This Bhutan tour includes an experience of playing archery with the Bhutanese people. Archery in Bhutanese language is called as ‘DHA' which happens to be the national sports of Bhutan. As archery is famous all over the world, it is mostly played by people of Bhutan. On the trail to many villages, you get to spot grounds where people gather on the field (named Changlimithang field) to play and compete in archery. Even archery festivals are held where lots of people gather from different village to participate in their traditional dress.
This main festival of archery are held during the Losar but formal competition is held all throughout the year. So including with experiencing the archery sports, you even get to explore the landmark heritage sites like grandeur Dzongs, museums, monasteries, memorial chorten, museums, hike to the Taktsang monastery etc.
Our tour begins with a scenic flight viewing magnificent views of Jichu Drake and Mount Chomolhari to Paro. We will then lead to the hotel and after taking some rest; we will later be touring visiting ancient old temple Kichulhangkhang and then explore Rinpung Dzongs.
We then drive to Thimpu to visit memorial chorten and several other chortens, monasteries and also visit the heritage museum where you'll find ancient artifacts of Bhutan. Next, we head to visit the small zoo, etc. Next, we will be visiting the hustle and bustle market - where the local people sell local products like chilies and other locally made items. Then we head to the field of Changlimithang to observe people playing archery and if you are interested you can also participate and experience this sport.
We will next be heading to the Punakha where on our way we get the spectacular views of the mountains. We will stop over to the fertility temple known as Chimilhangkhang. As we reach Punakha, we will be visiting the Punakha Dzong. From there, we drive to Gangtey (one of the beautiful village surrounding with snowcapped peaks) where you expect to meet spot black-necked cranes. Then we drive to Punakha, and to Paro and finally, we will be hiking to the popular monastery Taktsang monastery (also termed as Tiger Nest Monastery) and this marks the completion of our tour.
This 8 days tour had been carefully designed for you to explore major sites of Bhutan. This tour can be done with your family members as it is a very easy where you will be only hiking for a short period of time. It is suitable for all the travelers and can be done in all-around season. If you have any questions or want to inquire more regarding this trek, please feel free to contact or email us.
Below we list our detailed itinerary for Arts and Archery Tour of Bhutan: