Top 12 Family Activities along the Trans Bhutan Trail

Just as OgMandino said, “The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories” and family adventures are the perfect way of making that happen. But why not swap the kid’s club with something different this year? Taking your family along the Trans Bhutan Trail will open their eyes to different communities, fascinating cultures and immerse them in different landscapes one day to the next. Still not convinced? Here are the top 12 activities that you and your family can enjoy along the Trans Bhutan Trail!

1) Walk the Divine Madman Trail

The Divine Madman Trail section of the Trans Bhutan Trail has a number of legends associated with it as well as offering spectacular vistas. Enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayas from Dochula Pass on clear days and also visit the DrukWangyel Chorten (108 stupas) and the DrukWangyel Lhakhang, that were built in honor of His Majesty the Fourth King and also in celebration of 100 years of Monarchy.

From Dochula, walk in the footsteps of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kuenley, as your guide brings his stories to life. Children can interact with our signposts along the way, using the QR codes found on them to watch animations of these incredible legends. While on the Trail, you will also get to visit the historic Toeb Chandhana Lhakhang temple.

2) Spot nature at the Motithang Takin Preserve

The Takin Preserve is located in Motithang, a 15-minutes drive from the heart of Thimphu city. The preserve was established as a mini zoo populated with takins, the national animal of Bhutan, and other endangered species. Later they were set free because  it was contrary to Buddhist philosophies to keep animals in captivity. However, they were ultimately returned as they were found wandering the streets in search of food. The preserve also has an information center where you can learn more about the mystical legend which surround the existence of Takins.

3) Visit the Draktsho Vocational Training Center for Special Children and Youth

Visit Draktsho, the only vocational training center for children and adults with special needs in Bhutan. They also provide educational, life and social skills training to children and youth with all types of disabilities. Established by Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Tshering Pem Wangchuck in 2001, Draktsho works to ensure that Bhutanese with disabilities are provided with opportunities for developing skills from vocational training to pursuing gainful employment and contributing to society.

4) Explore the beautiful Punakha Dzong

This magnificent fortress was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 and is an important historical landmark. The coronation of the First King of Bhutan, His Majesty Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, which marked the beginning of the Wangchuck Dynasty and Monarchy in Bhutan, was held at Punakha Dzong.  It survived numerous Tibetan invasions, fires, floods and even a glacial lake burst. Until the early 1950’s Punakha served as the capital and the Dzong was the administrative seat of the Government. In 2011, the Royal wedding was also held at the Dzong. Today the Dzong serves as the winter residence for the monastic body and houses the administrative office of Punakha Dzongkhag.

5) Try out Bhutan’s National Sport: Archery

Archery was declared Bhutan’s National sport in 1971, the year Bhutan became a member of the United Nations. After walking along the Dopshari trail in Paro Dzongkhag, try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport. Get to experience this in the traditional way, with the use of traditional wooden bow.  Who knows? You may hit the bull’s eye (Ka-Rey)!

6) Shop at the Craft Bazaar

The Craft Bazaar in Thimphu offers a wide selection from bags to posters and other typical souvenirs which represent the arts and crafts from all over Bhutan. The shops are built using traditional housebuilding materials such as mud and bamboo. Explore the market and pick up a souvenir or two for when you go back home!

7) Learn pottery at AméZam’s

One splendid activity that you and your family can enjoy while in Bhutan is the pottery class at AméZam. AméZam is a cooperative of local potters dedicated to preserving the traditional pottery trade. All pieces are handmade and hand painted with love in Bhutan.

8) Make your own postal stamps!

The Postal Museum is located on the ground floor of the Bhutan Post office in Thimphu. The museum boasts artifacts from the pre-postal era and depicts the development of post in Bhutan through displays in five separate galleries. The museum also houses a very large collection of stamps. You can even make your own customized stamps as souvenirs!

9) Discover Paro Ta Dzong

Paro Ta Dzong, originally a Watchtower, was built in 1649 and overlooks the Paro Dzong. The watchtower was constructed to protect the Paro Dzong from Tibetan invasion. In 1968, the Paro Ta Dzong was converted to become Bhutan’s first National Museum. It is home to a number of exhibitions including sculpture, painting and artifacts depicting Bhutan’s magical past.

10) Learn more about Bhutanese art by visiting the Choki Traditional Art School

Visit Choki Traditional Art School in Kabesa, Thimphu and learn more about Bhutanese art and its history. Choki Traditional Art School is Bhutan’s only private institution that provides free education to underprivileged youths with an interest in learning the traditional arts and crafts. During your visit, you will see students engaged in a number of traditional art forms, including painting, carving, and tapestry.

10) Learn more about Bhutanese art by visiting the Choki Traditional Art School

Visit Choki Traditional Art School in Kabesa, Thimphu and learn more about Bhutanese art and its history. Choki Traditional Art School is Bhutan’s only private institution that provides free education to underprivileged youths with an interest in learning the traditional arts and crafts. During your visit, you will see students engaged in a number of traditional art forms, including painting, carving, and tapestry.

12) Climb up to visit the Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

No visit to Bhutan would be complete without visiting Taktsang, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. One of the most popular religious landmarks of Bhutan, it is located on a cliff at around 2,950 feet. The monastery was built by Galsay Tenzin Rabgye in 1692 and was constructed around a cave where Guru Rinpoche, who was said to have arrived at that place riding on the back of a tigress, had meditated. He had come to subdue a local demon known as Singye Samdrup.

It takes roughly one and half hour to two hours to reach the monastery, which is only accessible by foot. You will get to enjoy spectacular views of the valley below as you ascend.