Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
The monastery is situated on a high cliff north of Paro and was built in 1692 at the place, where the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche meditated in one of the caves in the 8th century. People believe that he came from Tibet on the back of a tigress, subdued a demon and emerged in eight incarnated forms. As a result, the place is known as the Tiger’s Nest.
Treks and Hikes
Bhutan offers some of the best treks worldwide. There are more than 23 trekking routes throughout the country ranging from three to over 25 days on which visitors will always be accompanied by experienced guides and porters. The treks are physically demanding, but at the same time hugely rewarding.
Dzongs (fortresses)
These impressive fortresses can be found in all twenty districts of Bhutan, serving today as administrative centres for the civil administration and monastic body.
Not to be missed:
Trongsa Dzong is overlooking the Mangde Chhu River right in the centre of Bhutan. The first and the second King of Bhutan ruled the country from this fortress, which has a labyrinth of narrow corridors opening up into courtyards.
Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, was known as the Druk Pungthang Dechhen Phrodang (“the Palace of Great Happiness”) in ancient times. This Dzong is the second oldest and the second largest Dzong in the country with majestic structures embedded in spectacular scenery between the two rivers Mochu and Pochu. It was the main building when Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955.
Wildlife and Bird Watching
Bhutan is home to a wide range of animals. The country can be divided into three zones: the alpine zone (4,000 metres and above), with scarce vegetation; the temperate zone (2,000 to 4,000 metres), with conifer and broadleaf forests; and the subtropical zone (2,000 metres and below). Animals like the snow leopard and Bengal tiger can be found in the alpine zone, while the other areas of Bhutan are home to species like the red panda, the Himalayan black bear, the one horned rhinoceros, elephants, and golden languors, which are unique to the country. A total of 670 different species of birds can be found – among them the endangered imperial heron. Bhutan is also an important wintering ground for the rare black-necked crane.
Hot Springs
Hot springs can be found all around Bhutan. They have been used for centuries to cure people of various diseases ranging from arthritis and body aches to sinuses. Come winter, it is a Bhutanese tradition to visit hot springs such as the famous Tshachus in Gasa/Western Bhutan.
Thimphu Weekend Market
On Saturdays and Sundays many Bhutanese congregate at the bustling weekend market in the heart of Thimphu. The market offers visitors the opportunity to mingle with locals as well as to try local foods, purchase handicrafts and textiles, prayer flags or even a human thigh-bone trumpet.
Mountain biking
Cycling is gaining popularity amongst locals and the country’s topography is greatly suited to mountain biking, especially in Central and East Bhutan. Moderate biking trails lead through small towns and villages, but you can find challenging climbs as well. The tour of the Dragon Race (268 km) is considered one of the toughest one-day bike tours in the world, criss‐crossing many beautiful villages, passes, and Valleys.
Tshechus
Bhutanese festivals held in monasteries and Dzongs all over the country, are called „Tshechu“. These festivals are usually religious events celebrated on the tenth day of the lunar calendar, corresponding with the birth of Guru Rinpoche. People from surrounding villages will gather at the monastery or Dzong and celebrate with dances which tell the stories of the past. Believers should attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once in their lives to receive blessings and wash away sins.
Archery
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport and competitions are held all over the country throughout the year. There are two types of competitions: those in which contestants use the traditional bamboo bows and those with carbon-fibre bows. The crowds are trying to distract competitors.
Tasting of Bhutanese Cuisines
Bhutanese cuisine is very spicy and chillies are an essential ingredient in almost every dish. Ema Datshi, the national dish, is a spicy mix of chillies (Ema) and delicious local cheese (Datshi) and can be found all over Bhutan.
Farm Stays
One of the unique ways to share the life of local people and experience traditional life in the countryside is spending a few days on a Bhutanese farm.