is at Thimphu’s Changlimithang Archery Ground, particularly on weekends. Even if no formal matches are happening, it’s common to see individuals practicing, and shops on-site sell traditional bamboo arrows.
