Welcoming you to the land of Thunder Dragon. Bhutan, a historic landmark in the beautiful Himalayas bound to cultural and traditional ethics with modern values. It is also known as the land of happiness where your happiness matters the most. Driven by modern era with the effect of globalization, Bhutan still remains to be traditional in its way of life. Since it is becoming one of the hotspot for travel destination around the globe, Bhutan is striving to give the best of its kind. Bhutan is amazingly a unique whereabouts to explore to find peace and solace in various things you can discover in our homeland.

Gateway into Bhutan, will be a memorable one with lots many things you can do here. The land riddled with many activities individual enthusiast can do, the best adventures and discoveries been waiting for you here. The mighty Himalayas are the saviors that the country remained isolated with rich heritage of culture and tradition today. The Bhutanese tradition is a way of everyday life and it’s the pride every Bhutanese holds. The exquisite mixture of colorful woven silk brocades for both male( gho) and female( kira) is a unique attire one can get to wear in a lifetime. The cultural and traditional vitality is deeply rooted starting from the dresses people wear, the dances they perform, the rituals and offerings they make, the values and respect they show and the lifestyle people live is a unique impression Bhutan possesses.

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Entertainment

Each and every festival in Bhutan are different forms of entertainment. The Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) in Thimphu works to preserve the unique folk dance heritage in the country since the dancers are expert in all forms of its unique art. The woman folk performs the art of traditional dance Zhungdra – the oldest Bhutanese song and the dances are usually performed in the courtyard of Dzongs and Monasteries during the annual festival. For entertainment in local community, people perform Dramnyen dance (instrumental dance), Ashanggaway (traditional song)and the farewell dance Tashi Tashi during their local festivals and annual rituals.

Urban towns also have a good number of cozy restaurants and bars where you can enjoy your dinner and while you are away from such places, you can spend time at your own space.For Singing enthusiasts, karaoke are the best place to be with perfect scenario and for the more energetic– nightlife in Thimphu & Paro cities can be fun at various discotheques.

Flora and Fauna

The raw and natural beauty of the earth characterizes much of Bhutan’s environment nestled deep within the Himalayas. Bhutan is a treasure trove of biological diversity with an unparalleled richness of flora and fauna that has been so captivating to the visitors. From the sub-tropical plains right up to the alpine highlands, Bhutan’s environment is as diverse as its culture. Today, the land of thunder dragon is one of the world’s top ten global hotspot boasting rich and varied biodiversity. The country ranks among the top ten interms of highest species density (i.e species richness per unit area) in the world, and it has the largest proportion of land under protected biological corridors with about 26.23% of the country’s area designated under national parks. More than 35% of the country’s area are

under the protection of conservation management under the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Bhutan is a perfect destination for enthusiastic horticulturalists as it contains more than 60% of the common plant species mostly found in the Eastern Himalayas. It also boasts approximately 46 species of Rhododendrons and over 300 types of medicinal plants. Junipers, Magnolias, Orchids, Blue Poppies (the national flower), Edelweiss, Gentian, various medicinal herbs. Daphne, Giant Rhubarb, Pine and Oak trees are among commonly found plant species. Bhutan also holds the reputation as Bird Watcher’s Paradise. The country boasts 675 species of birds which includes the endangered black-necked crane that migrates in Bhutan during the winter..

The kingdom is also home to a wide variety of animals. At higher altitudes, it hosts home for snow leopards, blue sheep, red pandas, takin, marmots and musk deer. while Leopards, gorals, gray langurs, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, sambars, wild pigs, and barking deer are found in the temperate zones. The tropical forests in the south are haven for clouded leopards, elephants, one horned Rhinoceros, water buffalos, golden langurs, gaurs, swamp deer, hog deer, horn bills, and many other species. Bhutan is home to the highest altitude inhabiting Tigers in the world and they are commonly found throughout the country.

Visitors can experience the magnificent flora and fauna of Bhutan through sightseeing tours or by embarking on treks and hikes through beautiful virgin forests, pristine Himalayan Mountains and across sparkling flowing rivers fed by ancient mountain glaciers. Roads in Bhutan pass through the rich forests so that travelers can experience the majestic natural beauty of Bhutan throughout your stay.

