Bhutan is for Families!
Here is a roundup of 18 fun family activities to enjoy in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!
What is an ideal family trip?
One that offers space and togetherness? Or one that offers new experiences? What about wonder for the children, and wonder (or wandering…) for the adults? One that offers peace and calm in the lap of serenity… or one that teaches the next generations the value of values? One that shows a culture coming alive in the context of modern times? Or one that teaches children to be proud of their own culture. One that offers a good time, a relaxing vibe and peace of mind, above all. Bhutan is all that and more….
There is a famous saying – don’t listen to what they say… go see! And that definitely goes for Bhutan. This popular destination is one of the most influential countries in terms of environment and happiness, and without a doubt, it is one of the most transformative places to visit. Recognized recently by Lonely Planet as the number one country to visit, Bhutan is also an immersive destination for families with school-age children. There is so much on offer in Bhutan to keep the sense of wonder alive in a child. The best way to take their eyes off screens is to take them to a place where there is so much more to see.
SEE THE HIMALAYS AND BE HUMBLED
Travel by vehicle to the 3,000+ meter-high Dochu La Pass, where (weather permitting) you can see the magnificent snow-capped Himalayas. The tallest mountain range in the world passes through Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. On the summit of the Dochu La, you can walk amongst 108 memorial chortens (Buddhist shrines) and clusters of fluttering prayer flags. Take a deep breath and enjoy the view over a coffee in the beautiful cafeteria. It’s a view to take your breath away! And this is an easy drive to play with the snow in winter with most places covered in snow. It also has some good open spaces for the children to take a hike and enjoy the nature.
PRACTICE BHUTAN'S NATIONAL SPORT
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport! It’s a challenging sport and there are plenty of opportunities to pick up a bow and arrow while you are visiting the kingdom. Ask if your hotel offers archery experiences, or learn about the sport at the Simply Bhutan living museum in Thimphu. Trying a new sport is perhaps the fastest and most fun way to come closer, to work together as a unit, to teach your children to be a sport (and who knows, maybe the husbands too!). To win or lose is not the point, to play is. Enjoy the Bhutanese hospitality and traditional song and dance as you learn to play.
TREK TO TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY OR ENJOY SHORTER SCENIC HIKES WITH OR WITHOUT CAMPING
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, constructed in 1692 to commemorate a series of events that brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is considered to be Bhutan’s holiest site. It is a place that most Bhutanese hope to visit at least once in their lifetime. For many people, it’s one of the ‘don’t miss’ experiences in Bhutan.
Clinging to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor, reaching Tiger’s Nest Monastery requires a steady two-hour climb to 10,000 feet above sea level. The trail to Tiger’s Nest Monastery begins approximately 6 miles from the town of Paro. Paro is at 7,000 feet above sea level, so there is an elevation gain of 3,000 feet on the way to Tiger’s Nest: it’s literally and figuratively one of the highlights of every family vacation in Bhutan. Ponies are available along the trail to transport younger guests to around halfway to the top of the hike. Take a deep breath, not just because you are out of breath from the trek, but because it’s just breathtaking! Families can also explore other hikes that are not so long or steep. Feel free to opt for a one-hour hike or a hike that explores the Kingdom over a couple of days with camping along the trail. Experience Bhutan through its valleys, forests and wildlife.
The Trans Bhutan Trail is also worth highlighting. For those who want to embark on a spiritual journey, criss-cross through 400 sites steeped in history and culture. Although 400 kms long, you can choose to just walk sections of it. Starting – or ending – in Trashigang, it unfurls across central Bhutan and stretches to the western region of Haa. Want to know the best part? It has now become accessible for tourists for the first time in its 60-year history. Along the way, your guide can teach your children about the many interesting mammals that inhabit Bhutan – and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot some of them!
EXPLORE THE PUNAKHA DZONG AND WALK OVER THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE
For many of us, life is hectic, life is hustle and bustle. But Bhutan is the antidote to modern life. It is the best way to slow down. Punakha Dzong (around two and a half hours drive from Thimphu) is the second oldest dzong (fortress serving administrative and monastic functions) built in Bhutan. It’s considered to be the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned at the Punakha Dzong. Once the seat of the government until it moved to Thimphu in 1955, Punakha Dzong is the winter residence of Je Khenpo (head abbot of Bhutan), as well as about 1,000 monks.
Not just that, inside the Punakha Dzong, colourful wall murals depict the life of Buddha. After exploring the Punakha Dzong, walk across the covered Bazam Bridge. If you look over the side of the bridge, you’ll likely see large schools of fish in the river, which can be fed.
One can also cross the Po Chhu River on one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Bhutan. You can walk to this bridge before or after exploring the Punakha Dzong. The 160-metre suspension bridge provides views of the lush Punakha Valley and the glacier-fed Po Chhu River below.
