Top 9 Family Activities in Bhutan

In the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, a nation that prioritizes happiness above all, children are embraced with warmth and enthusiasm.

Long kept hidden, Bhutan's isolation from the outside world has added to its charm and intrigue. Today, the country emphasizes low-volume, high-value tourism, with one of the best reasons to visit being the chance to experience its distinctive customs and culture, which have remained largely intact. Traveling to Bhutan with kids encourages stepping outside your comfort zone, but the rewards will be unexpectedly enriching.

Is Bhutan suitable for children?

With breathtaking mountain passes, vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, lush forested hills, and fresh, invigorating air, Bhutan's outdoor scenery offers a rejuvenating and inspiring experience for the entire family.

While having a local guide is no longer a requirement, it enhances your visit significantly. A guide can introduce you to their country's cultural intricacies, offering a unique perspective. They'll assist you with everything from finding great dining spots on long journeys to picking up souvenirs.

With its stunning natural landscapes, ancient monasteries, and friendly locals, Bhutan is an ideal place to create lasting family memories. However, the high altitude can pose challenges, and winding roads may be difficult for those susceptible to motion sickness. Though luxury hotels can be found in Paro and Thimphu, accommodations, dining, and restroom facilities tend to be basic in remote areas.

While you may not find diaper-changing stations, high chairs, kids' meals, or play areas, Bhutan's laid-back approach means there are few restrictions regarding children. The country operates at its own rhythm, making it a fantastic destination for a family adventure.

What are the best places in Bhutan for kids?

Arriving in Paro is an exhilarating experience, as only a select group of pilots can navigate the narrow valleys to land at the monastery-like airport, adorned with stunning frescoes and traditional Bhutanese woodwork. As Bhutan's second-largest city, Paro, along with the capital Thimphu, features prominently in most travel itineraries, offering numerous chances to engage with Bhutanese culture and traditions through museums, vibrant market squares, and activities suitable for children.

Outside of these major cities, Punakha, located in the western-central region, is famous for its impressive Punakha Dzong, positioned at the meeting point of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. This site attracts visitors year-round, especially during the religious festivals held in February or March. If your schedule permits, venture into Bhutan's stunning wilderness and remote mountain villages—its true treasures—through trekking and homestay experiences with your family.

Top activities in Bhutan for families with babies and toddlers

Check out the magnificent golden Buddha statue that overlooks Thimphu.

What makes the radiant, golden Dordenma unique among large statues is the presence of 125,000 smaller statues nestled within its exterior. Perched atop a vast hall decorated with intricate frescoes meant for meditation, this structure was created to celebrate the 60th birthday of the fourth king and stands as one of Bhutan's most frequented attractions. Young children will enjoy racing up the steps to the temple and exploring the expansive courtyard.

Marvel at the Himalayas from Dochu La

Journey along the winding road from Thimphu to Dochu La, which sits at an elevation of 3100m (10,170ft), for the finest views of the Himalayas in Bhutan. The breathtaking sight of the snow-capped Himalayas—the tallest mountain range in the world—never fails to impress, though your experience may depend on the weather. On clear days, keep an eye out for Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest peak and the highest unclimbed mountain globally. The Bhutanese hold these mountains sacred, viewing them as homes for gods and mythical beings, and do not encourage climbing.

After the winding drive, toddlers will relish the chance to run freely in the space around the viewpoint. For a longer stay, consider using a baby carrier for a short hike with your guide in the forest behind the chortens (stone Buddhist monuments).

Top activities in Bhutan for school-age kids

Collect a one-of-a-kind souvenir at the Postal Museum

At Thimphu's Postal Museum, kids can create personalized stamps featuring their own faces to use on postcards, which is sure to delight them. Explore exhibits showcasing the nation's postal history and browse through a collection of stamps commemorating significant events like the Olympics and the King's coronation.

Experience Bhutan's national sport firsthand

Stand tall, nock the arrow, concentrate on your aim, and let it fly: archery, the national sport of Bhutan, is sure to ignite the competitive spirit in young adventurers while immersing them in local customs. Fun fact: archery is the only sport Bhutan has competed in at the Olympics.

Played in teams, archery competitions are vibrant displays of colorful attire and traditional dances. Hotels can arrange an archery experience for you, or you can try it at the family-friendly Simply Bhutan museum in Thimphu.

