What more could a nature lover ask for other than being surrounded by spectacular mountains, breathtaking valleys, lush greenery and diversified landscape all boasting of rich biodiversity? Precisely a Bhutan experience in the waiting for an ardent nature lover.
Exploring the monasteries-built centuries ago speak of architectural prowess of the Himalayan kingdom. The ancient fortress takes you to the past when the royals ruled the kingdom. Taking part in Bhutanese festivals leaves you with a colourful and vibrant experience.
One of the most important places to visit in Bhutan is the Royal Manas National Park. Spanning an area of 1057 sq.km, Royal Manas is rich in flora and fauna. Exploring the wilderness and getting to spot wild animals is a lifetime experience.
While you are in Bhutan, remember to try your skills at archery. If you are good at it, you will feel elated and if you aren’t, the attempts are going to leave you in splits. Just enjoy your time here.
Our Bhutan tour aims to cover all things to do and places to visit in Bhutan to make your journey complete.
Here are the top 10 must-visit tourist destinations in Bhutan.
About 5 to 6 hours of trekking takes you to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the breathtakingly steep valley from which you can hardly take your eyes off.
Also referred to as Paro Takstang and Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery has a long history. The original monastery that was built in the 17th century was destroyed by a fire accident and what we now see is the reconstructed monastery in 2005.
A stunning display of architectural wonder, Punakha Dzong Castle was built in the 17th century. Punakha Dzong is also called Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang, which means ‘Palace of Great Happiness’. This castle is not only the second oldest castle in Bhutan but also the second largest castle in the whole of Himalayan Kingdom and considered to be the most beautiful castle in the country.
The castle is at its best during spring when Jacaranda trees bloom to...
‘Tshechus’ as Bhutanese festivals are called, offer you a great insight into the cultural and religious significance of the country. You land here anytime of the year and you will get to participate in a Bhutanese festival as not one month goes by in Bhutan without a festival.
That said, the most famous festival in Bhutan is Thimphu Tshechu. The three-day annual event falls in autumn, that is around September and October. Paro Tshechu, Punakha Tshechu and Taio Tshechu are also among the popular festivals of Bhutan.
Rich in biodiversity, the spectacular Royal Manas National Park is a significant tourist destination in Bhutan. Established in the year 1966, the sprawling 1057 sq.km of Royal Manas offers thrilling experiences to the tourists apart from being a soul soother for sore eyes and tired minds.
Some of the activities available in Royal Manas include hiking, elephant safari to explore the forest and spot wild animals, swimming and boating. If you are good at catching fish, you are sure to have a whale of a time here.
Your Bhutan tour is never complete if you decide not to check in any of the luxury wellness retreats in this Himalayan kingdom. Among the topmost reasons to sign up for a luxury wellness retreat in Bhutan is the awe-inspiring views of the spectacular landscape offered by the wellness retreats.
Serenity is a cure to minds that always work on a hectic schedule. After all, wellness of the body and mind depends on how peaceful you are and how aligned your brain is to inner peace, right?
At around 180 metre in length, Punakha Suspension Bridge is the second longest of its kind in the whole of Bhutan. It also ranks amongst the oldest suspension bridges in the world.
Constructed across the confluence of rivers Po Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Suspension Bridge offers picturesque views of the mountains and valleys. Be ready for thrilling moments as you walk on the swaying bridge with prayer flags fluttering on the sides taking in the endless beauty of the surroundings.
For the spiritual minds, Buddhist monasteries are inevitable landmarks to visit on Bhutan tour. For those not spiritually inclined, Buddhist monasteries are compelling destinations for the serenity in the air, architectural brilliance and the historical importance attached to them.
Buddhist monasteries are a great place to meditate as the calmness transcends all our pre-set boundaries to reach out to our soul and promote inner peace. The most popular Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan include Taktsang Monastery, Punakha Dzong Monastery, Rinpung Dzong Monastery and Cheri Monastery.
With red rice being the staple of Bhutanese cuisine, other common staples of particular districts of the kingdom include maize and buckwheat. Non-vegetarians! Do not worry as Bhutan cuisine is all-inclusive with yack meat, pork, chicken and beef. Cold weather conditions call for piping hot soups and the menu list includes vegetable soups, lentil soups and meat stew. Momos are one of the most popular Bhutanese snacks.
While Bhutan restaurants serve foods of certain countries including Indian foods, we highly recommend you go for Bhutan cuisine to experience the local flavour.
Archery, the ancient martial art, is a national sport of Bhutan and is an integral part of most of the festivals celebrated in the kingdom. Archery contests are exciting to watch. If you have a flair for archery or if you are the type to venture into unknown territory for its adventure, you can have fun with a bow and arrow.
To take part in archery activities, you can visit archery ranges where you will have expert guidance to try your hand at archery.
The Bhutanese government has chosen six rivers for river rafting and kayaking taking into consideration the safety aspects and also to prevent risks. The six rivers were river rafting and kayaking are permitted are Wang Chhu, Puna Tsang Chhu, Kuri Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Drangme Chhu and Sunkosh.
If you love to take part in these adventure sport activities, plan well in advance, choose the right season, carry adequate clothing and energy-rich foods and last but not the least, choose the right travel operator for your adventure.