Photography

Bhutan’s landscape, buildings, and people are some of the most photogenic articles in the world as it is one of the extraordinary thing that photographer can experience. With its cultural and natural feature distinctive from the rest of the world, photographers can collect the best of the masterpiece and uniqueness in their gallery. Depending upon the interest, photography tour can be undertaken at any time of the year, however spring and fall are ideally the best time to view Bhutan through the lens. During this season, the weather is found mild with sunny and clear blue skies and many important religious festivals are held during this period. Capturing images of daily life in Bhutan on hikes to local villages and excursion to lively market would be the best experience for the photographers. Unfortunately taking Photographs are prohibited in the interior of temples and rooms within the monasteries but one can take up the lens to capture the outer structure with great pleasure.

Camping

Camping in thelap of Himalayas and amidst the green forests of towering trees is one of themost mesmerizing experience. And Bhutan is one of the best places to experiencewhat it feels like to camp in the high mountains and wake up to a greatsunrise.

Camping is oneof the best activities in Bhutan that will rejuvenate you completely within the first overnight. There are many trekking trails near Paro and Thimphu where youcan camp with local guides arranging everything for you. Camping in Bhutancan be best experience in the months before and after winter season.Summer rains are usually a little and  to  the extreme  tend to ruinexperiences. So make your plans in the best season and enjoy with little more fun and amusement.

National & Traditional Sports

Archery is the national sport in Bhutan, and competitions are held regularly in most villages. It was declared as the national sport in 1971 when Bhutan first became the  member of the United Nations. Since then, the popularity of Bhutanese archery has increased both inside and outside the country.It differs from Olympic standard in technical details, such, as the placement of the targets and atmosphere. There are two targets placed over 100 m apart and teams shoot from one end of the field to the other at the target point. Each member of the team shoots two arrows per round. During the competition, there is usually a penalty of food and drink. The songs and dances plays a very important roles as these activities are done in attempts to distract an opponent including standing around the target and making fun of the shooter’s ability.

Darts (khuru) is an equally popular outdoor team sports, in which heavy wooden darts pointed with a 10 cm nail are thrown at a paperback-sized to the target which is 10 to 20 m away. Darts is a sport in which small missiles are thrown at a circular target (“dartboard”) fixed on grounds on both sides. It is widely played during the festivals and ceremonies all over Bhutan to enjoy the  celebration with joy and  happiness. Khuru is mostly played as friendly matches and it is not that expensive to that of an archery game.

Digor is also  one of the third traditional sport played in Bhutan  resembling the sport of shot put. ‘Digor’ is a traditional Bhutanese game that resembles some of the shot put techniques though it differs from shot put in many ways. It is played with a pair of spherical flat stones that are hurled at two targets (pegs) fixed on the ground at a distance of about 20 meters apart. The game is played all over Bhutan but it is mostly famous in rural areas. Although there are no restrictions, the game is commonly  played in Bhutan by men. 

Bhutanese cuisine

Bhutanese cuisine includes red rice, buckwheat, and moreover maize. Buckwheat is eaten mainly in Bumthang, maize in the Eastern districts, and rice everywhere. It also includes chicken, yak meat, dried beef, pork and lamb. Soups and stews are made from meat, rice, ferns, lentils, and dried vegetables, spiced with chili peppers and cheese. Ema datshi is a spicy dish made out of green chili peppers in a cheesy sauce which is the national dish for its ubiquity and the pride that Bhutanese have for it.

Traditional Bhutanese eating habits are very simple. In general, food is usually eaten with hands while family members eat together sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor with food being served first to the head of the family. It is usually woman who serves the food and mostly, the mother in Bhutanese society. Before eating, its a ritual to offer short prayer and a small morsel is often placed on the floor as an offering made to the local spirits and deities. While in urban areas, people usually eat with cutlery seated at a regular dining table. The dishes are cooked in earthenware, but with the easy availability of modern goods, pots and pans have largely replaced their uses at greater extent today.

Try wearing Bhutanese Dresses

Though Bhutan is a small country, its cultural diversity and richness are profound. Since strong emphasis is laid on the promotion and preservation of the existing unique culture. On preserving and nurturing Bhutan’s culture and tradition, it helped in guarding the country’s sovereignty and integrity form the past centuries which is one of the greatest pride for the Bhutanese.

