Try kayaking or rafting
Rivers in Bhutan remain pristine, inviting paddlers to engage in a grand water adventure. And since the rivers are set against a backdrop of lush valleys and mountains, kayaking or rafting becomes not just a thrill ride but also a scenic nature exploration.
The rivers have Class I to V difficulty levels, which means that paddlers of all sorts of skill levels can find a river or river section that will best fit their current paddling skill.
First-timers or amateurs, for instance, will enjoy Lower Mo Chhu in Punakha, since its difficulty level is classified as I and II. On the other hand, those who wish to encounter more exciting rapids can do so in Upper Dang Chhu in Wangdue Phodrang. With a difficulty level of Class IV and V, this river section will surely provide a heart-thumping adventure for the inveterate thrill seeker.
Go bird watching
Thanks to the country’s environment-preserving Buddhist orientation and the government’s efforts as well to safeguard the country’s natural resources, Bhutan maintains a very rich and welcoming habitat for birds.
To bird lovers, this means only one thing: a bird-watching opportunity that you’ll seldom get anywhere else.
The bird population in Bhutan is very diverse. Over 600 bird species are recorded in the country. These include winter migrants, such as black-necked cranes, buntings, and birds of prey, as well as a few of the world’s most vulnerable birds.
Bird-watching tours need to be prearranged in Bhutan. Often, Phobjikha Valley – where a large population of black-necked cranes can be spotted – is one of the destinations.
In some cases, though, guests don’t even have to travel to specific locations to see the beautiful birds of the country; you can often observe interesting birds at random spots.
Join a trekking tour
Because of its diverse landscape, Bhutan lends itself to a splendid trekking exploration. The trails will take you through rich vegetations, mountain passes, meadows, farmlands, and forests, all while presenting grand scenic views.
Druk Path Trek is one of the most famous trekking tours in Bhutan. It will lead you to forests and lakes and give you a good view of the Himalayas and Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. You will also get to encounter yak herders while at camp. This is the perfect opportunity for you to observe these people’s nomadic lifestyle.
Bumthang Cultural Trek is another popular trekking tour. En route, you will visit temples, monasteries, and villages.
The great thing about trekking tours in Bhutan is that they do not only expose you to the wilderness, they also promote cultural awareness. Trekking tours in this country last for days.
Go on a meditation tour
Since Bhutan is a deeply Buddhist country, meditation has been entrenched in Bhutanese lifestyle. And with such a beautiful surrounding and relative remoteness, Bhutan is an ideal meditation destination.
In fact, mediation tours are part of the tourism services in Bhutan and can be arranged with tour operators. These tours usually include talks about the importance and the process of meditation.
Meditation can be done in a temple or a monastery room or maybe in a meditation facility. Whichever the case may be, you are guaranteed to have an undisturbed meditation experience that will give you a better connection with your own self afterward.
Enjoy mountain biking
Mountain biking on the terrains of Bhutan offers an intimate nature-tripping experience.
As they lead you to different ascent and descent points, the biking trails will present a grand spectacle of nature before your eyes. And since they pass through villages and towns, these trails also give you a chance to see the everyday Bhutanese communities and lifestyles.
Mountain biking as a sport is relatively new in Bhutan, but it has earned the approving nod of many biking enthusiasts from different parts of the world. By the look of things, the popularity of mountain biking in Bhutan is not about to waver in the foreseeable future.
Biking tours are available in Bhutan. They will bring you to some important sites in the country and will immerse you in Bhutanese culture and history in the process. One thing that makes this activity all the more fun and exciting is the fact that you’ll get to enjoy all these sights and learning experiences with fellow biking enthusiasts.
Hello fellow travelers! My name is Mary and I am the main author of Traveling East. Just like any other travel enthusiasts, traveling has also been our passion! For inquiries, suggestions or anything travel related, please feel free to send us an E-mail at support@travelingeast.com.