Rafting in the Mo Chhu River , Visit Chimi Lhakhang , Visit Rinpung Dzong, Visit the Ancient Punakha Dzong, Visit Chele La Pass, Thimphu Weekend Market, Hot Spring baths, Attend the Annual Black-Necked Crane Festival, and a lot of other things.
Honestly, when you start thinking about what to do in Bhutan, it's really daunting the amount this little country has crammed into it. Bhutan may be small, but it's got it all - from adrenaline-pumping activities to totally relaxed cultural experiences.
Looking for a rush of adrenaline? Go white water rafting down the Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers, or take a kayak and paddle Wang Chhu. And those old suspension bridges? Walking across the Punakha Suspension Bridge will have your knees shaking - but in the best way possible.
If you're more of a slow-travel type, staying with a local family in a traditional homestay is amazing. You get real home-cooked meals and stories you won't hear anywhere else. Couples should definitely check out our Bhutan honeymoon packages - imagine waking up to mountain views with your partner. Pretty magical stuff.
The thing about what to do in Bhutan is there's just too much for one trip. That Tiger's Nest Monastery everyone talks about? It's perched 10,000 feet up and looks impossible to reach, but the hike is totally worth it. Bird lovers go crazy here, too - we're talking 600+ species roaming around.
Weekend markets are where the real action is. Local vendors are selling everything from chillies to beautiful textiles, and everyone's chatting and bargaining. These places to visit in Bhutan will leave you feeling completely refreshed. Our Bhutan Tour Packages can help you figure out what fits your vibe best.
25 Incredible Things To Do In Bhutan You'll Never Forget
1. Conquer the Climb to Tiger's Nest Monastery
Everyone raves about Tiger's Nest, and honestly? They're damn right to do so. This monastery defies gravity, clinging to a cliff 3,000 feet above Paro Valley. The hike up will test your lungs - we were gasping for air halfway up while watching local grandmas breeze past us without breaking a sweat.
There's a decent cafe at the halfway point where we stuffed ourselves with momos (dumplings) and questioned our life choices. Push through the burn in your legs because of that first full view of the monastery? Worth every painful step.
Inside, you'll need to ditch your shoes and cameras. The temples are dark, smoky, and absolutely magical. Our guide spent ages explaining a single painting while monks chanted nearby. None of us considers ourselves particularly spiritual, but this place? It gets under your skin in the best way possible, making it one of the best Things To Do In Bhutan.
For seriously unique things to do in Bhutan, you can't beat crossing a swaying iron chain bridge supposedly built by a saint known as the "Divine Madman" - a Buddhist teacher famous for his, um, unconventional methods involving lots of drinking and sexual exploits.
We white-kINRckled it across the bridge over the rushing Mo Chhu River to reach Chimi Lhakhang temple. Fair warning: there are colourful phallus paintings everywhere. Yes, actual penises painted on buildings, believed to bring good luck. Watching our more conservative travel buddies turn various shades of red was entertainment in itself.
Childless couples come here hoping for fertility blessings. Our guide showed us letters from international visitors who received blessings and later sent baby photos back to the temple. Coincidence? Who knows, but it's a hell of a story.
3. Let Loose at a Mind-Blowing Bhutanese Festival
If you can swing it, plan your Bhutan trip around a tshechu (religious festival). We lucked out with the Paro Tshechu, and holy cow - it was like stepping into another world. Hundreds of locals in their finest traditional gear packed into the dzong courtyard while monks performed sacred dances wearing the most incredible masks you'll ever see.
These aren't watered-down tourist shows. They've been performing these exact dances for centuries. Little old ladies will elbow you out of the way to get a better view, kids run wild stealing snacks, and everyone gossips between performances.
On the final day, they unfurl a massive tapestry before dawn that supposedly wipes away your sins just by looking at it. The crowd goes absolutely wild. Attending these festivals in Bhutan is one of the best Things To Do In Bhutan.
Our tip? Bring snacks, wear comfortable shoes, and chat with locals. We ended up sharing butter tea with a family who explained all the dances to us and laughed at our terrible attempts at speaking Dzongkha.
- Timings: Held annually from the 11th to the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month, which usually falls in March or April.
- Entry fees: Free to attend for both locals and tourists.