One of the most distinctive features of Bhutanese is the aditional dress, a unique garments that have evolved over thousands of years ago which was first introduced by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel prior to the Tibetan origin. Men wears Gho, a knee-length robe somewhat reassembling a kimono that is tied at the waist by a traditional belt known as kera. The pouch which is formed at the front was traditionally used for carrying food bowls and a small dagger. Today however it is more accustomed to carry small day to day articles such as wallets, mobile phone and doma (beetle nut). Women wears the Kira, a long, ankle-length dress accompanied by a light outer jacket known as a Tego with an inner layer known as Wonju.

Bhutanese wear long scarves while visiting dzongs and other administrative centers. The scarf worn by men is known as Kabney while those worn by women are known as Rachu. The scarves worn by men vary in color, signifying the wearer’s designation or rank. The Rachu is hung over a women’s shoulder. And like the scarves worn by men, they too have specific rank associated with their color. Rachus are usually woven out of raw silk embroidered with beautiful and color blended rich patterns.

Hot Spring Therapy

In Bhutan, hot springs are known as Tshachus or  menchus  that are found in many parts of the country. The medicinal properties of these hot springs are availed  by the Bhutanese  for centuries to cure various ailments ranging from arthritis to body aches and even sinuses. It is a popular tradition among Bhutanese to visit hot springs during the winter months.

Trekking

Trekking in Bhutan is one of the unique experience unlike any other crowded treks offered in Asia. Bhutan’s rich natural environment makes it a trekker’s paradise. The variety of trek ranges from a simple three – day trek from Thimphu district to Paro (and vice-versa) and to the 25-day legendary snowmen’s trek that takes veteran trekkers through some of the most exquisite spots in the country. The snowman Trek is also labeled the world’s toughest trek as it goes over 12 mountain passes while all of them ranges over 4,500 m above the sea level.

Almost all the treks offer a combination of natural discovery and an insight into the country’s delicate and unique daily life. Many of the trials take walkers through remote and ancient monasteries, through the deep forest covered tracks close to the villages. The trials pass grasslands and pasture for livestock, and meadows of wildflowers, butterflies and gazing animals. Trekkers often get to spot blue sheep, takin and a variety of birds including the wild pheasants. Bhutan’s treks are also famous for the majestic views of the Himalayan peaks that provide a sense of awe, wonder and a point of contemplation for trekkers along the way.

One of the famous trekking is the Jhomolhari trek which is one of the kingdom's most deeply venerated peak on the border of the Bhutan and the Tibet region of China. Trekkers often return home with a sense of splendor of high altitudes where life ticks to a different time. The famous Bumthang cultural trek takes you through villages and heritage sites in the valley that discovers one of the most remote kingdoms on earth.Whether you are looking for a day hike or a grueling 31 day adventure, Bhutan has it all. Pristine mountain lakes, imposing glaciers and some of the world’s most endangered species that awaits you in the mountainous amphitheater of the Himalayas.

 

Kayaking and Rafting

The crystal clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s best kept open secrets. Fed by the glacial-melt of the Eastern Himalayas, six major rivers (Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu and Dangme Chhu and their tributaries), have been scouted for kayaking and rafting.

They cut through high valleys and low plains to meet up with the Brahmaputra River in India. The pristine natural setting and the sheer variety of the rivers’ courses provides a unique opportunity to explore Bhutan’s beautiful wilderness. Adventurous travelers will not be disappointed by the rugged, untamed waterways of Bhutan.  The rivers are plentiful with strong currents varying between slow, gentle flows in some places and powerful raging torrents can be found throughout the country. Although, adventure sports and tourism are relatively recent introductions in Bhutan, they are drastically gaining popularity.

The river courses in Bhutan offers different experiences by taking easy routes for beginners and hair-raising runs for the veterans. Besides the rafts and the kayaks, Bhutanese agents also organize walking and trekking expeditions along the scenic river banks. The best time for rafting and kayaking is from March to April and November to December.

Cycling

The rugged mountainous landscape of Bhutan lends well to both on-road or off-road mountain biking and the sport is gaining popularity among both visitors and Bhutanese alike. There are variety of biking routes available ranging from smooth journeys on paved roads to challenging off-road dirt trails that wind through rough terrain. The sport offers a certain intimacy with the environment that is seldom experienced in vehicles. With better roads replacing the old and also the increasing number of off-road route, biking is now becoming a very unique and original way of viewing and interacting with places, people and the Bhutanese environment.

Most biking trips go through well paved roads while others trails on to dirt roads. Traffic is still relatively very light and the experience very intimate. The trails accommodate most types of frames: including MTB, Hybrid, and Road depending on your cycling style and experiences. Biking trails mostly meander through small towns and villages and rural areas; it’s just you, your bike, the tour group and the agrarian and natural scenery.