What makes rafting in the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers of Punakha memorable is the fact that its route includes the Punakha Dzong, famous for its unparalleled beauty. Rafting in Punakha offers unique views of the Dzong not possible from land.
HIKE TO KHAMSUM YULLEY NAMGYAL CHORTEN
Only 25 minutes’ drive from the Punakha Dzong, cross a suspension bridge (much shorter than the one near Punakha Dzong) over the Mo Chhu River before walking alongside terraced rice paddies and up a trail to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It should take an hour or less to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
You may see farmers (and their families) working the fields by hand or with the assistance of an ox and plow. Depending on the season, agricultural products may be available for sale along the trail to Khamum Yulley.
Her Majesty The Queen Mother (Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck) commissioned Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in 2004 to promote peace and harmony. View the sculptures inside Khamsum Yulley and continue climbing the steep stairs to the top level. You can go out on the roof of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for expansive views of the Punakha Valley.
EXPERIENCE A FESTIVAL
Tantric practices, symbolic mysticism, masks, choreography and music are all symbolic and all are believed to have their roots in Buddhist rituals. Amongst the most famous is the Bhutanese dancer, Pema Lingpa. The popular belief is that many of the dances he performed were celestial Buddhist dances that appeared to him in his dreams.
There are mainly three kinds of dances; Religious dances that are performed by monks; secular dances performed by lay people; and oracle dances performed by oracles. There are more than 150 festivals in Bhutan. Families are encouraged to check the festival calendar on the Department of Tourism’s website to find the best one for you!
Weaving together past, present and future
Despite today's availability of machine-made fabrics and ready-to-wear clothing, Bhutan's textiles are firmly in vogue. "Weaving is not declining [in popularity]," says the RTA's Ugyen Tenzin. "People have realised the importance of our textiles. There are so many young people who are taking up weaving very seriously. Natural dyeing is now becoming a trend; practitioners realise that they can make a good income from the weaving business. So they take it very seriously. Young people are just as interested in the textile business as the elders were."
The Bhutanese are every bit as enthusiastic about wearing them, too. Ugyen Tenzin himself is sporting a plaid gho woven for him by his wife. "When I was in Australia for my Master’s, when I got the chance, I would wear my gho to the shopping mall. There were so many eyes on me. But when you are far from your country, you really miss it, you know; you appreciate it."
Back in Thimphu, Kezang Choden agrees. "When I was in junior school, I remember watching movies and seeing kids wearing skirts and beautiful dresses and thinking, 'oh, I wish I could wear beautiful western clothes.' But as you grow up, you start to be very proud of your culture and tradition, and to appreciate where you come from, your roots. I think kira is so elegant. I love wearing it. I wouldn't want to wear anything else." As long as her talented mother and the kingdom’s weavers keep evolving their craft, she won't have to.
EXPLORE THE BUDDHA DORDENMA
The majestic monument is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. A massive 125,000 statues of Buddha between 8 and 12-inches-tall fill the massive body. Buddha Dordenma sits atop of a large meditation hall and outdoor meeting space on a hilltop overlooking Thimpu Valley. The 51.5-meter statue is the most visited attraction in Thimphu.
SEE THE BLACK NECK CRANES IN GANGTEY VALLEY - NOVEMBER TO MID FEBRUARY
The Bhutanese believe that the cranes were sent from heaven as avatars of their ancestors. Bring your best cameras along, because the black-necked cranes are a sight to behold. Adult black-necked cranes are four-feet-tall with a red crown and long, thin legs. Their head, neck, wings and tail are black, save for a small light grey spot that stretches backwards from their yellow eyes, as well as ashy grey body feathers. Meanwhile, young cranes have a black and gray body with a cinnamon-brown head. There are also some festivals during this period that celebrate the arrival of the Black Neck Cranes to Bhutan!
GO WHITE WATER RAFTING IN PUNAKHA
Just like how the mountains are gorgeous, the clean, aqua-marine water in Bhutan is also breath taking. Spend a few hours on the water and see a different side to Bhutan. Rafting on the Mo Chhu and the Pho Chhu gives you a chance to opt for how adventurous you want to be. For beginners and families who want an enjoyable and scenic float down the river, we recommend the Mo Chhu. What makes rafting in the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers of Punakha memorable is the fact that its route includes the Punakha Dzong, famous for its unparalleled beauty.
GO TO MOTITHANG TAKIN RESERVE TO SPOT THE RARE TAKIN
The national animal of Bhutan, the Takin can be best spotted in the Takin preserve located in Motithang that’s a 15 min drive from the heart of Thimphu town. It was initially established as a mini zoo with some Takins and other endangered species of animals. Later, the fourth king of Bhutan decreed that it was against the philosophy of Buddhism to hold animals captive and were let in the wild but was put back into reserve after finding the animals wandering the streets looking for food.