4. Make Fools of Yourselves at Archery (Their National Sport)
Looking for adventure activities in Bhutan that'll humble you quickly? Try archery. Bhutanese archers hit targets the size of dinner plates from 140 meters away – that's nearly one and a half football fields! Meanwhile, we could barely get our arrows to fly straight.
What makes Bhutanese archery ridiculously fun is the trash talk. When someone hits the target, their teammates break into slow-motion victory dances while singing insults at the other team. Our guide translated some of the tamer ones, and let's just say these guys don't hold back.
We spent an afternoon trying traditional bamboo archery at a hotel in Thimphu. The staff were too polite to laugh at our pathetic attempts openly, but we caught them exchanging amused glances. One guy in traditional robes casually nailed the target while simultaneously taking a phone call. Show-off.
5. Soothe Your Aching Bodies in Hot Stone Baths
After days of hiking, our bodies felt like they'd been run over by tractors. That's when our guide suggested traditional hot stone baths, and sweet heaven, it was exactly what we needed. They heat river stones in a fire until they're glowing red, then drop them into wooden tubs filled with water and mountain herbs, making it one of the best things to do in Bhutan.
We soaked in tiny wooden huts at a farmhouse, watching steam rise while staring out at pine forests. The family kept adding fresh stones through a compartment, occasionally making the water scream-inducing hot. By the end, we felt like overcooked noodles in the best possible way.
- Fair warning: modesty isn't really a thing here. The bath attendants, grandmotherly women, gave zero craps about your awkward Western hang-ups. Just embrace it.
- Location & Fees: Traditional spas in Punakha or Paro.
- Cost: INR 1,000 to INR 1,500 per bath, depending upon amenities.
6. Trek the Druk Path Without Crowds
For serious adventure sports in Bhutan, the Druk Path trek delivers big time. Unlike the conga line of tourists in Nepal, we went entire days without seeing another soul. The 4-5 day route between Paro and Thimphu starts in apple orchards before climbing to high passes with knockout mountain views.
Let's be honest – the altitude kicked our butts. At over 4,000 meters, we moved like sloths having existential crises. But camping beside crystal-clear alpine lakes with only the sound of distant monastery bells? Worth every laboured breath.
One morning, we woke to find fresh snow had fallen overnight, transforming the landscape into something out of a fairy tale. Our guide made butter tea while pointing out peaks on the Tibetan border. We'd take this over a crowded teahouse trek any day.
7. Stand in Awe of Punakha Dzong
We've seen our share of impressive buildings, but Punakha Dzong made our jaws physically drop. This massive white fortress sits between two rivers, with golden roofs that catch the light like something from a fantasy movie. In spring, purple jacaranda trees bloom against the white walls, and it's so perfectly pretty it almost feels fake.
Built in 1637 without using a single nail (seriously, how?), it's packed with treasures. The prayer hall houses enormous Buddha statues and wall paintings so detailed you could stare at them for hours. Our guide had to practically drag us out when closing time came.
Pro tip: visit in the late afternoon when the light hits the white walls just right. Your Instagram followers will worship you for the photos.
- Location: Punakha, between two rivers.
- Entry Fee: 1,000 INR per person
8. Get Drenched White-Water Rafting on Po Chu
For pure adrenaline junkies, white water rafting the Po Chu River ranks among the best adventure activities in Bhutan. We opted for a section with class 3-4 rapids and got absolutely soaked within minutes. The boat ahead of us flipped completely, though the guides had it back in safely with impressive speed.
The coolest part? You float right past Punakha Dzong, seeing it from an angle most visitors miss. Our raft guide had done this route hundreds of times, but still stopped to point out the dzong, saying it was his favourite view in all of Bhutan.
After battling rapids with names like "The Washing Machine" and "The Terminator" (seriously), we pulled over for a riverside picnic. Nothing tastes better than momos and hot tea when you're soaked and buzzing from surviving what felt like certain death multiple times, making it one of the most thrilling things to do in Bhutan.
- Route: Starting around Wangthangkha and ending at Samdingkha.
- Difficulty: Rapids range from Class III to IV
- Cost: 10,500 - 12,600 INR for up to 5 Pax. ₹4,980 to ₹6,640 per person.
9. Feel Tiny Under the Massive Buddha Dordenma
At 169 feet tall, the Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu is a major Bhutan tourist attraction that actually lives up to the hype. This enormous golden Buddha contains 125,000 smaller Buddhas inside it. The scale is hard to comprehend until you're standing at its base, feeling absolutely minute.
What the travel brochures don't mention is the incredible view. The statue sits on a hillside overlooking the entire Thimphu valley. We went just before sunset and watched the city lights slowly come on as the mountains turned purple. Only a handful of other visitors were there, proving that even at the most famous spots, Bhutan never feels overrun.
Inside the base is a meditation hall that's worth checking out. The craftsmanship on the statues and paintings is mind-blowing when you realise each one was hand-made.
Location: Kuenselphodrang, overlooking Thimphu Valley.
10. Crash with a Local Family and Eat Way Too Much Chili Cheese
Skip the fancy hotels for at least one night and stay with a local family. Our farmhouse homestay in Haa Valley was easily the highlight of our trip and one of the most unique things to do in Bhutan. The three-story rammed-earth house had cows on the ground floor, the family's quarters in the middle, and an altar room at the top.
Our host family spoke limited English but communicated through food – mountains of it. They taught us to make ema datshi, Bhutan's national dish of chillies and cheese. Despite nearly burning our faces off, we couldn't stop eating it.
After dinner, we huddled around the bukhari (wood stove), drinking homebrewed ara (rice wine) that tasted smooth going down but hit like a truck.
When we admired a hand-woven textile, our host pulled out her loom and showed us the basics. We produced what looked like drunk spiders' webs, while she laughed so hard she cried.
11. Mountain Bike Down Heart-Stopping Himalayan Roads
Mountain biking might not be the first thing you associate with Bhutan, but it should be. It's easily one of the best adventure sports in Bhutan for thrill seekers. We booked a guided downhill ride from Dochula Pass to Punakha that had us alternating between terror and pure joy.
The climb up (thankfully in a van) took us through forests thick with rhododendrons to a pass covered in prayer flags. Then came the fun part – a 1,700-meter descent on roads that twisted through small villages where kids raced out to high-five us.
Our guide pointed out medicinal plants and hidden temples we'd have missed in a car. We stopped at a tiny roadside shack where an old woman served fresh cheese and mountain honey that tasted like flowers.
Our thighs were completely shot by the end, but cruising past rice terraces with Himalayan peaks as a backdrop? Worth every muscle cramp.
- Trail: Thimphu - Dochula Pass - Punakha.
- Details from Tour:
- Ascent: approx. 22 km from Thimphu to Dochula (1 hour); 3,080 m elevation.
- Descent: approx. 55 km to Punakha (2–3 hours)
- Entry Fee: No fee for the pass itself (free entry)
12. Witness Rare Black-Necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley
The U-shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha stops visitors in their tracks. It's stunningly beautiful – a vast open valley surrounded by forest-covered mountains. But what makes it truly special are the endangered black-necked cranes that winter here.
We visited in early November, just after the cranes arrived from Tibet. Watching these massive birds glide down from the mountains at dawn is something we'll never forget. They do this strange dancing thing where they hop around and bow to each other. Our guide said they mate for life and renew their "vows" each year with these dances.
The Black-Necked Crane Centre has spotting scopes set up so you can watch them without disturbing them. The whole valley has limited electricity to protect the birds' habitat, which means nights are dark and silent except for the occasional crane call. We've never seen stars so bright in our lives.
- Best Time: Late October to mid-February.
- Observation Centre: Entry Fee: 300 INR
13. Watch Art Students Create Masterpieces
Bhutan takes its traditional arts seriously – like, 13 years of training seriously. At the National Institute for Zorig Chusum in Thimphu, you can watch students learning everything from wood carving to thangka painting and statue making.
What blew us away was seeing teenagers with the patience of saints working on intricate paintings using traditional techniques their ancestors used centuries ago. One student showed us how he makes his own pigments from minerals and plants. Another demonstrated how he applies gold leaf to Buddha figures – a process so delicate that he barely seemed to breathe while doing it.
The small gift shop sells student work, which makes for meaningful souvenirs that actually support the continuation of these crafts. We picked up a small painted box that we still treasure.
14. Gasp for Air at Chelela Pass
At nearly 4,000 meters, Chelela Pass left us literally gasping – partly from the altitude, partly from the ridiculous views. The winding drive up passes through forests that change completely as you climb, from lush green to scrubby alpine.
At the top, prayer flags snap in the wind while mountains stretch in every direction. On clear days, you can see Jhomolhari, Bhutan's sacred mountain. Our guide pointed out the border with Tibet just beyond the peaks. Despite visiting in May, we found patches of snow, which our guide promptly made into snowballs and pelted us with.
