Landlocked in the Himalaya, Bhutan is just 300 km long and half as wide but on the spectacular mountain roads, travel is slow. Three weeks are recommended for a full sightseeing tour. Western Bhutan, around Paro and the capital Thimphu, the central valleys known as Bumthang and the eastern reaches are linked by a scenic but often dramatic road.
The most popular tours include a tsechu, or other Buddhist festival, held in monasteries throughout the year. Trekking, even for a day, gives a wonderful insight into village life and Bhutan’s pristine natural world while shopping for Bhutanese crafts claims a well deserved place among the top 10 things to do.
Top 10 Things to Do, Attend a Festival and Visit Buddhist Temples
Spend a day at a tsechu, a colourful Buddhist festival with masked dancers, chanting monks and jesters entertaining villagers and town folks dressed in their finest clothes.
Watch an archery contest, the national sport always on show during a festival, when beautiful women encourage their team with poetry and song and every hit is followed by a victory dance.
Visit a dzong, a fortified monastery with dozens of temples and fabulous views over mountains or rivers. Among the best are those of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdi Phrodang.
Drive up to the Dochu La pass beyond the capital where multicoloured Buddhist flags flutter around gleaming shrines lined with rows of prayer wheels. By clear weather, the views from the new hill top temple are superb.
Bhutan Trekking, Discover the Countryside in Paro, Punakha or Bumthang
Trek up to Taktsang near Paro, the most holy monastery in Bhutan, clinging to a rocky ledge at 3000 metres . It’s a superb hike, fairly demanding but there are ponies for those who don’t wish to walk. Allow at least half a day.
In the lush Punakha valley, trek to the Temple of the Divine Madman for an unusual blessing or head for the village of Limukha with great views over the river and rice fields.
Join a cultural trek in the Bumthang valley and learn about village life, from harvests to stone baths or fertility symbols hanging from the eaves.
Make the Most of a Bhutan Sightseeing Tour, Buy some Amazing Bhutanese Crafts
Start with a visit to the School of 13 Arts and Crafts, in Thimphu or in Tashiyangtse in the east, where artists learn skills such as wood carving, painting or embroidery. Items may be for religious or daily use but all are produced with the greatest care as an act of devotion.
Be sure to shop in genuine Bhutanese outlets rather than the Thimphu tourist market where much is imported. Items are hand made and prices reflect their high quality. Bargaining is not expected.
Look out for polished wooden bowls from Tashiyangtse, hand made paper, Buddhist paintings, but above all, take home some Bhutanese fabric. Local textiles are superb and can be made into clothes, curtains, throws and much more.