ENJOY A HORSE RIDE THROUGH THE HIMALAYAS
Join us for an exciting adventure in the Kingdom of Happiness trekking on local Yueta horses through the Himalayan Mountains. Following through some of the most beautiful valleys in the Himalaya you will visit monasteries, ancient temples and local villages who make mountain life look easy. The easy pace allows time to spot some of the unique and hardy fauna and flora that have adapted to live on the mountain sides, and spending the night in tents will reveal incredible night skies. At the beginning and end of the trip there are also visits to some of the most spiritual and spectacular sites in Bhutan including Taktsang Goemba, Drukgyel Dzong, Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. Many tour operators can organize this kind of activity for families!
LEARN HOW TO MAKE TRADITIONAL (AND DELICIOUS) BHUTANESE FAMILY RECIPES!
Learn how to cook Bhutanese food as a family! Bhutan has an abundance of local fresh organic vegetables and simple ways of Bhutanese cooking introduces families to a basic or rudimentary style of cooking, prevalent in the Himalayan region. Learn how to make classic favourites such as momos (dumplings), Ema Datsi (chili & cheese), buckwheat noodles and traditional salads. Enjoy spending time with your teacher and then savour the meal as a family.
ENJOY BIKING THROUGH MOUNTAIN TRAILS THROUGH LOCAL VILLAGES
Mountain biking is a popular activity among visitors and locals alike. There are mountain biking trails through small hilltop villages and alpine forests in places like Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha, Haa and Bumthang. Enjoy the rugged topography and descending wild Himalayan trails that few people have ridden. Test your strength and stamina as you ride the exhilarating feeder roads and biking trails.
CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONALIZED SOUVENIR OF BHUTANESE ARTS AND CRAFTS
There are 13 traditional arts and crafts in Bhutan termed as the ‘zorig chu sum’ including painting, wood carving, carpentry, sculpting, textile weaving, ornament making, and bamboo weaving. Families will love experiencing the process of creating these traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, and making customized souvenirs to take back home for memories of their visit to Bhutan. For a more contemporary experience, the first contemporary art studio, VAST (Voluntary Artists’ Studio Thimphu) offers weekend art classes led by senior artists where participants learn the basics of drawing and work their way through the use of other mediums like acrylics, oil pastels and water colours.
TAKE HELICOPTER RIDES AND ENJOY THE BREATHTAKING AERIAL VIEWS OF BHUTAN
Bhutan’s first helicopter company, the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited (RBHSL) that was initially founded for emergency medical evacuations is available for private hire. The flight can take you around the striking Taktshang monastery, over the sacred Jomolhari peak, flying over scenic hills, valleys, clear blue glacial lakes and forested mountains, providing spectacular bird’s eye views of Bhutan’s landscapes. You can also take a helicopter ride and enjoy family picnics.
TAKE YOUR KIDS OUTDOOR FOR A GAME OF TRADITIONAL BHUTANESE DARTS
Khuru is a traditional Bhutanese sport. These darts are made of wood with sharp iron tips, to be thrown at a small target approximately 50 feet away. Whether your kids are prone to boredom, or you want to cut short their screen time by taking them outdoors, you can keep them entertained through this fun-filled community sport.
There are 13 traditional arts and crafts in Bhutan termed as the ‘zorig chu sum’ including painting, wood carving, carpentry, sculpting, textile weaving, ornament making, and bamboo weaving. Families will love experiencing the process of creating these traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, and making customized souvenirs to take back home for memories of their visit to Bhutan. For a more contemporary experience, the first contemporary art studio, VAST (Voluntary Artists’ Studio Thimphu) offers weekend art classes led by senior artists where participants learn the basics of drawing and work their way through the use of other mediums like acrylics, oil pastels and water colours.
STAY IN A LOCAL GUESTHOUSE WITH A BHUTANESE FAMILY
While home stays may not offer facilities like hotels and resorts, staying in a local farmhouse with a Bhutanese family is the perfect way to experience the daily life of Bhutanese people. You can join the daily rituals of Bhutanese people living in villages and participate in cultivation and harvesting alongside other farmers, pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, and eat authentic Bhutanese dishes unspoiled by copied restaurant recipes. If the family of the house is conducting a religious ritual, you can even help in making torma (offerings made from dough and coloured butter).
LEARN ABOUT TRADITIONAL BHUTANESE MOTIFS BY CREATING COLOURED-RICE MANDALA
Another lesser-known activity that kids can enjoy is making coloured-rice mandala. It is a religious and cultural practice to adorn red carpets for chief guests in important events with patterns made with multi-coloured-rice. The patterns are usually the eight lucky signs, or other traditional Bhutanese motifs. Making these patterns can be a fun and creative way, for both children and adults to learn about traditional Bhutanese arts and customs.
Come with your family and be a part of Bhutan's family. Welcome to Bhutan!
