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Bhutan is a rare small country found on the eastern slopes of the Himalayas and is the last famed of the Buddhist kingdoms. It is surrounded by the world’s most populous countries (China and India).
This is also the world’s only carbon negative country in the world earning it the name the ‘last Shangri-La.’ It offers an unlimited amount of adventures outside of the trekking in the Himalayas.
Some of the most preserved temples and monasteries were constructed with traditional means without nails. The best part about this country is that it is yet to be exploited by crowding tourists. Here are 10 things to do in Bhutan.
1. Rural Villages
The rural villages retain their charm in age-old customs and traditions, as the people uphold traditional values dearly. Unlike those in the urban centers, the village population is known for its strict rural setup, which keeps them closely associated with earlier generations.
They are also extremely kind and hospitable. Here, you have a chance to interact with the locals and listen to their stories and get involved with their customs, enjoy the local cuisine, games, and farming activities. Spending a night here will give you enough time to enjoy it all.
2. The Nomads
Nomads live on the highest settlements and have traditional festivals too. They are driven by the goal of turning the highest settlement point in Bhutan active and prosperous.
The festivals, therefore, promote the sustainable livelihood of the Highlanders, showcasing their innovation, exhibit the highlands and the pride of Bhutan. You can interact and participate in exchanging values, knowledge, and skills with the natives.
3. Archery tournament
In Bhutan, archery is valued more than a mere sport. The men devote most of the resources in time, energy, and money. The traditional design is played using bamboo bows and arrows unlike the world’s most expensive archery equipment employed in sports today.
The winners are recognized countrywide and adored for their prowess. They command the honor of a legend in their lifetime. Before the matches, you will notice a strong focus on occult practices and secret rituals.
The actual performance combines years of experience, skill, and poised to serve as a test of manhood.
4. Arts and Crafts
The traditional artistic items of the Bhutanese are unique and fascinating. They use a lot of color in their decorations and traditional architecture in textiles, jewelry.
These artworks and skill have been practiced for over 6th centuries. Passing down from generation to the next requires intense training, which takes up to 6 years.
The institute allows visitors to interact with the students and learn bits of information and skills. This is a beneficial tour
5. Local Festivities
One of the most celebrated cultural festivals is the Tschechus, which is the grandest in the year. Entire communities participate in the dances for social interaction and to receive spiritual blessings.
The mask dances and other traditional dances are witnessed by people who come dressed in their Bhutanese attire. The attire is made of intricately designed hand-woven textiles. This is not a spectacle you would want to miss while in Bhutan
6. Thimphu
For nightlife partying, Thimphu is the place to be. You will, however, be still exposed to local brew during the weekend celebratory loud music venues and traditional dances. They are called the Drayangs and are unique to this country alone.
Whiskey is in abundance and is loved by the tourists too. There are cheap options for beer to enjoy.
7. Eastern Bhutan
To open and improve tourism activities in Eastern Bhutan, the government decided to offer a waiver on the sustainable development funds.
This gives you a chance to explore the settlement of Merak and Sakteng, which have a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture, and indigenous people who preserve their culture and environment.
8. Tiger’s Nest
This is the most iconic travel attraction in Bhutan. It is a wonderful sight to behold the awe-inspiring and majestic scenery. The view at the top is so thrilling that many tourists have broken down at the moment they reached the top.
It was built in 1692 and has many exciting stories. The legend goes that Guru Rinpoche flew to the site atop the back of tigress and meditated In the cave.
It took him 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours to subdue the demons within hence a sacred site for Buddhists to meditate in.
9. The JomoLhari Laya Gasa
Trekking guides will take you to the most exciting one as you view the best sceneries of the countryside. The Bhutan rural interior is unscathed and unspoiled.
It will take you 14 days to complete the 217 km journey through the alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and dense sub-tropical jungles.