Offbeat Bhutan – 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Bhutan

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10 Amazing things you didn’t know you could do in Offbeat Bhutan.

Most people definitely visit the Dochula Pass that is located on the way from Thimphu to Punakha. What most people do not know is that apart from the 108 memorial chortens and a cafe that exists at the pass, a little way up lies the meditation caves. Built in stone and coloured brightly, these caves were made for monks and lamas to go into meditation. Spend some time in this little-known location and try your hand at meditation while you’re at it. This is how offbeat Bhutan is!

The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Previously available to be viewed at the zoo, the king decided that keeping animals caged did not coincide with the values of Buddhism. Hence, all captive animals were sent into the wild. However, the Takins became domesticated by this point and hung around the city. The Motithang Takin Preserve was made to protect them and one can go and see these unusual animals there.

This one isn’t for the prudes. The phallus is a symbol of strength and prosperity in Bhutan and is present unabashedly on the doorways, masks and even pendant charms in Bhutan. In most of modern Bhutan, this is now frowned upon but the phallic imagery is part of the country’s landscape. At Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, many childless couples visit in the hope of being blessed by the deity and even if you aren’t one of them, do visit this eccentric temple. This is one amazing thing to do in offbeat Bhutan!

The more you find out, the more offbeat Bhutan gets. Bhutan offers an invigorating experience of hot stone baths with medicinal properties. Fresh river water is mixed with Artemesia leaves and heated with fire-roasted river stones. Borrowing heavily from Indian Ayurvedic practices and those of 7th Century Tibet, Bhutan uses this wondrous healing ritual to soothe common problems like dizziness and aches. Hot stones are deposited into a compartment of a wooden tub. This is said to release minerals into the water. The artemisia absinthium is the source of absinthe and combined with the hot water provides an almost sedative experience. We’re sure you’re already looking forward to a dip in this tub!

‘Tsechu’ meaning Day Ten is a festival held in various districts of Bhutan on the tenth day of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar every month. The focal point of these festivities are the masked dances that mainly present incidents from the life of various Buddhist saints. If you can, attend the 5-day annual Tsechu at the Trongsa Dzong that is arguably the most impressive fortress of Bhutan. Tsechus are a great way to view offbeat Bhutan!

The most offbeat bits of Bhutan arre in its villages. A short drive from Paro lies the picturesque Haa Valley. Situated near the Indo-China border, it is sparsely populated which only makes it more tranquil and pristine. Go on a poppy trail here, hike up for a view of the meandering river, gorge on the local cuisine, just spend a day amidst the beauty of it all. The Phobjikha Valley also hardly garners much interest. However, we recommend spending 2 or even 3 nights here for people who like to walk in the woods and unwind at a slow pace. During winter, one can spot the migrating black-necked cranes here. Experience the farm life in Phobjikha, visit the local families and experience rural Bhutan at its best.

The Ogyen Choling is the former residence of a ruling family of Bhutan, descended from a 14th-century Buddhist teacher. The building has since been converted to a museum, which was destroyed in an earthquake and consequently rebuilt. Situated in the Tang Valley, which itself is a town worth visiting, the Ogyen Choling provides wonderful insight into the local culture and ways of living of the Bhutanese. The temple also holds a sacred place in Buddhism owing to the legend surrounding it.

Home to a modern brewery as well as a cheese factory, Bumthang is a place we recommend heartily. The brewery (Red Panda) and the cheese factory are both owned by a local of Swiss origin, Fritz Maurer. He also runs the Swiss Guest House. Make sure to call before arriving as the brewing is not done daily.

A weaving and handicrafts hotspot, Bhutan provides ample places to shop these treasures. What is more enriching though is to head to Ura and savour a meal at a local dhaba-style restaurant run by women who cook and weave simultaneously. They are prone to chatting at leisure, so be sure to not miss out on this. Offbeat Bhutan is in its people!

Bhutan’s national sport is no mean feat. Using traditional equipment made out of bamboo and shooting at a narrow target about twice as long as the range used in the Olympics, archery in Bhutan is less about the competition and more about the spirit, much like everything else in the country. If you find yourself with the opportunity to witness a game, do not give it up. The camaraderie and joy-filled atmosphere will lift your spirits for sure. Speaking of spirits, here’s a fun fact – the locals are used to even drinking while playing this sport!