We hiked a short way to Kila Goemba, a nunnery where female monks live in relative isolation. One elderly INRn invited us in for tea and showed us the temple with its butter lamp offerings. The quiet dedication of these women living so far from everything was humbling.
15. Empty Your Wallets on Gorgeous Textiles
Bhutanese weavers create some of the most complex textiles in the world, and once you see them up close, you'll want to remortgage your house to buy one. At the Royal Textile Museum in Thimphu, we spent hours gawking at the intricate patterns and technicolour threads.
For the real deal, we visited Khoma village, famous for kishuthara weaving – the most complex technique that can take months to complete a single piece. Women work on traditional backstrap looms, their fingers flying so fast we couldn't track the movements. One weaver showed us a piece she'd been working on for six months – a single kira (women's dress) that would sell for thousands of dollars.
We splurged on a simpler wall hanging that maxed out our credit card but became our most treasured souvenir. The weaver told us the pattern represented long life and happiness – something we think about every time we see it hanging in our home.
16. Spot Incredible Birds in Royal Manas National Park
We've never been big birders, but Bhutan changed that. With over 770 species of birds, even casual observers get excited. Royal Manas National Park in southern Bhutan offers a completely different ecosystem from the mountains – humid subtropical forests teeming with life.
Our guide could identify birds by their calls before we even spotted them. We saw hornbills with beaks bigger than our arms, brilliantly colored pittas, and the rare white-bellied heron. One morning, we watched great hornbills performing aerial acrobatics, their massive wings making a sound like a small helicopter.
The park borders India, so you get this crazy mix of Himalayan and tropical species. Beyond birds, we spotted golden langur monkeys, wild boars, and fresh tiger tracks that made our hearts race (though thankfully/disappointingly no actual tigers).
- Location: Gonphu, Bhutan
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Entry Fees: ₹200
17. Get Mesmerized by Ancient Monastery Mask Dances
Gangtey Monastery sits on a ridge overlooking Phobjikha Valley, and timing our visit with their annual tshechu festival was pure luck. For three days, we watched monks perform ancient mask dances that honestly felt like something from another dimension.
The masks themselves are works of art – fierce deities with multiple eyes, animal heads, and skull crowns. The dancers move in slow, precise patterns that have remained unchanged for centuries. Our favourite was the Black Hat Dance, where monks swirl in dark robes and tall black hats, symbolically purifying the ground.
Between dances, senior monks explained the religious significance to the crowd, while little novice monks sneaked candy to children. Even without understanding the language, the power of these performances was unmistakable. This isn't stuff they put on for tourists – it's the real deal, and it's among the top things to do in Bhutan for cultural immersion.
18. Set Your Mouths on Fire with Bhutanese Cooking
Bhutanese food isn't famous worldwide, but it should be – especially if you like your food spicy enough to make you hallucinate. We took a cooking class in Thimphu, where the first thing the chef said was, "In Bhutan, chilli is not a spice. It's a vegetable."
She wasn't kidding. We made ema datshi (chilli cheese stew) with a mountain of fresh green chillies. We learned to cook red rice, buckwheat noodles, and momos filled with minced meat and mountain herbs. The class included a market visit where we discovered ingredients we'd never seen before – tree tomatoes, fiddlehead ferns, and a type of Sichuan pepper that made our tongues go numb.
By the end, we were sweating profusely but completely hooked on the flavours. We've tried recreating ema datshi at home, but without those crazy Bhutanese chillies, it's never quite the same.
19. Find Peace in Ancient Meditation Caves
Long before wellness retreats became trendy, Bhutanese masters were meditating in remote caves. Some of these sites welcome visitors, and they offer something you won't find in any spa – centuries of accumulated spiritual energy that you can practically feel humming in the air.
We hiked to Dragkarpo (White Rock Cave) above Paro, a spot where the 8th-century master Guru Rinpoche supposedly meditated. The cave itself is small and unassuming, but sitting in silence where countless practitioners have meditated before was unexpectedly powerful. Our cynical Western minds actually went quiet for once.
A caretaker monk offered butter tea and seemed amused by our awkward attempts at meditation. He showed us how to sit properly and gave simple breathing instructions. Those 20 minutes of peace remain one of our clearest memories of Bhutan.
