Activities in Bhutan
-
A
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
This institute, commonly known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (furniture, thangkas – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay).
Most tour operators include a visit to the school in their sightseeing program. Though large groups of visitors can disrupt the classes, the craft demonstrations are a photographers' dream and it's hard not to be impressed at the skill and discipline of the young students.
There are several handicraft shops nearby.
reviewed
-
Walking the Bumthang Valley
There are plenty of opportunities for day hikes in the Bumthang region, many involving visits to remote goembas. If you are on a tourist visa, take advantage of the vehicle at your disposal and arrange for the driver to pick you up at the end of a walk.
From Swiss Guest House to Pelseling Goemba is a favourite half-day walk, descending a different route to Thamshing Goemba in a total of about four hours' walking. The first half is all uphill (2½ hours) but is more varied than the hike to Tharpaling, through a mix of forest, meadows and villages, and you are rewarded with great views. The monastery is a great place for a packed lunch or flask of tea.
You can also walk from…
reviewed
-
B
Royal Thimphu Golf Club
The Royal Thimphu Golf Club has a delightful nine-hole course beautifully situated above Trashi Chhoe Dzong. Resident Indian Brigadier General TV Jaganathan got permission from King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to construct a few holes in the late 1960s, and the course was formally inaugurated in 1971. How often do you get to tee off in sight of a Bhutanese dzong and have to dodge chorten hazards?
Schoolboy caddies are available for Nu 200 to Nu 300. You don't need to make an appointment to play, but you may have to wait to tee off on weekends. The clubhouse canteen (closed Monday) has decent food and fine views of the greens.
reviewed
-
C
Bhutan Bicycle Club
Local company Yudruk Tours runs this club, which organises rides and rents mountain bikes (US$30 per day, including helmet). The club can arrange to have you and the bike transported to the start of several rides.
reviewed
-
D
Sports Complex
You can swim in the pool at Thimphu’s Sports Complex. There is also a basketball court and gym.
reviewed
-
Yu Druk Tours and Treks
reviewed
-
Yangphel Adventure Travel
One of the largest, also specialising in fishing tours.
reviewed
-
Xplore Bhutan
reviewed
-
Wings
reviewed
-
Windhorse Tours
reviewed
Advertisement
-
White Tara Tours and Treks
reviewed
-
E
-
Village Tours and Treks
reviewed
-
Vertical Bhutan
Bhutan's only rock-climbing club, Vertical Bhutan, gathers most weekends to climb on the Nose Rock, a rock face high above the southwest part of Thimphu. There are several fixed routes with names such as 'Wedding Present' and 'Reach and Preach'. Contact the club secretary for the climbing schedule.
reviewed
-
Thunder Dragon Treks
reviewed
-
Thoesam Tours and Trekking
reviewed
-
Sunbird Tours
reviewed
-
Snow White Treks and Tours
reviewed
-
Snow Leopard Trekking Co
reviewed
-
Sakten Tours and Treks
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Raven Tours and Treks
reviewed
-
Rainbow Tours and Treks
reviewed
-
Rainbow Photo Tours
reviewed
-
Norbu Bhutan Travel
reviewed
-
Nirvana Expeditions
reviewed