Aug 30, 2024 BY Luke Rees
In this guide to Bhutan adventure travel you’ll find out all about this alluring country. The best activities in Druk Yul – the Bhutanese name for Bhutan meaning: “The Kingdom/Land of the Thunder Dragon” – are as exciting as the name implies!
When Bhutan finally came out of isolation in the latter part of the 20th century, it made an important decision about tourism. Forgoing backpacker-style independent travel offered in nearby Nepal and India. Bhutan instead opted for high-end, small scale tourism to help preserve its unique culture for as long as possible.
This method has largely been successful, with tour operators such as the Experience Travel Group now offering high end luxury packages. For most people, a visit to Bhutan is a once in a lifetime experience, but that just adds to the allure.
So what should you do in Druk Yul, how do you make the most of the Land of the Thunder Dragon? Here are our suggestions to ensure your Bhutan adventure travel makes the most of your visit:
Perched on a cliff side, visiting this iconic monastery is a must. The hike to Tiger’s Nest offers stunning views combined with a spiritual atmosphere.
One of the most beautiful and historically significant dzongs (fortresses) in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of two rivers, in spring when the jacaranda trees are in bloom it is especially photogenic.
This four day trek takes you through high mountain passes, lush forests, and pristine lakes, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It’s perfect to experience Bhutan’s natural beauty under your own steam.
The vibrant culture of Bhutan is best experienced at a Tshechu. These festivals include masked dances and traditional performances. Paro and Thimphu are among the most popular Tshechus.
This stunning glacial valley is home to the endangered black-necked cranes during winter. The serene landscape is ideal for nature walks and experiencing rural life in Bhutan.
This mountain pass, on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. With 108 chortens (stupas) creating a spiritual ambiance it is easily one of the best activities in Bhutan.
Rafting on the Mo Chhu River near Punakha offers an exhilarating white water experience amidst beautiful landscapes. The headwaters have class V rapids and upper river class IV, while the lower river is more sedate with class II rapids.
Bhutan’s rugged terrain and scenic trails are great for mountain biking. There are many incredible long-distance multi-day routes and trilling single track descents dotted around the country.
The “Nose” crag near Thimphu offers climbing for all levels. Easily one of the best activities in Bhutan for those that want adventure.
Kayaking the Pho Chhu River near Punakha offers exciting rapids and beautiful surroundings. The upper rive is class IV and lower rated III.
Paragliding over the stunning Ura Valley in Bumthang gives a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking landscapes, lush valleys, and traditional villages.
For an immersive adventure how about camping in Bhutan’s remote areas? Try the Bumthang or Haa Valleys to connect with nature and enjoy the Himalayas under a starry sky.
Known as one of the most challenging treks in the world, the Snowman Trek takes you through some of the highest passes in Bhutan. It’s an epic 25-day adventure for experienced trekkers seeking a true Himalayan challenge.
As Bhutan’s national sport, you can try your hand at archery. It’s a fun and culturally rich activity that allows you to engage with locals and their traditions.
For nature lovers, Manas National Park offers the chance to spot rare species. On a Bhutan safari you could encounter the Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, golden langur or all three plus a lot more.
Experience the thrill of zip-lining over the lush forests and valleys near Kharbandi.
Explore the scenic Bumthang Valley on horseback! Pass through rural villages, apple orchards and monasteries while enjoying the scenery.
Of course the Bhutan adventure travel is also about exploring. To fully experience Bhutan’s natural beauty, spiritual heritage and vibrant culture you need to overland. Most good Bhutan tour operators will suggest tours that take in the activities and destinations you want to visit.
Planning an adventure holiday in Bhutan takes a little more effort than most destinations. You can’t just rock up at the border and start exploring.
By air you can fly into Paro International Airport (PBH), an hour’s drive from the capital, Thimphu. Paro Airport has a challenging approach and spectacular views. Only Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines, operate flights connecting with Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Dhaka and Singapore.
Bhutan can also be accessed by land from India. The most common entry is at Phuentsholing in southwestern Bhutan six hours from Thimphu. This route is popular with travellers coming from the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, and Sikkim. There are also border crossings at Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast and Gelephu in central Bhutan.
All foreign visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) need a visa to enter Bhutan. Visas are only processed through licensed Bhutanese tour operators, or their international partners. They need to be part of a pre-arranged travel package that includes accommodation, guide, meals and transportation.
The visa is issued only after full payment of the tour cost. Furthermore, a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per day is added, to support Bhutan’s efforts in environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
There’s no denying that a trip to Bhutan is not be cheap. But with world-class trekking, fabulous white water, wondrous sights, fantastic people and stunning mountains it is worth every penny.
We hope you found this guide to Bhutan adventure travel useful. If you fancy a trip to the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon to try the best activities in Druk Yul then check out Bhutan adventure travel page.
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One response to “Guide to Bhutan Adventure Travel: 18 Best Activities in Druk Yul”
It’s an inspiring introduction to Bhutan’s untouched beauty and rich traditions, making it a must-read for any adventure seeker planning their journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon!