Bhutan

The mountain kingdom of Bhutan is much more than its splendid natural beauty, gross national happiness, amazing landscape and rich cultural heritage. Gain a deeper insight and experience a slice of Bhutan, away from its usual touristy spots, by immersing yourself in our curated experiences.
Here is a list of the experiential options you can choose from when touring through Bhutan with us.

The Essence of Rural Bhutan in Bumthang/Punakha

Dress the part to cook up a Storm in Paro

Painting a Masterpiece in Thimphu

Experience the Local Culture in a Tshechu

Try your hand at Archery in Thimphu

Dance the Masks Away in Paro

Soaking in a Traditional Bath in Gangtey

Lighting the Path Forward in Paro

The Essence of Rural Bhutan in Bumthang/Punakha

Take an excursion to a local village where nothing has changed for generations. Soak in the sights and sounds of the village and interact with its people as you get a glimpse of the everyday nuances of village life. Spend time with a local family and gain an insight into their culture, habits, and way of life. You can also learn the art of brewing a cup of Suja (traditional salted butter tea).

Dress the part to cook up a Storm in Paro

For a deep dive into the local culture, you must do as the Bhutanese do – dress up in their traditional attire and cook up a storm! Learn how to wear the gho (a long robe worn by men that is hoisted to the knee and held in place with a woven cloth belt) or kira (a brightly coloured ankle-length dress worn by women with a short open jacket). Receive a hands-on education of Bhutanese cuisine from a renowned local chef, or a housewife, using techniques and ingredients native to the mountain kingdom.

Painting a Masterpiece in Thimphu

Visit a local art and craft school to learn the age-old art-form Thangkha painting that has been endangered by modernization. Accompanied by an art expert, discover the teachings of Buddhism through this sacred art. Work closely with the artist and nurture your understanding of the iconography, techniques and materials involved in the process of creating this splendid work of art.

Experience the Local Culture in a Tshechu

Every district in Bhutan celebrates a tshechu (the most important festival of the country) annually in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. It is believed that attending a tshechu at least once will wash away all your sins. The highlight of the tshechu is the cham or religious mask dance performed by monks clad in flamboyant costumes. In between dances, locals enact instances of Guru Rimpoche’s life through sacred plays and the atsara (clowns) mimic the dancers by performing comic routines wearing masks with long red noses.

Try your hand at Archery in Thimphu

Channel you inner Robin Hood and try your hand at the national sport of Bhutan. Learn the basics of archery from a professional archer using traditional bamboo bows or modern compound bows. Put your strength, precision, and concentration skills to the test! Pit yourself against our experts, challenge family or friends to a healthy competition.

Dance the Masks Away in Paro

Sneak a peek into the remarkable cultural and religious traditions as you witness a dynamic performance of the famed masked dance. Shake a leg with the dancers dressed in traditional multi-hued brocade outfits and colourful intricate masks, as they dance to the rhythmic beats of trumpets and drums. For those of you who have two left feet, professional dancer will guide you through the basic steps.

Soaking in a Traditional Bath in Gangtey

There is no better way to end your day’s adventure than by soaking in a traditional Bhutanese bath. This special wellness treatment uses heated river stones that crackle when placed in water. It is believed that the heated water, the minerals released from the rock and the local herbs all combine to produce therapeutic benefits for joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders and arthritis.

Lighting the Path Forward in Paro

Experience sheer divinity and spiritual upliftment by partaking of a private Tshewang (traditional prayer) ceremony in a monastery. A religious expert will walk you through the ceremony, whilst also outlining its significance. Join a team of crimson-clad monks as they gather to chant prayers for peace, prosperity and your good health. Light the butter lamps that adorn the altar of the monastery and signify enlightenment.