Top 7 Offbeat Adventurous Activities to Experience Bhutan Nature

Tucked away in the midst of the world’s highest mountain range, Bhutan is an isolated and small nation that is fast growing in reputation. Set in the majestic Himalayas in Asia, to the south of Tibet and north of India’s Assam State, Bhutan is developing a very good reputation as one of the premier destinations for adventurous travel.

A kingdom of beautiful mountain landscapes and lush forests, this tiny Shangri-La in the mountains is the perfect destination for all manner of adventurous activities, from cycling and trekking to kayaking, white-water rafting, bridge-walking, and much more.

Top 1: Adventurous Trekking

Trekking is the Best Way to Experience Bhutan Nature

Trekking is the primary adventure sport of the Himalayas, and Bhutan is one of the top destinations in the world for high-altitude mountain trekking. While there may not be the vast variety that nearby Nepal can boast, Bhutan has a lot of amazing treks ranging from 1-2 days to as long as a week. This tiny kingdom is also the home of the world’s toughest trek, the infamous Snowman Trek, which runs for a whole month along the northern mountains of the kingdom.

Famous Adventurous Trek in Bhutan

Some of the more famous Bhutan trekking tour include the renowned Druk Path trek and the spectacular Jomolhari Mountain Trek, which consists of several different routes, depending on your personal preference. The Owl Trek, Culture Trek, and many more can also be attempted in different locations across the entire country.

Best Time for Bhutan Trekking

The best time to trek in Bhutan is spring and autumn, from March to May and September to November. These are the times when the weather is dry and pleasant, though a little chilly at night.

What to Pack for Bhutan Trekking

This does mean you need to pack warmer clothes in with your normal trekking gear, and thick socks to keep your feet warm. Sweaters and down jackets are perfect for this, and you can add some long underwear if you really want to stay warm.

Top 2: Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking

Popular Destinations for Rafting in Bhutan

When it comes to white-water rafting, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu are the best rivers in the Himalayas. Containing more than thirty stretches of class 2-4 rapid between them, as well as some great class 1 rapids, this is the ideal destination for rafters from around the world. And the best part of the rivers for rafting is around the confluence, where the rapids run past the country’s most beautiful Dzong - Punakha Dzong, a must visit destination during your Bhutan tour.

Popular Destinations for Kayaking in Bhutan

Kayaking is also a popular water sport in Bhutan, and you have some great locations for kayaking fans on several rivers, including the Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu, and Dangme Chhu. This may be a new sport to Bhutan, but it is hugely popular.

Best Time for Bhutan Rafting and Kayaking

The best time for whitewater rafting and kayaking in Bhutan is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild but not too wet or too cold.

Top 3: Mountain Biking

If you are an avid mountain biking enthusiast, then Bhutan has hundreds of kilometers of trails across the country that are ideal for some excellent off-roading. For more general tourists that want to try this sport, there are some great paved and semi-paved mountain roads that are ideal for first-timers. Located in the picturesque valleys, such as Paro Valley and Phobjikha, the best time for mountain biking is normally in the spring and autumn, as summer is too wet and winter too cold. This may be the peak season, but there are enough places to go biking that it will not get crowded. And the famous Tour of the Dragon race is held annually in Bhutan.

While mountain biking in many places means you bring your own bike, in Bhutan the tour operator or travel agency can make the arrangements for you to hire a good quality mountain bike when you arrive. The best trails for mountain biking are at Paro, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang, and mountain biking packages are available for tours.

Top 4: Suspension Bridges Challenge

While this may be a rather unconventional sport, there is something very Bhutanese about the adrenaline rush you can get crossing the high suspension bridges in Bhutan. Strung out across valleys, often a long way off the ground below, this exciting sport is a great way to burn some calories. The most popular location is the suspension bridge in Punakha, the second longest in Bhutan, which is already hundreds of years old and connects the Dzong to the small villages nearby. And while the Punakha Suspension Bridge is not more than a couple dozen meters from the river below, this handmade bridge, strung with thousands of prayer flags, is a daunting challenge for some.

The Punakha Suspension Bridge is actually the oldest suspension bridge in the world, and is believed to have been commissioned by a Buddhist monk called Thangtong Gyalpo. The precursor to the modern suspension bridges, this kind of early example does not have a suspended deck to walk on, and you walk on the base of the bridge, on wire and netting. While this amazing structure is sturdy and strong still, the high winds that sometimes blow down the valley can swing it a little. It can sometimes give rise to panic attacks in tourists when it sways from the strong winds, but is perfectly safe, and a popular spot for birdwatching on the river.

Top 5: Amazing Hot Spring Therapy

While this may not be exactly an adventurous sport, hot springs are a common addition to almost all regions that have high mountains. And after biking the mountain trails, rafting the fast rivers, or climbing the impossible cliffs, you will be glad of the relaxing and medicinal properties of these awesome Hot Springs.

The Duer Hot Springs is one of the most popular in Central Bhutan, and is part of the famous Duer Hot Springs trek. In western Bhutan, the Gasa Trek also incorporates the Hot Springs in the area. Try this out throughout the year, though the best time for the incorporated treks is normally spring and autumn. Just remember to bring swimwear.

Top 6: Exciting Rock Climbing

As an adventure sport, rock climbing has been really gaining traction in Bhutan, with its multitude of mountains and cliffs. Several locations have popped up as popular destinations for avid climbers, including the famous The Nose, located just outside Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital. A natural rock formation that is perfect for climbing, there are 13 different routes up the vertical faces with a range of difficulties from 4B to 7B and up to 27 meters high. The best time is in the spring and autumn months, when it is dry and mild, but it is a sport you can do all year round.

Top 7: Paragliding in Bhutan

Where to Go Paragliding in Bhutan

With more extreme sports becoming popular activities in Bhutan, it is no surprise that the Ura Valley is the top spot for paragliding in Bhutan. In the small area of Kamshet, you can ascend into the skies to try out the paragliding activities in the low hills and forests of the region. The height of the area, on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, makes this an ideal location for paragliding, and the updrafts from the hills and mountains make the trip even more exciting.

Best Time to Go Paragliding

Autumn, from September to November is the best time for this amazing activity, when the air is dry and winds are higher and stronger, though not too strong to make it dangerous.

Conclusion

There are many locations around the world that are renowned for their adventure activities and exciting adrenaline sports. Bhutan is now one of them, and is becoming more and more popular with thrill-seekers from around the world. While you do need to be on a pre-arranged tour to take part in these exciting activities, this comes as a distinct advantage, as the tour operators and travel agents can arrange everything for you. All you have to do is turn up and have fun. That will be an excellent opportunity to enjoy a Bhutan nature tour. So next time you fancy kayaking down the river, or flying in the air on a parachute, why not try to travel to Bhutan for the better scenery and landscapes.