There are also numerous opportunities for optional hikes with a bit of climbing thrown in. There are some challenging climbs with one in particular that is more than seven hours. You peddle the pads over two miles (3,400 meters) above sea level. Your effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view and an unforgettable experience. Riders should have an adequate level of fitness and stamina and should be experienced enough in the art of mountain biking. Tours are fully supported by a van following riders. The van allows riders to rest as and when they require it. Many of the biking trails lead through small villages and temples which will provide interesting and informative diversions if you wish to take a break.

Birding

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas and protected by a complex geographical location of high mountains and deep valleys, Bhutan is rated as one of the ‘top ten global hot spots’ of the world. Since then, Birding in Bhutan is modern course of development that has been both a story of sustainable and progressive development in harmony with its natural environment.

Today, 72.5%of land is under forest cover including shrub forest. An estimation of 770 species of birds inhabit those pristine forests. The habitat of the avifauna is the spectacular epiphytic orchids, lichens, ferns and mosses. It also harbors some of the most exotic species of flora in the Eastern Himalayas with over 50 species of rhododendron along with an amazing variety of medicinal plants and magnolias. The valleys and even the roadside verges are home to colorful herbaceous perennials including mauve primulas, blue poppies and sweet smelling shrubs. You can expect 400 species if your trip is conducted in Spring and about 300 species during other seasons.

The entire country is bisected by well maintained paved roads permitting relatively easy access to habitats from 150 to 3,750 m. One of the important features of Bhutan is birding, especially in mid to late spring (late March to mid May) is the best time everywhere. Unlike in many parts of Asia, where one is obliged to seek out a park or reserve remnant patch of ‘good looking’ habitat, but in Bhutan, even the midst farmland and the surrounding environment will be an exciting birding spot for you.

The itinerary begins in Western Bhutan from Paro valley which has a perfect blend of fauna, flora and cultural diversity of the tiny Himalayan Wonderland.

Spirituality & Well being

Bhutan has many activities available for those visitors who is seeking for a place of solace, rest and recuperation.  Whether it’s a session of peace, contemplative meditation, a relaxing soak in a mineral hot spring bath or the all-natural remedies of our traditional medicine, Bhutan has just what you need to revive and rejuvenate your body and spirit. Our many meditation and mediation retreats will provide you with places of respite from the cares and stress of everyday life. Many tourists from Thailand and other Buddhist countries come to Bhutan specifically for meditation and retreat tours. The traditional medicine of Bhutan is known as Sowa Rigpa and dates back to the 17th century for its origin in Tibet. Bhutan’s natural environment, with its exceptionally rich flora has enabled the development of an unparalleled pharmacopoeia. Indigenous medicine units have been established in all 20 Dzongkhags (districts) that can provide tourists with traditional remedies for any ailments they may have. Hot springs locally known as Tshachus can be found all over the Kingdom and their medicinal properties are known to cure various ailments ranging from arthritis to body aches and even sinuses.

Meditation & Retreat As one of the last strongholds of Vajrayana Buddhism, meditation and mediation retreats are a common practice among Monks and Buddhist practitioners in Bhutan. Small retreat centers and hermitages are located all over the country, usually next to temples, monasteries and monastic schools.

These retreats and meditation centers provide places of respite from the cares and stress of everyday life. Devout Buddhists often venture into the mountains for months at a time to meditate. The retreats provide practitioners with the opportunity to draw upon their inner self and meditate upon the purpose of life.

Many tourists come to Bhutan for meditation and retreat tours. Some itineraries include serious meditation programs that last for days while others offer solitary retreats for few hours in the high hills and temples where the serenity and beauty of nature can be appreciated in undisturbed silence.

Tour Operators can include meditation programs in your itinerary if you are interested in trying this Bhutanese way of retreat. Moreover, most hotels also provide yoga sessions, retreats and meditation facilities within the hotel premises.

Festivals

Tshechu is a religious festival meaning "tenth day" which is held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country.

Tshechu is celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birth anniversary of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and  temple to temple. 

Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together wearing colorful traditional attires to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, Tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainments. 

It is believed that everyone must attend  Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once  in their lifetime inorder to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during  Tshechu has a special meaning and the story behind it are based on  incidents that dates back to  the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men. 

Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are  Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists  across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture annually.