Discover the magnificent Punakha Dzong and stroll across the Punakha Suspension Bridge

Among Bhutan's many fortresses, Punakha Dzong stands out with its stunning location at the meeting point of two rivers. Marvel at its soaring white walls, intricate frescoes depicting the Buddha's life, and elaborate tapestries. This is the site where all of Bhutan's kings have been crowned. In spring, it's framed by blooming jacaranda trees, creating one of the most picturesque scenes in Bhutan.

Just a short distance away, cross the icy-blue Po Chhu River on the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Decorated with countless prayer flags and supported by cables, children will delight in the thrilling sway of the bridge with every gust of wind.

Witness the art of handmade paper creation

At the quaint Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory in Thimphu, both children and adults can be fascinated by the ancient process of making paper from the high-altitude daphne plant. This time-honored method produces paper that's said to last over a millennium and is naturally resistant to insects and pests. Explore the factory to see the largely unchanged techniques, and don’t forget to visit the cheerful onsite store for unique gifts like tie-and-dye notebooks, wrapping paper adorned with dried flowers, and charming lampshades.

Discover your past lives and future insights at the College of Astrology

In a world of instant information, visiting Pangri Zampa Lhakhang or the College of Astrology in Thimphu feels like stepping back in time. Here, within a 16th-century complex, a resident monk consults ancient texts to share insights about your past lives, revealing forms you might have taken—perhaps a pigeon! Whether or not you believe it, children and adults alike will find enjoyment in the playful predictions of lucky colors, numbers, and days.

Top activities for tweens and teens in Bhutan

Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest

Wrapped in myth and magic, Taktsang Goemba, commonly known as Tiger's Nest, stands as one of Bhutan's most revered and captivating locations. Nestled on a cliff 900m (2952ft) above the Paro valley, its breathtaking position inspires awe and curiosity. Children will be enchanted by the tale of Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava or the “lotus-born”), who is said to have flown to this very spot on a tigress before meditating for days in the harsh cold without sustenance.

The journey to this tranquil monastery takes two to three hours of hiking along trails winding through pine forests, making it less suitable for younger kids. The altitude can be challenging, but reaching the monastery offers an exhilarating reward. Midway, you'll find the Taktsang Cafeteria, a charming mountain restaurant that provides a welcome respite. Enjoy hot drinks, snacks, or a buffet lunch while soaking in some of the best views of the sunlit monastery.

At the summit, discover the incredibly tiny cave where the Guru meditated. Inside rooms adorned with golden statues, vibrant tapestries, and prayer items, you can observe monks, some as young as six, chanting alongside their elders.

Tread the ancient Bhutan Trail

What better way to introduce kids to local culture and traditions than by immersing them in it? Walking a segment of the newly opened 403km-long (250-mile) trail, stretching from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east, lets you experience the country as the Bhutanese did before cars became common.

Journey through Bhutan's bustling cities, past secluded mountain villages surrounded by paddy fields, wander through rhododendron forests, cross suspension bridges, and take time to connect with the Bhutanese people along the way.

On multi-day treks, opt for homestays. These experiences foster genuine interaction with local families: assist them on their farms, learn to prepare traditional Bhutanese dishes, or partake in local festivals – there’s no greater way to learn!

Captivate kids with tales of garps (trail runners) who sprinted like the wind, delivering crucial messages between dzongs (fortresses). Historically, these human couriers were the sole means of communication with the outside world.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

You'll often see schoolchildren and Bhutanese individuals carrying little ones on their backs throughout the country. However, outside major cities like Paro and Thimphu, finding diapers, formula, baby food, and medicines can be challenging, so it's wise to bring ample supplies.

Opt for baby carriers instead of strollers, as sidewalks in larger cities tend to be narrow and steep. Traveling through Bhutan involves many long drives and moving between locations. Discuss your transportation needs with your guide in advance to secure a suitable vehicle, and bring your car seat or booster if necessary.

While kids’ menus are rare, you'll commonly find sautéed vegetables, potato and cheese dishes, and noodle meals. Larger hotels and restaurants in popular tourist areas often offer Indian cuisine, catering to the significant number of Indian visitors to Bhutan.