Located in southern Asia, Bhutan is an immersive destination for families with school-age children and young people. After a week of family vacation in the remote Himalayan Kingdom, I compiled a list of ten things to do in Bhutan with my kids. I hope these suggestions inspire you to plan a family vacation in Bhutan.
See Himalayas
Take a bus to the 3000-meter high Dochu la Pass, where (weather allows) you can see the magnificent snow-capped Himalayas. The world's tallest mountain range passes through Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. On the top of the mountain in Dochu La, you can walk among 108 commemorative Choterns (Buddhist shrines) and a group of flying prayer flags.
Practice the national sports in Bhutan
Archery is a national sport in Bhutan and there are many opportunities to pick up bows and arrows when you visit the kingdom. Ask your hotel whether it offers archery experience or learn about the sport at the Simply Bhutan Life Museum in Thimphu.
If you ask my teens, I'm sure they'll rank archery as one of the main jobs to do with kids in Bhutan. This is a challenging sport!
Crossing one of the longest suspension bridges in the country
Cross the Po Chhu River on one of Bhutan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges. You can walk to this bridge before or after exploring Punakha Dzong. This 160-meter suspension bridge offers views of the lush Punakha valley below and the glacier-fed Po Chhu River.
Explore Punakha dzong
Punakha Dzong is the second oldest Zonggang (service and monastery function) built in Bhutan. It is considered to be the most beautiful religion in Bhutan. All the kings of Bhutan were crowned in Punakha Dzong. It was once a seat in the government until it moved to Thimphu in 1955, where Punakha Dzong was the winter residence of Je Khenpo (the ancestor of Bhutan), and also about 1,000 monks.
In Punakha Dzong, colorful murals depict the life of the Buddha. After exploring Punakha Dzong, cross the covered Bazam Bridge. If you look at the side of the bridge, you may see large fish in the river. Additionally, some people (such as our guide) bring food for fish. It's incredible to see so many fish jumping to the water.
Hiking to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chotern
Over the suspension bridge (much shorter than the bridge near Punakha Dzong) on the Mo Chhu River, then walk along the terraced rice fields and follow a trail leading to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choten. Arriving at Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chotern should take an hour or less.
You may see farmers and their families conducting fields with the help of cattle and plows. Depending on the season, produce can be sold along the trail to Khamum Yulley.
The Queen of Bhutan commissioned Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choten to promote peace and harmony in 2004. Check out the sculptures inside Khamsum Yulley and continue climbing the steep stairs to the top. You can go out on the rooftops of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choten and enjoy the expansive views of the Punakha Valley.
Holy Madman
Stroll through the unforgettable village of Sopsokha, decorated with wooden penis and penis murals. This is the only place in Bhutan and my kids refuse to pose for photos! After shopping (or not), follow the trail for about 20 minutes to Chimmi lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Sacred Madman and the Temple of Birth.
This 15th-century fertility temple was dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, known as Divine Madman for his crazy wisdom and outrageous behavior. Newlyweds and childrenless couples who wish to start a family often make pilgrimage to Chimmi Lhakang. But anyone visiting the monastery can be blessed on the head with a decorative wooden penis.
Gaze at one of the largest Buddha statues in the world
At 51 meters, the gilded Buddha statue is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. 125,000 Buddha statues are between 8 and 12 inches, filling the huge body. Buddha Dordenma sits in a large meditation hall and outdoor party space overlooking Thimpu Valley.
Experience is just Bhutan
Visit Thimpu's Simple Bhutanese Museum of Life and learn about the country's rich culture. After gathering in the traditional greeting space of Bhutan and enjoying the optional ARA (rice wine) drink, the guide will take you through the Bhutanic replica village. In simple Bhutan, you can watch Bhutanese dance and sing in the live cafe, practice archery and taste authentic Bhutanese food.
Visit the National Memorial Hall
In 1974, a white-washed national monument Choten, which was built on top of a gilded spire to commemorate the third king of Bhutan.
We visited the National Memorial at noon and during the celebrations. As a result, the bad number of Bhutanese circled the stupa clockwise. On the periphery of the memorial site, Bhutanese elderly people often sit, turning a large number of copper prayer wheels or spinning 108 prayer beads. 108 is the sacred number of Bhutan.
Trek to the tiger's nest monastery
The Tiger's Nest Monastery was built in 1692 to commemorate a series of events that brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is considered the most sacred site in Bhutan. This is where most Bhutanese want to visit at least once in their lifetime. It should be at the top of what Bhutan is going to do. But due to the altitude, I recommend saving the tiger's nest monastery at the end of the trip. Learn more about this in Travel Tips (below).
Climbing on a 3,000-foot cliff above the valley floor, it takes a stable two-hour climb to 10,000 feet above sea level. The trail to the Tiger's Nest Monastery is about 6 miles from Paro. Paro is 7000 feet above sea level, so on the way to the tiger's nest, it is 3,000 feet above sea level. I tell people that our trek to the tiger’s nest is actually one of the highlights of our family vacation in Bhutan.
Travel Tips – Things to Do with Kids in Bhutan
- Bhutan’s high value, low-impact tourism approach means that most Bhutanese tourists need a certified guide. In addition, travelers must spend the minimum amount per day. During our family vacation in Bhutan, we stayed with Como Hotels and Resorts, where they arranged dedicated drivers and guides for our guests. If you are planning to visit Bhutan, I recommend you stay with Como – it's an incredible family vacation. Read more about us Outstanding Stay in Como Uma Paro here.
- We visited Bhutan with our teenagers. Given the height and type of activities, I recommend visiting Bhutan with older kids.
- You can read more about Our Experience in Bhutan In this article, Travelage West.
- Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines serve Bhutan's only international airport in Paro. We flew from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan, and took Drucker Airlines. You can read Flying DRUK Airlines Business Class here. At the end of the family vacation, we flew from Paro to Delhi, India and took the Druk Air. The Himalayas are incredible during a flight from Bhutan to India.
- Finally, after spending time accustoming to the heights of Bhutan, plan to trek to the tiger's nest. This is especially important if you live in situations where sea level or altitude is low.
Is Bhutan on your travel wish list?
