What to do in Bhutan

Bhutan’s festivals, known as “Tshechus,” are held throughout the year in different regions of Bhutan, bringing communities together and attracting locals and visitors worldwide.

People gather in their finest traditional attire to witness masked dances, known as “Cham,” performed by trained monks and local villagers, which depict various religious stories, legends, and spiritual teachings. The performers wear elaborate costumes and mesmerizing masks, each representing a different deity or character.

The festivals are a visual spectacle and a profoundly spiritual experience. They provide an opportunity for Bhutanese people to express devotion, seek blessings, and accumulate merit. The air is filled with traditional music, prayers, and chanting, creating a joyful and sacred atmosphere. Tshechus also serve as important social events where families and friends reconnect and enjoy the festivities.

For Birders, Bhutan is a paradise. Hunting is Banned in Bhutan as it is a Buddhist nation. So, birds such as the Khaleej pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and Himalayan Monal which are usually finicky and shy, are abundant here. 

The incredibly rare and endangered, Black-Necked Cranes migrate to the Phobjikha Valley during the winter months (October to February), making Bhutan one of the few places in the world where you can see them in their natural but protected habitat.

The best place to see them is the Gangteng Conservation Area. As you explore the broad, shallow valley, look for their distinctive black necks, white feathers, and red crowns. They can be found gracefully wading in the marshy wetlands or soaring through the skies above. You may also spot wild boar, leopard, barking deer, and Himalayan Brown Bear.

The Black-Necked Cranes also hold cultural significance in Bhutanese folklore and are considered sacred by the locals. Pairs are said to mate for life, and that, together with their graceful mating dance, has made them seen as a symbol of true love. Each year, their arrival is celebrated with the Black-Necked Crane Festival, where traditional dances, music, and rituals pay homage to their presence.

Sampling the cuisine is essential to immersing yourself in any country’s culture. With its unique flavors, vibrant colors, and distinct use of spices, Bhutanese cuisine offers an unforgettable culinary adventure for food enthusiasts.  The Bhutanese are known for their love of chili, which you’ll find adding a fiery kick to many dishes. Start your gastronomic journey by trying the national dish, Ema Datshi, a spicy chili and cheese stew that packs a punch. Take advantage of other Bhutanese specialties like Jasha Maroo (spicy chicken stew), Phaksha Paa (pork with radishes), and Kewa Datshi (potato and cheese stew).

Bhutanese cuisine also celebrates seasonal ingredients, and exploring the local markets and street stalls will introduce you to a variety of these, such as ferns, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, as well as traditional snacks such as momos (dumplings), goep (buckwheat pancakes), and khur-le (fried noodles). Wash it all down with Ara, a traditional rice wine, or Suja, a butter tea popular among locals. Zumzin, Bhutanese peach wine, is quite an interesting innovation brewed by the military distillery and a must-try for dessert wine fans.