7 Must do things in Bhutan | Best things to do in Bhutan

1. Hike up to the Tiger's Nest, Paro.

The Tiger’s Nest, also known as Paro Taktsang /Taktsang Palphug Monastery is one of Bhutan’s most visited places. It hangs on a cliff, surrounded by enchanting forest. The hike is around 4 to 5 hours with prayer flags tied everywhere, blue pine and rhododendron trees, waterfalls, small temples and stupas along the way. It is a very sacred Buddhist site where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated in a cave for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Legend has it that he flew from Tibet to this cave on the back of a tigress.

2. Visit one of the oldest Dzong in Bhutan – Punakha Dzong, Punakha.

Bhutan has many Dzongs (fortresses) but none of them are as beautiful as this majestic Dzong. It was built by the unifier Ngawang Namgyal who unified Bhutan in 1637. Imagine a beautiful fortress built at the junction of two rivers [Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female)], surrounded by lush green forest, that’s it! that is Punakha Dzong! Unlike Paro and Thimpu, Punakha is quite warm, which is kind of a blessing.

  

 

3. Visit The Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimpu.

This 54 meters tall statue is located in the capital Of Bhutan - Thimpu. It is a bronze statue costing around US$100 million and was built to honor the 60th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan. The statute is built on a mountain, watching over Thimpu which gives you a great view of the city. You can also visit the Takin Reserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan.

4.” Chill” at the Dochula pass.

Dochula pass is the highest motorable pass between the Thimpu and Punakha. Almost 3100ft above sea level, it is not the highest pass in Bhutan but it sure is the most beautiful one. There are 108 chortens(stupas) built at the pass in honour of the Bhutanese soldiers lost during the war against Indian rebels in 2003. You could just sit there for hours, reading a book and sipping some coffee in the café. You can even check out the Druk Wangyal Lakhang.

5. Visit the Tashiccho Dzong.

This magnificent dzong is located in the capital city of Thimphu. It is set on the Western bank of the river Wang Chu. This Dzong was destroyed multiple times by fire and was rebuilt every time. The original Dzong was built in 1219 and the construction of the current dzong was completed in 1968 when the capital was moved from Punakha to Thimphu. It also is the royal seat of Druk Desi who is also known as the Dharma Raja.

6. Wear the traditional Bhutanese dress.

At the Paro Dzong, you can try out the traditional Bhutanese dress. The men of Bhutan wear ‘Gho’, a knee-length, robe-like cloth that is wrapped around the body and tightened with a belt. And the women wear ‘Kira’, an ankle-length apron kind of dress. Also, Paro Dzong is a sight worth visiting.

7. Take a Day trip to the Chelela pass.

Not very far from Paro, Chelela pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan sitting at 3988m above sea level. It gives a beautiful birds-eye view of Haa valley and Paro valley. If you are lucky, you can even catch the glimpse of one of the highest mountain in Bhutan, Jomolhari