One of the most interesting destinations in the world, Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom shrouded in magic and mystery. Things to do in Bhutan.
Wedged in-between India and China, in the high altitudes of the Himalayas, this is a remote Buddhist kingdom with soaring peaks, majestic monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, and incredible trekking.
It is perhaps one of the most authentic cultural experiences left in the world. Closed to the outside world until the 1970’s, restrictions on tourism have preserved one of the most fascinating cultures on earth, in a pristine mountain environment, which has hardly changed throughout the centuries.
So there are many unique and incredible things to do. Here are four ideas you should add to your Bhutan itinerary.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, all your travel arrangements must be made through a Bhutanese tour operator (the government prioritizes “high value, low impact” tourism). Many people therefore opt to travel with a tour company, like Kandoo Adventures – Bhutan.
Things to Do in Bhutan: Add These to Your Itinerary!
Try Your Hand in Archery
Archery is the country’s national sport, and one of the most popular things to do in Bhutan. At any location in Bhutan, you will find men shooting arrows. It would be fun to try a hand in this cultural part of the people of Bhutan, as you bond and learn more about their culture.
You will also enjoy how the females’ cheer as the men aim for the bull’s eye. It’s definitely a game that will make you fall in love with the people with Bhutan.
Go Looking for a Yeti
The Yeti is a legendary bear that almost every village in Bhutan claims to have a close encounter with. The legend is so strong that young children are taught how to act in case they come into contact with the Yeti.
Quite interesting right? Why not join the locals in searching for this legendary creature. You never know, you might go home a hero after finding what the people of Bhutan have been searching for, for centuries.
Take a Walk to the Unknown
Bhutan is surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in the world. As such, it has extensive forests that tourists can take walks in, as they test their ability to confidently walk into the unknown. Bhutan sightseeing.
Think about the adrenalin surge you would get as you through the forest not knowing where exactly you are going. Even better is the fact that these treks allow you to watch the different bird species that call Bhutan home.
The walk into the unknown is definitely an experience to remember. The experience in itself is worth more than selfies and photos.
Take a Shot at Increasing Your Happiness
Bhutan has an interesting way of measuring progress. It’s called the gross national happiness. Under this system, all government policies are geared towards happiness. Add happiness to your Bhutan itinerary!
As a tourist, why not take a shot at some of the things that the people of Bhutan do for happiness. After all, it wouldn’t hurt to temporarily escape from the world you live in, one that is ruled by money as a measure of satisfaction.
Do it the Bhutan way, watch the turtles swim, meditate with the monks, and so much more.
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Photo credits: Hands of an archer by Marina & Enrique.
16 Comments
Bhutan looks beautiful! I love the idea that all their government policies are geared towards public happiness — what a great way to rule a country.
Isn’t it! They must be doing something right too, because they’re constantly polled as being more happy than Western Nations!
To be honest I know pretty much nothing about Bhutan, but it looks amazing! The gross national happiness looks fascinating, I definitely want to learn more about that. Thanks for this post, I’ve pinned it for later :)
Glad we could introduce you – definitely a unique and original destination. Their gross national happiness is so interesting isn’t it! Must be doing something right!
Bhutan is absolutely gorgeous. I love the fact that they restrict the number of tourists to visit the country so that to protect the environment and culture. Although it’s expensive to travel, it’s definitely worth it.
I agree – I think we’ve seen so many countrys struggle against the wave of tourism and the negative impacts mass tourism has had towards loss of environment and culture. So I completely understand the decision of the government to limit visitors.
As you said, while it’s expensive, it’s definitely worthwhile :)
What an incredible place – so remote and so far away from where I’d usually be visiting. Interesting that tourism has been limited – and to be honest, I don’t disagree with that move. What a privilege to be able to visit though. Sounds like a fascinating place and a chance to truly experience an authentic culture too.
I don’t disagree with the move to limit tourism either. I’ve seen the effects and consequences that can flow on from mass tourism, and I think the restrictions Bhutan has put in place are a good move for protecting their culture and environment. As you said, makes it more of a privilege to visit too!
Haha as much as I love to fight a bear it is something interesting to know. Bhutan is a best kept sceret and I hope it will stay so for a very long time; Maybe the secret of happiness is not supposed to be out in the open. @ knycx.journeying
Maybe! Though I do think that the rest of the world could probably learn a lot from Bhutan :)
Isn’t the Bhutan tourist visa one of the most expensive in the world?
It’s definitely up there, the fee to visit is $250 per day during high season (March, April, May, September, October, and November) and $200 per day during the rest of the year.
But when you consider that it covers your tour guide (you can’t visit independently), accommodation, food, fees for the sights and transport, it doesn’t work out to be expensive for the value you’re getting.
It’s not cheap, but the only extras you will need to pay are for drinks and any souvenirs. And you know that this high-cost, low-impact approach means there’s no over-crowding of tourists, and the culture and environment remains pristine.
Thank you so much for writing about my country Bhutan. Keep sharing amazing articles. God bless you
You’re welcome Karma, so glad you enjoyed the post :)
Bhutan is a small wonder of Asia. It is also the last great Himalayan kingdom. Bhutan has something for every kind of traveler as it offers a wide variety of tours including, adventure, leisure, recreational, wildlife and wellness.
Absolutely – we can highly recommend it as a destination!
Thanks for reading :)