Top 20 Things To Do In Bhutan – The Land of Happiness

Bhutan is an ethereal heaven on earth. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains, shadowy forests, beautiful monasteries and a gorgeous countryside, you will certainly believe that God took his time shaping Bhutan into the natural splendour it is today. It’s magic and mysticism will leave you inspired. If you want to unearth its secrets and get a glimpse of what lies in this last Himalayan kingdom, here are the most popular 20 things to do in Bhutan that you must check out.

Things to do in Bhutan

1) Majestic Architecture of Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is a famous 17th-century fortress that resides beside the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. Its grand splendour and majestic architecture make for a breathtaking sight, especially when the white washed walls exude an incandescent light on a warm, sunny day.

• Best time to visit – Spring season (March, April & May)
• Suitable for – History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, students

2) Hiking at Jigme Dorji National Park

This second largest national park in the country was constructed by the third king of Bhutan in 1374. The Jigme Dorji National Park is ideal for trekking and hiking. It is home to some of the endangered species such as the red panda, snow leopard and Asiatic wild dog.

• Best time to visit – March to October
• Suitable for – Wildlife enthusiasts, animal lovers, children, families

3) Relax at Wangdue Phodrang

A beautiful and calm town and certainly one of the best places to visit in Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang is known for its slate and stone carvings, and bamboo products. Its serene backdrop and mesmerising views leave you enthralled.

• Best time to visit – March to April, September to October
• Suitable for – History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, students

4) Zuri Dzong Hike

Get a bird’s eye view of the entire Paro Valley at the peak of the Zuri Dzong fort. When it comes to Bhutan sightseeing, few can match the visual appeal of the Zuri Dzong fort. Also, you can visit this on a hike from Gonsaka Lhakhang.

• Best time to visit – All months except monsoon (June to September)
• Suitable for – Nature lovers, trekkers, adventure freaks

5) Enjoy your ‘Me’ time at Gangtey Monastery (Wangdue)

Touted to be one of the largest monasteries in West Bhutan, the Gangtey Monastery is right at the top of the hill and gives you a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley. The tranquil ambience will soothe your mind and give you the chance to have a peek at yaks or black neck cranes.

• Best time to visit – Winter season (December, January & February)
• Suitable for – Nature lovers, children, families

6) Explore the Royal Manas National Park

Bhutan tourism takes immense pride in their national parks. The Royal Manas National Park is home to 900 classes of plants and trees and 365 species of birds across 1057 sq. km. So, bring your binoculars along to get a glimpse of the avian life.

• Best time to visit – October to April
• Suitable for – Nature lovers, bird watchers, families, photographers

7) Visit the Chimi Lhakhang Temple (Punakha)

Visiting this temple is among the top things to do in Bhutan. Dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Chimi Lhakhang Temple is a Buddhist monastery in Punakha district and is known to be the temple of fertility.

• Best time to visit – Spring (March, April & May) and Autumn (September, October & November)
• Suitable for – Tranquility seekers, religious souls

8) Hitchhiking to Cheli La

This is said to be the highest pass in Bhutan that can be travelled to by road and is situated at the height of 3,810 meters. The view you experience on the 35km stretch is breathtaking.

• Best time to visit – Spring (March, April & May) and Autumn (September, October & November)
• Suitable for – Road travel enthusiasts, groups, solo road traveller, photographers

9) Take trek from Limbukha

If you are searching for peace and tranquility, you will find solace in Limbukha. With amazing sceneries and fantastic landscape, this place is sure to be a treat for the senses.

• Best time to visit – October to December
• Suitable for – Photographers, families, solo tourists

10) Feel at home in Talo

The ideal place for those looking to get a view of a picturesque village tucked away amidst the serene mountains; Talo is a blessing for nature lovers.

• Best time to visit – Spring season (March, April & May)
• Suitable for – Photographers, families, nature lovers

Must Read: How To Reach Bhutan From India

11) Witness the wildlife at Phobjikha Valley

A glacial valley on the slopes of the Black Mountains, the Phobjikha Valley is one of the best tourist places in Bhutan. It is home to a breathtaking wildlife reserve and the black-necked cranes.

• Best time to visit – September to November, March, April
• Suitable for – Photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers

12) Visit the unusual Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

Supposedly built to protect the famed legend ‘Yeti’, the sanctuary has attained iconic status. If you are lucky to be here during the spring season, you will be greeted by a colour riot in the form of rhododendrons and Blue Poppy.

• Best time to visit – Spring season (March, April & May)
• Suitable for – Photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers

13) Explore the ancient times in National Museum of Bhutan

One of the top things to do in Bhutan is visiting the National Museum of Bhutan that is located on the top of a hill above Paro Dzong. Shaped like a conch shell, you will find a collection of festival masks, religious statues and thangkas (scroll painting) here.

• Best time to visit – April-October – 9 AM to 5 PM, November-March – 9 AM to 4 PM
• Suitable for – Photographers, culture and history buffs

14) Take a stroll at Deer Park

The Deer Park is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of Thimpu’s city life. A center for meditation and spirituality, this place is ideal for small weekend retreats, meditation, and regular Buddhist discussions.

• Best time to visit – All year round
• Suitable for – Culture and history buffs, tranquility seekers, religious souls

15) Tiger’s Nest Monastery – Pride of Bhutan

Bhutan tourism takes pride in their iconic Tiger Monastery better known as the Tiger’s Nest. You can trek up to this place that takes around two hours or so. Once there, look down at Paro Valley. You would have never seen a sight so captivating!

• Best time to visit – October to December
• Suitable for – Nature lovers, trekkers, adventure freaks, wildlife enthusiasts

16) Visit Trongsa – the Center of Bhutan

Perfect for relaxation and meditation, Trongsa is located in central Bhutan and is a beautiful place that overlooks spectacular views.

• Best time to visit – March to May, Also visit Trongsa during Trongsa Tshechu festival held in December
• Suitable for – Nature lovers, families, couples

17) Take a walk at Punakha Suspension bridge

Visiting the nation’s longest suspension bridge is one of the top things to do in Bhutan. Built on the river Po Chu, it connects Punakha Dzong with Punakha city.

• Best time to visit – 9 AM in the morning
• Suitable for – Adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, teenagers

18) Jakar – Most popular Dzong

Locally known as Chamkhar, Jakar resides near the foothills of Chokhor Valley. It is a popular dzong and the largest all over Bhutan. It houses the administrative offices for Bumthang district.

• Best time to visit – Jakar Teschu festival in early November
• Suitable for – Nature lovers, families, tranquility seekers, history buffs

19) Haa Valley – Home for trekkers

If you are a trekking enthusiast, a Bhutan travel guide will tell you about Haa Valley, where you can embark on The Haa Planters Trail walk. Also, you can check out the Black, White, and Haa Gonpa temples in the nearby Haa district.

• Best time to visit – Spring (March, April & May) and Autumn (September, October & November)
• Suitable for – Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers

20) Trashi Chhoe Dzong – Fortress of Thimphu

Peace and impeccably manicured gardens are what you get to experience at the Trashi Chhoe Dzong. Built in the 18th century, it acts as a monastery, administrative center but is built like a fortress. It is the most explored Bhutan tourist places around.

• Best time to visit – Monday-Friday: 5 PM – 6 PM, Saturday, and Sunday: 8 AM – 6 PM, to 5 PM in winter
• Suitable for – Photographers, leisure walkers, culture and history buffs

Bhutan’s Happiness Index

The gross national happiness index is followed diligently in Bhutan and has become a part of Bhutan’s social and economic policy. For progress, you need to take a holistic approach to sustainable development and give importance the noneconomic aspects of well being.

There are many things to do in Bhutan that will make your holidays worthwhile. From monasteries and national parks to its distinct local cuisines and annual festivals, there is a lot to offer in a Bhutan holiday. So, pick a few or all of these places and be prepared to be lost in the scenic and cultural wonder of Bhutan. Check out our best Bhutan tour packages to explore the land of happiness.

Must Read: Top Places To Visit In Bhutan – The Land Of Happiness