Top 10 Bhutan Activities
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite Bhutan experiences to inspire your imagination.
- The Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang)
- Explore the Incredible Dzongs
- Dagala Trekking
- The Birds of Gangtey
- Festivals and Culture
- Dordenma Buddha
- Develop the Aim of the Archer
- Punakha Valley on Two Wheels
- Take to the Waters
- Sample the Flavours of Bhutan
His three-year meditation in the caves inspired the building of this Tiger’s Nest, perched perilously above the Paro Valley, now a hub of unparalleled religious importance in Bhutan. For the full experience of the Tiger’s Nest, come here during the annual tsechu: the courtyards will throng with devotees and the masked monks will be performing rituals to drive away evil.
Almost all dzongs contain a traditional painting known as the Four Friends – an elephant, monkey, rabbit and bird – which symbolises the nation’s cultural understanding of the essence of cooperation and interdependence.
You’ll see Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, along with mighty Everest, and many more. Such are the delights offered to you on the 5-day Dagala Trek from Paro to Thimpu, which climbs to 4,300m. You’ll also have a chance to visit villages and see the cultivation of the famous Matsutake mushrooms.
We would recommend timing your visit to coincide with the Black Necked Crane Festival in November as monks at Gangtey Gompa celebrate the birds’ arrival from its nesting sites in Tibet with folk songs and masked dance. For sightings of other fascinating species, including many hornbills, the forests around Tsirang are the place to go.
We recommend attending Pema Gatshel Tshechu, where masked monks will dance and bestow blessings that offer protection against evil influences. From the continued prevalence of traditional clothing, and the insistence on Bhutanese architecture, everything about life in this mountain nation is authentic and strikingly different to every other country you will encounter in your travels.
Within the statue’s chest are 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha, which more than doubles the 100,000 population of Thimpu itself. During a visit to the statue and surrounding area called Buddha Point, you will sense the devotion of the Bhutanese people to their spiritual heritage and deep-rooted traditions.
During a lesson, your guide will show you the necessary techniques and regale you with tales of the cultural significance of this most Bhutanese of traditions. You’ll also be introduced to their version of darts, another popular pastime with distinctive Bhutanese rules.
Known to be the warmest of the nation’s valleys, Punakha’s landscapes will reward you with spectacular Himalayan views, many serene monuments and a chance to see the last surviving populations of the critically endangered, white-bellied heron.
All the while, you will have views of rugged rocky channels, churning and thundering water, and some tranquil stretches to contemplate the serene beauty of Bhutan.
Any dish that includes “Datsi'' in its name will include the famous local fresh cheese, which forms a delicious sauce coating many of the nation’s favourite dishes. You’ll love learning from locals how to cook and enjoy Bhutanese food, and you’ll relish its abundance at a festival.
A fortress-like insistence on maintaining their cultural heritage despite the pressures of the modern world makes Bhutan a fascinating place.
The young poet and playwright Kiran Millwood Hargrave said "India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues you could drown in." It's a quote that captures the marvellous intensity of experiencing India. You’ll flit like a butterfly from a gilded palace to a sun baked fortress, to a bustling bazaar, to an encounter with a big cat, all the while drinking in the colours, sounds, aromas and the relentless energy of Indian life. That collage of glimpses will be there to savour years after you return. Here we share 10 unmissable experiences while travelling in India.
Encounters in India
The vast majority of people think about India primarily as a cultural destination. Yes, the Taj Mahal is a must-see, and the country boasts dozens of UNESCO-listed ruins and monuments, not to mention dazzling festivals and other events. But the landscapes and wildlife were here long before the people, and the subcontinent still has extraordinary wild places you can explore, from the sands of the Thar Desert to the backwaters of Kerala; the high Himalayas to the jungles of Northeast India.
India delivers extraordinary experiences, making it perfect for family adventure. Particularly engaging for inquisitive teens, it’s immersive, colourful and exhilarating. With our expert guidance, your family can enjoy a safe and fascinating journey that includes deserts, palaces, lakes, forests and wildlife.
Flowing from Kolkata’s riverside bustle to a houseboat on the Brahmaputra’s braided channels, onward to Kaziranga’s floodplains and finally Assam’s rain‑nourished tea gardens, this 16‑day journey follows water as it shapes landscapes, wildlife and daily life.
Travel from Rajasthan’s romance to Mumbai’s vibrancy and Kerala’s coast, spice hills and restorative backwaters, experiencing India’s varied landscapes as one continuous, water threaded story.
India is a world in itself. Vast and varied from the deserts of Rajasthan to the High Himalayas, India is among our most compelling destinations for cultural immersion and unforgettable adventure.
The ultimate trekking holiday is right here in Bhutan. You’ll find incredible peaks and lush valleys filled with awe-inspiring trails, exquisite wildlife and cultural wonder all throughout this biodiverse country.