Bhutan Holidays

Built on a narrow ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu Valley, Trongsa Dzong has watched over Bhutan's main east–west trade route since the 17th century. Its strategic position gave the fortress enormous influence, and it later became closely associated with Bhutan's royal family and the country's unification.

For more than 300 years, Punakha Dzong was the centre of Bhutan's government before the capital moved to Thimphu. Set between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it remains one of the country's most important monasteries, hosting royal ceremonies, religious festivals and the annual Punakha Drubchen.

Rinpung Dzong has stood above the Paro Valley since the 17th century, where it was built on the foundations of an earlier fortress. Today, it houses both a working monastery and government offices, while its courtyards become the focal point of the colourful Paro Tshechu each spring.

Tucked away in the Paro Valley, Kyichu Lhakhang has welcomed worshippers for almost 1,400 years. Local tradition says the temple was built in the 7th century to help spread Buddhism across the Himalayas, while its courtyard is known for an orange tree believed to bear fruit throughout the year.

It's difficult to visit Thimphu without passing the National Memorial Chorten. Built in 1974 in honour of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the white stupa has become part of everyday life, with residents stopping throughout the day to offer prayers and quietly circle its prayer wheels.

Travelling through Bhutan, you'll quickly notice the emphasis placed on protecting traditions, nature and local communities. This approach reflects the country's Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, which continues to influence decisions about tourism, education, conservation and cultural heritage.

In Thimphu, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum helps preserve Bhutan's traditional arts by training students in the country's thirteen recognised crafts. Depending on the time of your visit, you may see apprentices practising wood carving, thangka painting, embroidery or sculpture as part of their daily lessons.

A visit to Simply Bhutan feels more like spending time in a traditional Bhutanese home than walking through a museum. You can have a go at archery, learn local customs, taste butter tea and see how everyday traditions are still practised across the country.

One of the first things you'll notice in Bhutan is that many people still wear traditional clothing every day. The knee-length Gho for men and the elegant Kira for women remain common in schools, offices, temples and during official occasions across the country.

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) has become the walk that almost every visitor to Bhutan remembers. Sitting high above the Paro Valley, the monastery is reached by a steep mountain trail through pine forests. The climb takes around two to three hours, with several viewpoints and cafés along the route before you reach one of the country's most important Buddhist sites.

The Snowman Trek isn't for casual hikers. Lasting around 25 to 30 days, it passes through remote valleys, high Himalayan passes and small mountain communities that see very few visitors. Changing weather, high altitude and long walking days make it one of Bhutan's most challenging trekking routes.

Connecting Paro and Thimphu, the Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan's most popular multi-day hikes. The route usually takes five to six days, passing mountain lakes, yak pastures and forested ridges, with clear views of the eastern Himalayas on favourable weather days.

Flowing through the Punakha Valley, the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers offer two very different rafting experiences. The gentler Mo Chhu suits beginners, while the faster-flowing Pho Chhu features larger rapids, making it a popular choice for more experienced rafters.

Tandem paragliding flights take off from the hills above Paro, gliding over the valley's farmland, traditional Bhutanese homes and the winding Paro Chhu River. On clear days, the flight also offers uninterrupted views of forested mountains that surround one of Bhutan's most picturesque valleys.

Just outside Thimphu, The Nose was Bhutan's first dedicated outdoor climbing site and remains the country's best-known climbing crag. The granite cliff features routes of varying difficulty, making it suitable for both first-time climbers and those looking for a more technical ascent.

Held each spring in the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong, Paro Tshechu is one of Bhutan's most important religious festivals. Monks and lay performers present traditional masked dances, while thousands of Bhutanese gather in their finest national dress to receive blessings and celebrate together.

Taking place at Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu Tshechu is a significant annual gathering in Bhutan’s capital. The festival features sacred mask dances performed by monks and lay performers, with locals travelling to witness the rituals, prayers and celebrations that mark this important Buddhist occasion.

Set against the Himalayan backdrop of Dochula Pass, the Druk Wangyel Festival brings Bhutan’s history and traditions together. Held each year to commemorate the 2003 military victory, it features performances by local communities beneath the iconic 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens.

Losar is the Bhutanese New Year, and it’s essentially a massive nationwide family reunion. Following the lunar calendar, everything slows down as people head home to cook up feasts of sikam paa (dried pork) and gondo maru (fried eggs in butter). With temple prayers, local archery, and long conversations, it is a communal reset for the year ahead with loved ones.

A visit to Bhutan feels incomplete without seeing its national sport in action. Head to an archery ground in Thimphu to watch competitors take aim from remarkable distances, while supporters cheer, sing and celebrate every successful shot.

Beyond Bhutan’s monasteries and mountain trails, Thimphu has a quieter side after sunset. Spend an evening at a local karaoke bar, where residents gather to sing favourite songs, enjoy drinks and experience a more relaxed slice of city life.

Known locally as Dotsho, this traditional Bhutanese ritual uses fire-heated river stones and herbal water to create a soothing bathing experience. Often enjoyed after a day of exploring, it offers travellers a chance to slow down and relax the Bhutanese way.

Step into a Bhutanese kitchen and learn how everyday dishes are prepared using local ingredients and traditional techniques. From making ema datshi to cooking with red rice, these sessions offer a more personal way to discover Bhutan’s distinctive flavours.