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Guide to Outdoor Adventures in Bhutan

Writer: Rigzin Tharchen (BSc Env Mgt) [Cohort2022 RTC]
Rigzin Tharchen (BSc Env Mgt) [Cohort2022 RTC]
Aug 23, 2021
5 min read


Bhutan is an amazing country with vistas that are incomparable to anywhere in the world. From its high snow-capped mountains to the lower valleys with meandering rivers, Bhutan’s landscape is suitable for all types of outdoor adventures. Outdoor adventures in Bhutan include hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, off-road biking, and bird watching.

Owing toBhutan’s dramatic geographicalconditions, you can experience all these outdoor adventures in just a few days. If you are an outdoor enthusiast and looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures, travel operators in Bhutan offer safe and well-planned trips. 

TREKKING IN BHUTAN

Backpacking and trekking that lasts a day or a month are some of the best excursions you can experience in Bhutan. The fascinating lakes, glacial rivers, and diverse flora and fauna await you on the mountains of Bhutan. 

The trek routes in Bhutan are not easy trips because they include substantial climbing and descending. There are several trekking routes that take you through pristine lakes, untouched mountains, diverse flora and fauna, and ancient cultural and religious monuments. The stunning views of the highest Himalayan peaks, such as Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, Masang gang, Gangkar Puensum, and many more. 

The best time to trek in Bhutan is the spring and autumn season. It is time when the rich vegetation of Bhutan exhibits its colorful blossoms. 

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These are some of the most popular treks you can find in Bhutan.

  1. Bumthang Cultural Trek, estimated 3 days,            

  2. Bumthang Owl Trek, estimated 3 days,

  3. Dagala thousand lakes trek, estimated 6 days,

  4. Druk Path Trek, estimated 6 days,

  5. Duer Hot Springs trek, estimated 9 days,

  6. Gangtey Trek, estimated 3 days,

  7. Jomolhari-laya-Gasa Trek, estimated 12 days,

  8. Merak Sakteng Trek, estimated 7 days,

  9. Nabji Korphu Trek, estimated 7 days,

  10. Samtengang Winter Trek, estimated 4 days, and

  11.  Snowman Trek I and II, estimated 25 days.

Trekking in Bhutan rejuvenates you. The cosmic connections and tales associated with the mountains are sacred and gives an opportunity to rediscover yourself through spiritual journey. 

Hiking in Bhutan

Hiking in Bhutan brings you closer to nature. Along with the untainted environment and the ancient monasteries perched high above the mountains, you can enjoy tranquility and serenity with every fresh breath you take. Hiking in Bhutan allows you to witness the beauty and simplicity of the country’s valleys, the enchanting forests, and take wonderful pictures..

Bhutan offers several hiking trails for travel enthusiasts who seek thrilling adventures.  These hiking trails will leave you fascinated. 

Here are some of the popular hiking trails of Bhutan:

  • Three-four hours Dochula to Lungchutse Lhakhang(temple) hike.

  • Three hours Gangtey Nature Hike

  • Five-six hours Taktshang Goemba round trip

  • Six hours Ngang Lhakhang to Tahung Hike

  • Two hours Khamsum Chorten Hike

Rafting and kayaking in the rivers of Bhutan.

Most of the rivers in Bhutan are fast flowing with strong rapids making river rafting, kayaking, and canoeing challenges. Only a few rivers are used for rafting because they are safe and accessible. The untamed waterways and the breath-taking view is what makes kayaking and rafting one of the most popular adventures in Bhutan. 

Po Chhu and Mo Chhu in Punakha, Paro Chhu, Sankosh River, Mangde Chhu, Puna Tsang Chhu and the Drangme Chhu are the few rivers that allow rafting due to their easy access and safe course.

Pho Chhu

Pho Chhu in Punakha is more of white river rafting because of its rapids and fast currents. It is a 16 km run, and one will pass the breathtaking view of Punakha Dzong and the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.

The best time for white water rafting in Po Chhu is during spring and autumn and the service is provided by Druk Rafting Service.

Mo Chhu

Mo Chhu river rafting course is located on the other side of Po Chhu with 10 km spanning over the lowest part of Punakha Valley. The service is provided by Druk rafting Service and is best experienced during spring and autumn. 

