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The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide To Bhutan

Exploring Bhutan: Where To Stay, Eat & Play In The Buddhist Kingdom

Family With Food Bhutan

Looking to get off the tourist trail? The enchanting Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan offers a magical experience for families seeking adventure, culture, and connection with nature. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to Gross National Happiness, which prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its citizens over purely economic growth, Bhutan is a peaceful, safe destination where children can explore freely. With visitors strictly monitored, it delivers a refreshing antidote to more touristy areas in Asia and brings new meaning to the overly-used phrase of “off the beaten path.”

From hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a cliff near Paro to spotting takin, the national animal, at the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu, Bhutan is full of captivating sights for all ages. The country’s rich culture comes alive through masked dances, fortress-like dzongs, and welcoming locals eager to share their heritage. Families can learn traditional archery, enjoy cooking classes, or simply walk or cycle through traditional villages, taking in sights like rice paddies and authentic farmhouses.

Outdoor-loving families will appreciate Bhutan’s clean air and well-managed nature trails, including segments of the Trans Bhutan Trail (don’t worry some bits of it are kid friendly). There are accommodation options to suit every budget, from family-run guesthouses to luxury resorts with kid-friendly amenities (and amazing spas for you!).

With a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and well-being, Bhutan provides an immersive, slow-paced travel experience where families can unplug and reconnect with each other and with the world around them.

  • Temple Bhutan

    History Of Bhutan

    Back To The Roots

    Nestled between India and China, the self-proclaimed 'kingdom of happiness' is a small Himalayan kingdom with a deeply spiritual history shaped by its isolation, Buddhism, and commitment to sovereignty. Its recorded history begins around the 7th century when the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo is believed to have introduced Buddhism to the region. However, it was in the 8th century that the revered Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, played a vital role in establishing Tantric Buddhism, which remains central to Bhutanese identity.

    During the medieval period, Bhutan was a patchwork of warring valleys and clans. In the 17th century, Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama and military leader known as the Zhabdrung Rinpoche, unified the country and established a dual system of governance combining both religious and secular authority. He also built many of the iconic dzongs (fortress-monasteries) that still stand today.

    Bhutan remained largely isolated from the outside world for centuries. In the early 20th century, it signed treaties with British India and later independent India to maintain its sovereignty and limit foreign influence. In 1907, the hereditary monarchy was established with the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King).

    Under the current Wangchuck dynasty, Bhutan has undergone gradual modernization. In 2008, it transitioned peacefully into a constitutional monarchy, holding its first democratic elections. Bhutan is internationally admired for its focus on Gross National Happiness (GNH) over economic growth, emphasizing environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and well-being.

    Despite pressures from globalization, Bhutan has managed its development while holding true to its traditions and strong national identity.

  • How To Get To Bhutan

    Get Ready For An Adventure!

    Bhutan admittedly isn't the easiest Asian destination to locate, and only two airlines fly into the country, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. But as it's such a unique destination, we reckon it's worth it!

    By Air

    There are no direct flights from Hong Kong to Paro, but you can connect via cities where Bhutan’s airlines operate, including Bangkok and Delhi.

    From Bangkok to Paro

    • Druk Air: KB153, 06.00-08.15
    • Bhutan Airlines: B3701, 06.30-09.55

    From Delhi to Paro

    • Druk Air: KB201, 12:30-15:20
  • Thimpu Bhutan

    When To Travel To Bhutan

    Timely Trips

    For pleasant weather, clear mountain views, and vibrant cultural events, visit Bhutan in Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). Hikers will enjoy the mild temperatures in spring, and the proliferation of wild flowers coming into bloom. You can also catch one of Bhutan's biggest festivals, Paro Tshechu, in March or April, for masked dances and the unfurling of a huge thondrol, an embroidered silk scroll measuring more than 30m high. If you view it, it's thought to cleanse sins and bring blessings.

    With crisp, clear air and gorgeous golden landscapes, Fall arguably has the edge. However, travelers may experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from June to August, so it's best avoided.

