12 best things to do in Bhutan

17.01.2024 - 08:05 / lonelyplanet.com

People decide to visit the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan for many reasons. Some are drawn by the mountains and pristine environment, others to the rich spiritual heritage of its Buddhist monasteries and temples, and some visitors by a simple curiosity to experience one of the world's least visited and most exclusive countries.

Whatever brings you here, your fondest memories of Bhutan won't just be the spectacular sights but the interactions you have with the Bhutanese people and their unique perspective on the world. However long your trip is, try to fit in as many of the following experiences as possible. We've chosen them carefully to give the most well-rounded and insightful feel for Bhutan and they will undoubtedly result in lifelong memories.

Brace yourself for Bhutanese cuisine – it packs a serious punch. The national dish of ema datse consists solely of chili peppers and soft cheese, proving that chilies in Bhutan are not just a condiment but an entire main course. You'll have plenty of opportunities to try ema datse, from toned-down versions in hotel buffets to the head-blowing original served up in local restaurants, but all are served with nutty-flavored local pink rice. Wash it all down with a cup of sudja (Tibetan-style tea made with salt and butter) for a classic Bhutanese meal.

Planning tip: If you don't like spicy food, it's a good idea to stick to tourist-oriented restaurants. However, if you're willing to brave the heat, ask to taste some of your guide's food at any of your lunch stops, as they'll be tucking into the genuine article, from wind-dried beef to fiddlehead ferns.

Bhutanese festivals are an essential part of both the nation's cultural identity and its social calendar – try to time your trip so you can attend at least one. The main festivals, known as tsechus, are religious masked dances held in the courtyards of the country's medieval dzongs, with monks donning demon- or animal-head masks to perform Buddhist parables or exorcism-like portrayals of death and rebirth. Many festivals culminate with the unveiling of a huge building-sized religious embroidery that is said to offer spiritual liberation to anyone who sees it. This is Bhutan at its most exotic and photogenic – don't miss out.

Planning tip: Apart from religious festivals, Bhutan also has several secular mountain festivals, such as the Royal Highlander Festival, which feature music, dancing and traditional games like yak riding or wrestling.

Bhutan offers some incredible treks through some of the most dramatic and least-visited corners of the Himalaya. Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular (and popular) destinations is Jangothang, aka Jhomolhari Base Camp, a campsite at the base of a ruined fort that offers