Bhutan’s natural high
Six things worth experiencing in the Thunder Dragon Kingdom
See the Tiger’s Nest
IMPOSSIBLY perched on the side of a 1000m sheer cliff face above the Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba, or the Tiger’s Nest, is the most famous monastery in Bhutan.
There are three ways to reach this ney, or holy place – a three-hour hike, a pony ride, or a flight on the back of a tigress like the monastery’s founder, Guru Rinpoche, is said to have done in the 8th century.
A trip to the monastery is the high point for many visitors to Bhutan, but if you’re visiting during peak tourist season (April–May), especially around Paro Tsechu, be prepared for crowds.
Archery
Bhutan’s national sport since 1971, archery is everywhere. It’s played on the side of roads, in the capital cities and in the countryside.
Archery in Bhutan is an incredibly social affair and tourists are more than welcome to pick up a bow and arrow themselves.
Bhutan’s Dr Dolittle
If you have a passion for animals, a visit to The Barnyard just outside of Paro is a must.
Run by US expat Jamie Vaughn, the charity provides sanctuary for any animal in need.
At the time of writing it had more than 250 dogs, several cats, six cows and bulls, seven horses and the like, 10 goats, two pigs and three mice.
Hot stone bath
For an authentic Bhutanese hot stone bath, or dotsho, forget the baths at your flashy resort and ask your guide to book you into one of the cheaper bathhouses outside of town.
Essentially, the bath is a wooden coffin with a grate at one end.
The water is seasoned with local medicinal herbs and super-heated with hot river stones while you try your hardest not to feel like you’re the key ingredient in a hot soup.
Once you’re fully submerged, the mixture of herbs, smoke and hot water is unique.
Drukgyel Dzong ruins
The crumbling ruins of the 16th century Drukgyel Dzong in the northern Paro Valley may be an OH&S nightmare, but the chance to freely (and respectfully) explore the ancient site of many battles between Tibet and Bhutan can’t be missed.
There are no roped off sections or safety precautions in the complex, so explore with caution.
Go hiking
The Paro Valley is the staging point for two of Bhutan’s most popular hikes, the Druk Path and the Jhomolhari Trek.
The Druk (or Thunder Dragon) Path is hiked over five days and finishes in the capital Thimphu.
The Jhomolhari Trek takes eight days and passes beneath the spectacular 7326m peak of Jhomolahari.