Paro Chhu

  • Paro Chhu also offers white water rafting as it cascades through Paro Valley. You can stop to visit the Tachog Lhakhang(Monastery) built by the Tibetan monk Thangtong Gyalpo(Well known for building the iron Bridge in Tachog valley). 

  • The service is provided by Bhutanese Travels and is best experienced during spring and autumn season.

Mangde Chhu

  • Mangde Chhu or Trongsa Chhu is a 5 km course and takes almost 2 hours to complete. The river is not suitable for amateurs and children. The service is provided by Bhutanese Travels and is best experienced from March-April, November-December.

Kuri Chhu

Kuri Chhu is the best rafting experience. The river is unpredictable and full of rapids. The river is formed by the tributaries of the river Manas-the largest river in Bhutan. Rafting on the Kuri Chhu is best experienced during the dry seasons.

Puna Tsang Chhu

Puna Tsang Chhu has the largest volume of water and the longest course for river rafting. The service is provided by heavenly Bhutan and the best time to raft is during spring and autumn. 

Drangme Chhu

 The river is also considered one of the largest in Bhutan and you can’t expect it to be easy. The best time to enjoy the toughest rafting In Bhutan is during march-April and November to December.

Kayaking in Bhutan

Along with the river rafting spots mentioned above, kayaking and canoeing are available too.  Having a professional guide to direct you with well-planned itineraries and proper safety gear is important. With an awe inspiring nature and the mountains in the background, rafting and kayaking is an adventurous therapy that soothes your mind and body.

The Thrill of Biking in Bhutan

Bhutan’s geographical conditions with changes in topography give you the opportunity to experience thrilling biking adventures. Starting from well-paved to rugged farm roads, you can enjoy both on-road and off-road tracks in Bhutan. Biking in Bhutan gives you the thrill to endure the country’s unique landscapes and enjoy a diverse environment. 

Biking trails run through small villages, and unpaved roads of far-flung places allow you to see the agrarian lifestyle and the untouched nature of the country. Bhutan also holds annual events such as the tour of the dragon that starts from Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan, and ends in the capital city, Thimphu.  It is considered the most challenging biking trail in Bhutan. Dragon’s Fury is also an event for biking and is comparatively gentler as it only stretches from Metshina, Punakha to Thimphu. Biking is also a recreational activity that you can take pleasure in as you meander through beautiful nature and valleys. 

Some of the suggested Biking trails in Bhutan are:

  1. Thimphu-Punakha trip with 34.08 miles.

  2. Thimphu city with 22.16 miles

  3. Thimphu-Big Buddha with 18.13 miles

  4. Haa valley with 33.91 miles

  5. Bumthang cultural trip with 11.87 miles 

  6. Tiger’s nest in Paro with 5.5 miles

  7. A 13-day biking trail covering the west and central region of the country is highly recommended. It takes you from Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, and Bumthang. 

Bird watching in Bhutan

Bhutan is home to over 675 species of Birds, and more is to be discovered. There are a significant number of endangered bird species in Bhutan. A few of these bird species migrate into the country during the winter. Bhutan is a habitat to a few of the world’s vulnerable bird species, such as the Imperial Heron, the white-bellied heron, and the rare Black-necked cranes

 Following are some of the birds found in different regions of Bhutan:

  • Baer’s Pochard                                 

  • Beautiful Nuthatch                                               

  •  Black-necked Stork

  • Blackish-breasted Babbler 

  • Blyth’s Kingfisher 

  • Chestnut-breasted Partridge 

  • Dark-rumped Swift 

  • Eurasian Curlew 

  • Eurasian Peregrine Falcon

  • Ferruginous Duck 

  • Gray-crowned Prinia 

  • Great Hornbill 

  • Lesser Fish-eagle 

  • Palla’s Fish-eagle 

  • Pallid Harrier 

  • Rufous-necked Hornbill 

  • Rufous-throated Wren-babbler 

  • Satyr Tragopan 

  • Ward’s Trogon 

  • White-rumped Vulture

  • White-throated Bushchat 

  • Woodsnipe 

  • Yellow-rumped Honeyguide 

  • Black-necked Crane 

  • Imperial Heron 

  • White-bellied Heron 

Blacked-Necked Cranes in Phobjikha during winter

Bhutan’s dense forest is home to diverse animals and birds. Bhutan is a paradise for ornithologists and bird lovers. You can learn from professional bird watching guides. The best time for bird watching is during the winter, when the rare Tibetan Black Necked Cranes fly into Bhutan 

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