Bhutan may be tiny compared to India, but don’t go by size alone. This enchanting country has something for everyone – untouched natural beauty, adventure, spiritualism, culture, delicious food, and plenty more. Ideally, you need a week to explore Bhutan’s highlights. If you’ve been looking at Bhutan tour packages, here are the top experiences they should include.

Hike up to Tiger’s Nest in Paro
The Taktshang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the most iconic structure in Bhutan. It’s one of the first stops on almost every Bhutan tour package itinerary. The monastery gets its name from a local legend according to which Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon while riding a tiger. Perched high on a cliff side, it is approachable through an exhilarating 2-hour uphill trek. Or, you could complete the journey on horseback.

While you’re in Paro, you might also want to check out Rinpung Dzong, the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, and catch a glimpse of flights landing at the Paro Airport.

Try Traditional Archery in Thimphu
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport. You’ll find locals practicing with bamboo bows and arrows across the country. The Changlimithang Archery Ground in Thimphu often hosts archery competitions on the weekends. These competitions are characterized by good-natured rivalry with opposing teams trading mock insults and jokes. If there isn’t a match scheduled, you could try your hand at stringing a bow.

Thimphu is also known for the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and its buzzing nightlife.

Be Mesmerized by Dzong Architecture in Punakha
Bhuta is dotted with dzongs or fort monasteries. Of these, the Punakha Dzong is considered to be one of the most captivating. It is also Bhutan’s oldest and second-largest dzong. Standing at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this dzong is set apart by the sacred relics within and the intricately carved wooden murals and paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha.

The Odyssey Best of Bhutan tour package also includes hikes along the River Mo and riverside picnics.

Ride a Raft Down the Po Chu River
Chase an adrenaline high by riding the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rapids. The waters are well-suited to trained rafters as well as beginners. The Mo Chhu route is about 10km long, while the Po Chhu river offers a longer 16km rafting route. Irrespective of the river you choose, your rafting experience will also give you a unique point of view to enjoy Bhutan’s breathtaking beauty.

Join the Jhomolhari Trek
Many Bhutan tour packages include the Jhomolhari trek in their itinerary. The route crisscrosses through Jigme Dorji National Park before bringing you to the Jhomolhari base camp. After a chance to acclimatize for a night or two, you can continue the trek to the 7,314m high Jhomolhari peak. If time is a concern, there are a number of shorter trekking routes you could take around the base camp.

Connect with Your Spiritual Side in Bumthang
Bhutan is a deeply spiritual country where meditation and chanting are a way of life. Many people take up a Bhutan tour package looking for a route to self-discovery and a chance to participate in Buddhist rituals. And Bumthang is one of the best places to do that. Known as the kingdom’s spiritual heartland, Bumthang is home to numerous monasteries and sacred sites. There are the 3 sacred temples in Kurjey Lhakhang, the Shugdrak Cave where you can find Guru Rinpoche’s handprint and footprint, the Tamshing Goemba in Chokhor Valley, and more.

The Bumthang valley is also famed for its scenic trekking routes.

Enjoy Nature in the Haa Valley
If it's Bhutan’s natural beauty that caught your attention, make sure you visit the Haa Valley. It’s also known as the hidden-land rice valley. This remote valley features pristine alpine forests, seemingly endless rice fields, and a flowing river against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The Meri Puensum Nature Trail is a popular hiking route. You can also bike through the valley or make your way down to the riverbank for a relaxing picnic. Along with its natural attractions, you might also enjoy visiting the 7th-century Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo and the Queen Grandmother’s ancestral home.

Picking the Right Bhutan Tour Package
With visa-free entry for Indians, Bhutan is a great destination for spur-of-the-moment holidays. That said, planning ahead is always better. And, if you don’t want to be bothered with choosing hotels and planning the nitty-gritty details, you can book a Bhutan tour package. At Odyssey, we understand that you want to see all the highlights of Bhutan without tiring yourself out. So, we design itineraries that are a balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation.  We’ll take care of getting you all the necessary permits and make sure you’re accompanied by a guide as you explore this Himalayan kingdom.

Doesn’t it sound exciting? Give us a call and let us plan your next holiday.