Bhutanese culture travel guide

Discovering the culture of Bhutan will no doubt feature visits to any number of the country's dzongs, temples and monasteries where burgundy and gold robed monks meditate, pray and carry out daily chores unimpeded by the influence of the outside world, bar the odd mobile phone call. Treks to Taktsang Monastery, just outside Paro, and Tango Monastery, just north of Thimphu, provide a chance to understand the customs and rituals associated with Bhutanese Buddhism and combine really well with visits to handicraft, textile and folk heritage museums located in the city. Visiting a monastery, museum or finding out more about the life of monks in Bhutan is always best appreciated with a local guide who will be more than happy to explain etiquette and cultural customs as well as giving you a greater depth of knowledge when it comes to Buddhism and the history of Bhutan.

Ever since Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan, implemented the philosophy that his subjects’ “Gross National Happiness” was more important than gross national finances, sustaining cultural values and conserving the natural environment have been cornerstones of Bhutanese society. Of course, not every person you meet in Bhutan is going to be beaming from ear to ear but at least the country is going in the right direction with a more harmonious and sustainable outlook than in most other countries. Learning about the cultural history of Bhutan can be as simple as chatting to your guide or visiting the national museum in Paro and if you're looking for happiness then explore with a smile and see where it leads.

Flowering forests of rhododendrons burst from Himalayan foothills like explosions of powder paint juxtaposed against sweeping alpine meadows and water colour blue skies. Hiking trips in Bhutan can lead you past waterfalls, lakes and curious herds of yaks before you bed down for the night in locations such as Thangthangka, Jangothang, Lingshi or Barshong Gewog – all above 3,250m. Bumthang Valley is another spectacular setting for hiking in Bhutan with gentle gradients allowing for relaxed point-to-point high altitude trekking ascending to Tamshing Monastery, Ngang Lhakhang temple and Takung village, just beyond the Phephe La Pass.

Avoiding the Jun-Aug monsoon is a good idea as not only will you experience slippery conditions, but cultural events are all but wiped out. Spring is the best time to go to Bhutan with tshechus in Gasa, Zhemgang, Punakha, Trashigang and Paro occurring during March. Thimphu’s festival to celebrate flowering rhododendrons is popular in April, with the May humidity leading to fewer visitors and better prices on accommodation. Autumn sees low rainfall and blue skies, perfect for hiking to Paro Taktsang and supping mugs of hot tea. Sep is a busy time for monks and dancers preparing for peak festival season in Oct-Nov, with Thimphu and Gangtey very popular tshechus alongside the black neck crane festival in Wangdue Phodrang in Nov.

Looking for more info related to festivals in Bhutan? Read this: Five of the Best Bhutan Festivals