Major Attractions in Bhutan
Paro Taktsang
If you want to venture off the beaten path then Paro Taktsang (also known as Tiger Nest) is a must. It’s one of Bhutan’s best-known attractions and the most frequented one. Visitors seeking to explore the monastery make a two-hour climb on a steep trail with vertical switchbacks.
As you hike further up, you’ll notice the entrance of the monastery overlooking the shrine on the other side. Make sure to take small steps on the staircase though as it’ll help you maintain the pace at a high altitude.
National Memorial Chorten
National Memorial Chorten isn’t just any other iconic sight in Bhutan. It’s the most prominent one with a unique history and spiritual appeal. Dedicated to the head of state, the memorial showcases Bhutanese traditional design featuring a pyramidal pillar adorned with a crescent sun and moon.
Walk through the stupa and you’ll encounter many life-sized statues of wrathful deities along with golden spires and bells. Surrounded by verdant hills, it also provides you with a scenic view while the tranquil pathways create a serene atmosphere.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha, the capital of Punakha Dzongkhag is a nature marvel with iconic features. Nestled at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu, this dzong is a stunning masterpiece with beautiful architecture.
It exudes grandeur with the surrounding jacaranda trees and mauve, providing a magnificent view. Visit in around February and March and you can observe the annual festival of Demoche.
Buddha Dodrenma Statue
Bhutan is a perfect destination for any cultural mavens but mostly Buddhists. I mean just take a stroll through the town and you’ll come across at least a few of them. Despite this, we encourage you to make some time for the Buddha Dodrenma Statue as it holds immense cultural significance.
Standing 169 feet tall, the statue is one of the largest of its kind with several small figurines. It’s situated between the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the southern entrance of Thimpu.
Simtokha Dzong
Just 3.1 miles south of central Thimpu, Simtokha lures the traveler with its scenic vista and rugged landscapes. Its impressive architecture with beautiful chapels and dark mural paintings tickles the crowd, many of whom have come to learn Dzongka.
Explore the Dzong to see stunning murals with an image of Sakyamuni and Bodhisattvas.
As it knits Dochula Pass and eastern Bhutan, the Dzong is easily accessible.
Gangtey Monastery
Gangtey Monastery, the central hub for Pema Lingpa learning is a renowned shrine with a beautiful hideaway. Its beautiful structure, overlooking the Phobjika Valley is what sets this monastery apart from the others. Visitors in Gangtey are also pampered with the rare sights of endangered black-necked cranes.
Haa Valley
Trek to Haa Valley is a perfect opportunity for a blissful adventure leading to a wild forest and incredible scenery. It also provides you a chance to visit a religious site like the White Temple and the black temple.
Dochula Pass
A 22 km heart-warming journey through the snowy mountains and rugged terrains will take you to Dochula Pass. Sited amidst Punakha and Thimpu, this scenic spot will walk you through the heart of nature and immerse you in its majestic allure.
It is renowned for its iconic feature; 108 red and white memorial chorten which creates a picturesque appeal. This isn’t all as the hill slopes adorned by colorful prayer flags also create a mesmerizing sight.
Royal Manas National Park
Royal Manas is Bhutan’s oldest and most visited national park with various flora and fauna. It’s home to some of the rare and protected wild species that vary from tropical forests to alpine glaciers. Hiking is the main activity here with the network of easily accessible trails.
You can walk through its forests and enjoy the rare sightings of wild animals and birds.
Chimi Lhakhang
Chimi Lhakhang also known as the fertility temple is renowned for its cultural and religious significance. The temple serves as a center of worship for fertility and blessings. It holds a deep association with Drukpa Kurnley, one of the founders of Buddhism in Bhutan who also blessed the temple.
Visitors of Chimi Lhakhang are fascinated by its fine architecture, featuring gold medallions with a brown and gold roof. Here, you can find the golden prayer wheels with colorful prayer flags lined along the road.
Samtse
For those who want to celebrate the Bhutanese culture, cram their delicious food, or explore their picturesque towns, Samtse is the one for you. Home to the indigenous group Lhop, Samtse is an idyllic town, thriving with scenic beauty and diverse culture.
The nature here is well preserved as you can see the beautiful lush hills surrounding the town. The main highlight of the tour is still Samtse Dzong and Phuentsholing.
Thimphu
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan is where modernity meets tradition. Here, you can see glimpses of ancient Bhutan with a freshness. Highlights of this trip include Tashichho Dzong, one of the renowned Buddhist monasteries.
You can also visit a lot of museums and weekend markets in the town. Stroll the stalls and you may even find unique local products and specialties to take home.
Best things to do in Bhutan
Devour the Local Delicacies
Food in Bhutan may not be a work of art, but they are delicious and hearty flavor-wise. They are simple with a striking balance of flavors, making the food scrumptious. Much like Nepal, the typical Bhutanese dish also comprises chilies, meat, vegetables, and brown rice with lots of condiments to give a kick to the good.
Ema Datashi, the national dish of Bhutan also has cheese and chilies, but you can still find it in the versions. For meat Eaters, Bhutanese cuisine is a treat. They use beef as a main ingredient in most of their dishes along with yak and pork.
Be a Master of Archery
Easily one of the most loved sports in the country, Archery unites locals and foreigners. It allows visitors to learn for fun while having a good time and bonding with natives.
The event is groovy with lots of dancing, singing, and eating, which you can rinse off with a cup of sudja. To see the arrows flying to the dart, visit Changlimithang Archery Ground or Druk Choeding Temple in Paro.
Go Bird Watching
Next on the list while on a Bhutan Tour Package is birdwatching, one of the quietest and most rewarding activities to do in Bhutan. Here, you can find some of the best locations to watch the tropical birds as well as varied wildlife.
Birds migrating to the country are also easily spotted in Jigme Dorji National Park, Motithang Takin Preserve, Thrumsingla National Park, and Adjoining India’s World Heritage.
Explore Bhutan by Water
Rafting is a huge tourist attraction in Bhutan, and rightly so. As home to some torrential rivers, it allows thrill-seekers to test their limits while maneuvering their way through the valleys and mountains. Bhutan offers an overwhelming variety of rafts ranging from level I to level IV such as Kuri Chhu, Wang Chhu, and Puna Tsang Chhu.
Have Fun Kayaking
Just 45 miles away from Thimpu is Punakha Valley, a good base for aquapark. The water rapid here is impressive and safe for the adventure. So, feel free to drift across this pristine water while clocking at the panoramic view of verdant hills and surrounding mountains. Other rivers that provide an easy passage for the adventure are Mo Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Sankosh River, and more.
Discover the Wild Life
There’s no way you can miss the wildlife safari when in the beautiful domain of Bhutan. Located in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan boasts an array of wildlife reserves that serve as a sanctuary for flora and fauna.
So join us on this adventure and take a shot of Bhutanese wildlife. There are many choices for a wildlife safari in Bhutan, including Jigme Dorji National Park, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, and TrumshingLa National Park.
Navigate the Dirt Tracks
Mountain Biking in Bhutan may not intrigue most adventurers. But as truth stands, this adventure is one of the most exhilarating pastimes. You can feel the adrenaline while expediting the routes past the scenic hills.
It’s also an incredible way to enjoy the magical landscapes of Bhutan while keeping up with your fitness. There are many open trails for biking in Bhutan, including the likes of Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey.
Delve into the Culture and Festivals
Bhutan hosts a lot of spectacular festivals which even visitors are welcome to. You can seize this opportunity to bond with locals and celebrate the culture. Bhutan has a series of annual events and festivals including the Thimpu Tshechu Festival, Haa Summer Festival, Matsutake Festival, Ura Yakchoe, and Jomolhari Mountain Festival.
Dare Rock Climbing
In Bhutan, you’re never far from the challenging climbs. Thanks to its varied geography and mixed terrains, you can find the climbing routes of all skills here. There are more than 13 climbing routes in Bhutan including Walker’s Crack, Viennese Waltz Half Moon, and Energy Crisis. Thus, if you dare to climb the rocky walls or are keen to flex your skills, do put rock climbing on the list.
Hot Spring Therapy
Bhutan’s hot spring is a hidden treasure that many foreigners are oblivious to whilst for locals, it’s a wellness retreat and a way to cleanse the body. Commonly known as Tshachus, Bhutan’s hot spring has several health benefits.
Here the locals are convinced that hot spring is the natural remedy for body aches and arthritis. Hence places like Gasa, Dhur, Duenmang, and Chubog are often crowded. They are also some of the most scenic Tshachus in Bhutan.
Cycle around the beautiful Thimphu
There are few better ways to see the Bhutanese landscapes than by bicycle. Riding the bike will let you explore its rustic towns that are far from being reached. You can trail bike off-the-beaten-path or take a well-marked route as Bhutan has plenty of both. Some of its popular cycling routes stretch from Thimpu to Janchhub or Thimpu to Yandren and Haa to Paro.
Tour the Museum
In Bhutan, every building has a history; most inspired by chronicle events and other spiritual traditions. So, pay a call to some of these galleries while you’re in the town. The options for museums are endless but we still recommend the National Museum of Bhutan and the Royal Heritage Museum as they are worth a stop.
The Bhutan Postal Museum, the National Handicraft Emporium, The National Textile Museum, and the Folk Heritage Museum are other galleries that exhibit Bhutanese history in its truest form.
Paro’s Weekend Market
The weekend market of Paro may not be the most euphuistic of all but it surely has a local charm with bustling crowds. A trip to the market will introduce you to Bhutan’s regional specialties like Tsirang honey, chugo ( a string of dried cheese), husky betel nut, and powdered juniper incense. Hence, if you have time, do check it out.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Bhutan is open to travelers arriving at Paro International Airport by air. Tourists can go straight to Bhutan from Nepal (Kathmandu), India (New Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, and Gaya), Bangladesh (Dhaka), Thailand (Bangkok), and Singapore (Changi). Or, they can travel by road through India to Bhutan using Phuentsoling, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu.
Sublime Trails also operates tours to Bhutan starting from Nepal. We also operate combined Nepal and Bhutan tours where you will get the best of both countries.
Foreigners (except Indian, Maldivian, and Bangladeshi) must have a visa and passport to visit this country. Although visas are approved only on arrival, you still have to fill out an application in advance through a licensed tour operator and secure it before the travel.
To apply for a visa online you will require a digital copy of a valid passport (at least 6 months of remaining validity), a recent passport-size photo, arrival and departure dates, valid travel insurance, and payment details. (We will apply for your tourist visa on your behalf.)
Additionally, visitors on a Bhutan Tour Package must obtain a permit to visit restricted places outside of Paro and Thimphu. You’ll also have to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) during the visa or permit application.
Bear in mind that the Tourism Council of Bhutan charges a daily non-negotiable fee to visitors. The fees are usually minimal and include all meals, accommodation, transportation, and services of licensed guides and porters.
Transportation within Bhutan and Accommodation Options
Getting around Bhutan is relatively easy, with well-maintained highway roads and options like buses, taxis, and domestic flights.
There are no railways in Bhutan if that’s what you’re wondering. You can easily travel in public or luxury buses and taxis at affordable prices.
In addition, you can also opt for cycling and motorbiking trips to travel around the beautiful cities.
As for accommodation, from budget-friendly hotels, and guesthouses to luxurious 5-star hotels and resorts, Bhutan has you covered.
You can also choose farmhouses for a taste of authentic Bhutanese life where you’ll live among locals, sharing meals and stories as well as connecting with Bhutanese culture on a deeper level.
Cuisine and Dining Experiences
From local eateries to fine dining establishments, visitors in Bhutan have ample choices. You can find anything you want, whether you’re looking for traditional Bhutanese dishes or international cuisine.
Bhutanese cuisines are highly influenced by Indian and Chinese cuisines. Restaurants mostly serve Chinese, Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, as well as Korean foods.
The national food of Bhutan is Ema datsi, a spicy stew made from hot chili peppers and cheese. It is a must-try when visiting Bhutan.
While you’re there, we suggest you try local delicacies like Kewa Datshi (a blend of local potatoes and the finest cheese), Jasha Maru (Chicken stew but with a Bhutanese twist), Phaksha Paa (boneless pork slices cooked with red chilies and garnished with green veggies), Shakam Paa, and Zow Shungo.
Currency, Money Matters, Language and Communication
Ngultrum is the official currency of Bhutan however Indian currency is also widely accepted there. You can exchange cash at the airport itself.
The following currencies are authorized and traded in Bhutan:
U.S. Dollar
Euro
Pound Sterling
Swiss Franc
Hong Kong Dollar
Singapore Dollar
Japanese Yen
Australian Dollar
Canadian Dollar
and Danish Kroner
Card payments aren’t common in Bhutan. It is accepted only in places such as souvenir shops in Paro or other markets in Thimphu. On the other hand, transactions take longer and usually, there’s a hefty commission attached. So, the best idea is to have some cash handy.
As for ATMs, they're not as plentiful as you might be used to. It is easier to find them in the main towns throughout Bhutan. While they might not always be conveniently located, we advise you to plan ahead and withdraw what you need when you have the chance.
Regarding language and communication, English is widely spoken in Bhutan. Visitors won’t have a hard time communicating except with the locals.
As for the internet and SIM cards, tourist SIM (Tashi Cell) is available for visitors. You can easily get one by filling out a form and giving them your passport number. Tashi Cell’s network and Internet services are said to be very strong.
Cultural Etiquette and Customs
There’s an official behavioral and dress code in Bhutan titled,” Driglam Namzha,” where Driglam means, “order, discipline, custom, rules, regimen,” and Namzha means “system.” Bhutanese must dress, talk, eat, and behave accordingly.
Bhutanese locals usually wear their traditional dresses. Men put on their ceremonial scarves called Kabney for special occasions or when visiting a monastery while women wear cotton or silk red scarfs called Rachu embroidered with beautiful flowers.
When greeting, although people usually shake hands with the tourists, the traditional way is bowing. (The depth of the bow depends on the rank of the person being greeted.)
The people in Bhutan highly value politeness and humbleness while communicating. It is customary to speak softly avoiding aggressive language.
Likewise, elders are highly respected in Bhutanese culture and it is best to greet them by showing special consideration.
When visiting someone’s house, it is customary to bring gifts. Otherwise, it is believed that visiting empty-handed is unlucky.
When dining with Bhutanese hosts, waiting until invited to begin eating and leaving a small amount of food on the plate after finishing to show that you have had enough is considered polite.
Removing shoes and hats before entering the monastery or temples is a must. Everyone is supposed to walk around stupas and temples in a clockwise direction.
Touching someone’s head or pointing your feet at anyone or anything holy is forbidden because the head is considered scared and the feet as impure.
Travel Tips and Advice/ Dos and Don'ts in Bhutan
There are several things to keep in mind while visiting Bhutan. The following tips and pieces of advice are sure a lifesaver!
Remember to register your electronic devices such as laptops, phones, cameras, and drones upon arrival. Make sure you keep the declaration slip safe for departure.
Taking pictures or videos of someone without their consent is considered impolite in Bhutan. We suggest you seek permission before clicking pictures of locals as well as religious and government buildings.
If you plan to visit Punakha Dzong(Monastery), you must wear attire that adheres to their dress code – anything that covers your arms and legs such as long pants or skirts and long-sleeved tops. Ensure you wear modest clothing and remove shoes when visiting other religious sites.
When buying a traditional Bhutanese artifact in a local market, we advise you to verify its authenticity and consult your guide about the legality of exporting it. Do not take antiquities out of Bhutan without the necessary permits and proper documentation from the government. Otherwise, you might get into trouble.
Minimize single-use plastic products and respect the natural surroundings. You’re not allowed to swim in the rivers and you shouldn’t throw stones in them as it is believed to disturb the spiritual entities.
Refrain from playing loud music in public. Make sure you follow the local alcohol regulations on “Dry Day” (Tuesday) which means no consuming alcohol on this day.
Tattoo studios are banned in Bhutan. Even though it is against the law, tattoo artists work in their private houses. If you wanna get inked, think before you go for it.
Likewise, tobacco is also banned in Bhutan. However, tourists can bring in 200 cigarettes but make sure you smoke in the smoking room only. Avoid buying cigarettes from dealers because smuggling tobacco can put you behind bars for three years.