20. Cheer at a Wild Archery Tournament
We mentioned trying archery earlier, but watching a full-scale traditional tournament ranks among the absolute top things to do in Bhutan. These events are part Olympic sport, part stand-up comedy, and entirely entertaining.
At a local tournament in Bumthang, teams dressed in traditional ghos (knee-length robes) took turns shooting at impossibly distant targets. Between rounds, they performed victory dances and sang elaborate songs making fun of their opponents' manhood, archery skills, and anything else they could think of. The crowd roared with laughter.
The precision was mind-blowing – these guys could hit targets we could barely see. One archer told us he practices daily before and after work. When we asked if he ever competed internationally, he shrugged and said, "Why? The best archers are all here in Bhutan." Hard to argue with that confidence.
Kichu Lhakhang in Paro is one of the best things to do in Bhutan and a must-visit Bhutan tourist attraction. Built in the 7th century, it is one of Bhutan famous things that showcase the country’s ancient culture. Visiting this temple is one of the top activities to do in Bhutan, offering a peaceful spiritual experience.
The best month to visit Bhutan is March or April for pleasant weather. This is also a great place for travellers wondering what to do in Bhutan and exploring things to do in Paro.
- Location: Paro.
- Entry Fee: 500 INR
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
22. Explore the Nightlife in Thimphu
Exploring the nightlife in Thimphu is one of the fun things to do in Bhutan. While Bhutan is peaceful, you can find cosy cafes, live music, and local bars. It is a unique experience and counts among the best things to do in Bhutan at night. Thimphu nightlife lets visitors enjoy activities to do in Bhutan after sightseeing.
Here are a few spots with location, timing, and entry info:
- Vivacity (Sheten Lam): Entry: 250–500 INR; Open Wed, Fri, Sat:20:30–01:00 AM.
- Space 34 (Chang Lam): Entry350 INR (up to 500 INR on special occasions); Wed 21:00–24:00; Fri–Sat 21:00–01:00 AM.
- Club Ace (Phendey Lam): Entry 250 INR; Wed 21:00–00:00; Fri–Sat until 02:00 AM.
- Mojo Park (Chang Lam): Live music; opens 19:00
23. Discover Bumthang Valley
Bumthang Valley is one of the best things to do in Bhutan for nature lovers and cultural explorers. This valley is home to Bhutan tourist attractions like ancient temples, monasteries, and traditional villages. Visitors can enjoy activities to do in Bhutan, such as trekking, photography, and tasting local cuisine.
It is known for Bhutan famous things like apple orchards and cheese-making. The best months to visit Bhutan Bumthang are March, April, or October for clear skies. Exploring Bumthang offers travellers an idea of what to do in Bhutan in a peaceful valley, and discover Bhutan things to do off the beaten path.
24. Attend Thimphu Tshechu
Attending Thimphu Tshechu is one of the best things to do in Bhutan for culture and tradition lovers. This festival is among the top Bhutan tourist attractions, featuring masked dances, rituals, and music performed by monks. It is one of the most colourful Bhutan things to do, giving visitors a spiritual and festive experience. The best month to visit Bhutan for this festival is September or October. Witnessing Thimphu Tshechu is one of the unique activities to do in Bhutan, and lets travellers enjoy what to do in Bhutan in a lively cultural setting.
25. Explore Local Handicrafts
Exploring local handicrafts is a top thing to do in Bhutan for art and culture lovers. You can buy handwoven textiles, wood carvings, thangka paintings, and jewellery at markets or government emporiums.
It is one of the best things to do in Bhutan for souvenirs and cultural experiences. Handicraft shopping is among Bhutan tourist attractions that showcase Bhutan famous things and traditional skills.
The best month to visit Bhutan for shopping is March to May. Visiting handicrafts stores is a fun activity to do in Bhutan and a must on your list of Bhutan things to do.
Bhutan is not just a country, it’s an experience of peace, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are hiking up Tiger’s Nest, soaking in a hot stone bath, or attending a colourful festival, the things to do in Bhutan are endless and unforgettable. From exploring valleys and passes to enjoying local food and culture, Bhutan has something for everyone.
If you’re still wondering what to do in Bhutan, let this list of 25 best things to do in Bhutan be your guide. The kingdom is small, but the memories you create here will be larger than life. So pack your bags, choose the best month to visit Bhutan, and get ready for an adventure you will never forget.
