10 must-see places and must do activities in Bhutan: The land of happiness hidden in the embrace of the Himalayas

Let your senses experience the intense flavors of Bhutanese cuisine. The food here is not only spicy but also full of cultural stories and connections to the surrounding nature.

"Ema Datshi," Bhutan's most sought-after national dish, consists of fresh chilies and local cheese, giving a spicy and creamy flavor unlike any other. There's also "Phaksha Paa," stir-fried pork with red chilies and ginger, or "Jasha Maru," a spicy chicken curry, that you shouldn't miss.

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, has many restaurants and markets where you can taste local food. Eating here is not just about food, but learning about Bhutanese culture and way of life through flavors.

If you're lucky, you might have the opportunity to join a local Bhutanese festival, called "Tshechu," which is a religious festival held in each region of the country. Bumthang is one of the places with the most famous festivals.

During the festival, you'll see colorful masked dances that tell stories of Buddhism and ancient legends, see Bhutanese people in beautiful national costumes, and experience an atmosphere of joy and faith.

Participating in these festivals is not only entertaining but also a deep learning experience about Bhutanese culture and beliefs. Additionally, the Bhutanese believe that participating in these rituals brings good luck and wards off evil.

Festival participation tips: Dress respectfully, as it's a religiously significant event. Prepare a hat and sunscreen as most activities are held outdoors.

Punakha Dzong, or the "Palace of Great Happiness," is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan, this fortress is located between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

Punakha Dzong is an outstanding example of Bhutanese architecture, with tall white walls, golden roofs, and wide courtyards decorated elaborately. Inside are temples and halls adorned with beautiful paintings and carvings.

The most amazing thing is the ability to build such a large fortress in an era without modern technology. This fortress has stood for over 300 years, surviving earthquakes, floods, and fires multiple times, demonstrating the strength and wisdom of the ancient Bhutanese.

Archery is Bhutan's national sport and is highly popular among Bhutanese men. You can see competitions everywhere during holidays and various festivals.

What makes Bhutanese archery different from others is the very long distance. Targets are placed about 145 meters away, which is twice as far as international competitions! The target is about 3 feet tall and 11 inches wide, so hitting it requires high skill and precision.

Another unique aspect of archery in Bhutan is having groups of women cheering and singing songs to tease the opposing team, trying to make them lose concentration. But when their own team shoots accurately, they dance and sing in celebration, creating a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Experience the thrill of rafting on the raging Mo Chhu River. The 10-kilometer rafting route passes through the beautiful landscape of Punakha Valley.

The strong current will take you through challenging rapids while you enjoy the beautiful natural scenery around you, including high mountains, lush forests, and bright blue skies.

Rafting in Bhutan not only provides excitement but also contact with pure nature and the riverside lifestyle of the Bhutanese. You may encounter villagers farming by the riverbank or children waving from the shore.

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If you want to experience the true lifestyle of the Bhutanese, a homestay in Phobjikha Valley is an experience not to be missed. This peaceful valley is home to the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate here during winter.

Staying with a Bhutanese family will allow you to learn about their daily life, from cooking local food and farming to religious rituals. You'll sleep in a traditional wooden house, warmed by a wood stove, and eat local cuisine prepared from local ingredients.

The friendship and warmth of the Bhutanese people will make you feel like part of the family and truly understand the meaning of "Gross National Happiness."

Interesting activities: Hiking to see black-necked cranes (during November-February), learning to cook Bhutanese food, visiting local schools, and participating in religious ceremonies with the host family.

Manas National Park in southern Bhutan near Gelephu is a natural World Heritage site rich in rare plants and animals. This park connects with India's Manas National Park, becoming the largest cross-border conservation area in the region.

Here you can experience elephant-back jungle tours, boat rides along the Manas River, picnics by the water, or hikes along nature trails. You might encounter rare wildlife such as Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, wild elephants, and various bird species.

For adventure lovers, camping in Manas forest will be a memorable experience. Sleeping under a sky full of bright stars while listening to the sounds of nature around you will make you feel truly connected to nature.

Travel tips: Book tours with experienced companies, as this area is quite remote and requires knowledgeable guides. The appropriate time is between November and April.

The Royal Highland Festival in Laya village is a celebration of the culture of highland communities in Bhutan. Held annually under the royal patronage of the King of Bhutan, it aims to promote the lifestyle of mountain people and attract tourists to remote regions.

During the two-day festival, you'll see various cultural performances, marathon competitions, horse races, displays of native dogs and yaks, and various folk sports. There are also demonstrations of traditions and lifestyles of people living in highland areas.

Traveling to Laya village is part of the experience, as it requires hiking through beautiful mountain trails for about 2-3 days. Along the way, you'll see beautiful snowy mountain scenery and meet villagers with simple lifestyles.

Festival highlights: Ancient masked dance performances, traditional archery competitions, local handicraft exhibitions, and opportunities to meet the King and Queen of Bhutan who often attend.

Bhutan is known for its tranquility and beautiful, challenging nature, with routes like the Snowman Trek, which is one of the longest and most difficult mountain treks in the world. With various factors including altitude, distance, trail characteristics, and weather conditions, you'll experience a full adventure from Laya to the Himalayan mountains. Due to the travel challenges, this route is suitable for experienced hikers, with the journey taking 20-30 days.

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