  • How To Get Around Bhutan

    Your Tour Operator Will Arrange Everything

    Bhutan requires that most international tourists book through a licensed tour operator, which means your travel will usually include pre-arranged transportation, often in a private vehicle rather than public buses.

    Buses

    Compared to other Asian destinations, you'll likely find Bhutan's bus system pretty basic, although Bhutan Post and other operators Run between major towns such as Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phuentsholing, and Trongsa. With basic services and long travel times on windy mountain roads, buses are best avoided with younger kids.

    Taxis

    While Bhutan taxis don't have meters (agree on a fare first), drivers are usually friendly and can speak a little English. As you've likely booked through a travel agent, they will take care of your transport during your stay.

    Bikes 

    Independent travel is restricted, so for non-regional travelers, bike rental usually must be part of a guided tour arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. They're great for exploring scenic routes like the Paro Valley, Bumthang, or Thimphu to Punakha.

    Trains

    Due to the mountainous Himalayan terrain and the country's low-impact approach to tourism, Bhutan doesn't have any train services. The nearest railway station is in Hasimara, West Bengal, about 17 km from the Bhutan border at Phuentsholing. From there, you can enter Bhutan by road.

    Private Cars and Drivers

    As mentioned, Bhutan requires that nearly all international visitors travel with a licensed tour operator, so your private driver will typically be part of your pre-arranged tour package.

  • Bhutan Currency

    Money In Bhutan

    Take Cash!

    Bhutan’s unit of currency is the Ngultrum (BTN) and is pegged to the Indian rupee, which is also legal in Bhutan. INR 100 and INR50 denominations may be used in Bhutan, but Ngultrum can't be used in India.

    Bhutan does have ATMs, and while credit cards and digital payments like Alipay are increasingly accepted in major cities like Thimpu, Paro and Punakha.

    Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major hotels and tourist-friendly restaurants. Some larger shops and tour operators. Remote or smaller areas are cash-only, so make sure you carry some cash if you're going off the beaten track.

     

     

  • Prayer Wheels Bhutan

    Languages In Bhutan

    Say Hello!

    The primary language in Bhutan is Dzongkha, which is used in government, schools, and media and written in the Tibetan script. 'Hello' is kuzu zangpo la.

    Other major dialects include Sharchhopkha, which is spoken in eastern Bhutan, and the Lhotshampa dialects, such as Nepali, spoken by the southern Bhutanese of Nepali origin. In the central regions, the dialects spoken are Bumthangkha, Khengkha and Kurtöp.

    But don't worry about mastering the language too much as English is widely used as the medium of instruction in schools and common in government and business settings. Many Bhutanese, especially the younger generations and in the cities, are fluent English speakers.

  • Safety In Bhutan

    Play It Safe

    Built around Buddhist values of compassion and nonviolence, Bhutanese society is peaceful and the country is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Asia for travelers, including families. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty theft is uncommon but in crowded areas, keep an eye on your valuables just in case. If you do find yourself in need of help, the police are generally helpful and professional.

  • Traditional Village Bhutan

    Things To Do With Kids In Bhutan

    Explore Traditional Villages

    Bhutanese villages are safe, scenic, and welcoming, making them ideal for family travel. Step into a slower-paced way of life where open spaces, friendly locals, and hands-on learning await.

    We recommend Ura Village in the Bumthang Valley, where you can walk along cobbled paths and admire traditional stone houses. Take the kids to a village temple, or watch the locals spin their prayer wheels.

    Other good spots to check out include Rinchengang Village near Wangduephodrang, which is one of Bhutan’s oldest villages. With clusters of houses built closely together, it's a short walk from the main road so good for younger kids.

    If you bed down in a homestay, have a wander round the Haa valley, where the villages are less touristy and you can try your hand at activities including archery or cooking local delicacies.

  • Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)

    Bhutan's Most Iconic Attraction

    Paro Taktsang, or the Tiger's Nest Monastery, is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the Himalayas. A cluster of temples perched on a cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley, you'll find monks chanting or in silent meditation in this blissful space.

    Active families with kids aged 7 up should be able to handle the hike, which takes around two or three hours' up and less than two hours on the way down. Surrounded by forest, the well-maintained path is lined with prayer flags and stunning views. Set off early to avoid the heat and crowds.

    Paro Taktsang, www.parotaktsang.org

    Pic: Jana Harleem / Unsplash

  • Punakha Dzong

    Marvelous Monastery

    The Winter residence of the Central Monk Body and a major site for royal and religious ceremonies, this is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically important fortress monasteries. Known as the Palace of Great Happiness, it was founded in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan.

    Standing at an altitude of 1,200m, this massive structure features whitewashed walls, red-topped roofs, and intricate wood carvings and gorgeous golden spires. Kids will love walking across the long bridge, exploring the vast courtyards, and seeing the colorful monks’ robes.

    Punakha Dzong, www.punakha.gov.bt/dz/tourism/spu-n-kh-rdzong

    Photo credit: suketdedhia / Pixabay

  • Bhutan Festivals

    Bhutan Festivals

    A Blaze Of Colour

    Characterized by its masked dances (Cham dances), Bhutan is renowned for its vibrant, spiritual, and colorful festivals, most of which are rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. These festivals, known as "Tsechus", are not only religious but also serve as important social and cultural events for Bhutanese communities. These visually stunning events offer a window into Bhutanese culture.

    Look out for the Paro Tsechu (March/April), one of Bhutan’s largest and most popular festivals, which is held in the stunning Paro Dzong. Also worth a look are the sacred dances at Thimphu Tsechu in September/October at the Tashichho Dzong in the capital city. Another Fall festival is the Jambay Lhakhang Drup (October/November), which is famous for the fire dance, or mewang, where locals jump through fire.

    Pic: Nithil Dennis/Unsplash

  • Trans Bhutan Trail

    Explore A Section Of This Ancient Road

    Revived and reopened in 2022 after decades of disuse, it now offers one of Asia’s most sustainable and culturally immersive long-distance treks. Originally used by monks, messengers, traders, and kings, the trail is more than just a hiking route — it’s a living thread through Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

    You can trek through the sacred valley of Bumthang, vsit ancient monasteries, gaze up at hanging bridges and set foot on centuries-old stone steps. Families and casual walkers can explore shorter segments such as Paro to Thimphu or Trongsa to Bumthang.

    Pic: Excel Diaz/Unsplash

  • Biking Thimpu Bhutan

    Go Biking With The Fam

    Explore On Two Wheels

    Bking in Bhutan offers a rare and exhilarating way to experience one of the world’s most untouched and culturally rich destinations. With its dramatic Himalayan landscapes and lack of tourist traffic (plus no billboards!), it's a dream for cyclists seeking serenity.

    From rice paddies to yak-dotted hillsides, the ever-changing terrain keeps young minds curious. Families or casual riders can enjoy flat stretches in the Punakha Valley or Thimphu’s outskirts for gentler experiences. Visit Punakha Dzong to cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, or cycle round Thimpu Valley along forested trails, and visit the Buddha Dordenma statue.

  • Painting Choki Arts Bhutan

    Get Cultural With Choki Traditional Art School

    Join An Arty 3-Hour Program

    Travelers to Bhutan can now take part in a guided journey into the country’s sacred art, ancient rituals, and living heritage with Choki Traditional Art School, which is housed inside a 17th-century building blessed by saints and rarely open to the public.

    Located just north of the capital of Bhutan, in the  mountain valley of Kabesi, this curated three-hour program blends immersive storytelling with hands-on workshops led by young artisans, a spiritual blessing ceremony, and rare behind-the-scenes access to master weavers, woodcarvers, painters, and sculptors at work. Plus you'll leave with your own hand-painted creation.

    Choki Traditional Arts School, https://chokischool.org

  • Black Necked Crane Bhutan

    Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre

    Great Conservation Effort

    Kids can learn about crane migration, biology, and conservation, use telescopes to spot cranes in the valley, and check out interactive exhibits and short films at this top attraction. Based in Kawajangsa, around three to four hours north of Thimpu, there are more than 700 black-necked cranes in residence here, so there's a good chance you'll see plenty, and there are around 20-30 white-bellied herons, too.

    Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre, https://rspnbhutan.org

  • Takin Bhutan National Animal

    Motithang Takin Preserve

    Meet Bhutan's National Animal!

    Located 15-20 minutes' drive from central Thimphu, this preserve is dedicated to the takin, Bhutan's national animal, a goat/antelope native to the Eastern Himalayas. Spanning approximately eight acres of forested land, the reserve is home to other species native to the region, including the ever-present yak.

    Get there early if you can, as takins are more active and often come closer to the viewing areas during feeding times.

    Motithang Takin Preserve, https://northbengaltourism.com/motithang-takin-preserve

  • Bhutan Buddha Statue

    Buddha Dordenma

    Loads of Smaller Buddhas Too!

    This massive golden Buddha statue standing 54m tall in the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park overlooks the city of Thimpu. It houses 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, made from bronze and gilded in gold, while the statue's base contains a meditation hall.

    Don't worry about it taking too long – a short visit will suffice for you to get your photos, plus there's with lots of space for kids to roam and enjoy views.

    Pic: Deanne Scanlan/Unsplash

  • Bhutan Postal Museum

    Bhutan Postal Museum

    A Perfect Rainy Day Activity!

    A unique souvenir and quick indoor activity for rainy days in Thimpu, you'll learn all about Bhutan’s quirky postal history and create personalized stamps with your family photo as you learn about the evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan.

    You and the kids can explore how Bhutanese messengers once traversed mountains on foot, delivering letters using knotted cloth bags and oral messages, before roads and phones were introduced. Exhibits showcase traditional mail delivery systems and personal stories from former mail runners, as pictured above.

    Bhutan Postal Museum, www.bhutanpostalmuseum.bt

  • Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Yangzhou The Ultimate Guide To Yangzhou For Families Little Steps Asia

    Bhutan Mushroom Tours

    Discover Himalayan Funghi!

    Bhutan’s pristine forests and high-altitude coniferous landscapes are home to more than 400 mushroom species, including edible, medicinal, and rare varieties. Among them is the globally prized Tricholoma Matsutake (locally called Sangay Shamu), while other highlights include chanterelles, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms used in traditional cuisine, as well as the medicinal ophiocordyceps sinensis, or caterpillar fungus, a parasitic species that thrives on Himalayan moth larvae, revered as a rare local delicacy.

    The Bhutan Mushroom Tour invites travelers into the country's pristine forests to learn traditional foraging techniques from local villagers, identify mushrooms with expert mycologist Sabrita, and visit the National Mushroom Centre to understand the country's conservation efforts.

    Bhutan Mushroom Tours, https://bhutanmushroomtours.com/home

  • Bhutan Hotels Bhutan

    Where To Stay In Bhutan

    Time For Bed…

    From clean, simple guesthouses and family-run stays to luxe brands like COMO, Aman, and Six Senses, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Bhutan.

    At the budget end, you can expect basic amenities like hot water (and very spotty Wi-Fi!), but, more importantly, you'll get an insight into local life and cuisine. At the Namgay Homestay in Paro, for instance, you'll experience warm hospitality and farm-to-table meals.

    Mid-range options usually feature en-suite bathrooms, reliable electricity, and hot water, and often feature traditional architecture and decor. Eco lodges like Wangdue focus on nature immersion, while others offer stylish rooms, like Hotel Osel in Thimphu.

    If you're seeking high-end spa and wellness treatments and personalized experiences such as private blessings and cooking classes, try Six Senses or the Amankora lodges, while there are good yoga options to be had at COMO Uma Paro & Punakha.

  • &Beyond Punakha River Lodge Bhutan

    Upscale Option

    Situated in the ancient capital city of Punakha on the banks of the Mo Chu River, all-inclusive accommodation & Beyond Punakha River Lodge offers six tented suites, a one-bed suite and a two-bed suite enveloped by paddy fields. Here, you can take a dip in the heated rim-flow pool, hike 45 minutes along the river to nearby Khamsum Yuelley Nangyal Chorten, visit the ancient fortress of Punakha Dzong and chill out in the spa and yoga studio with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.

    Traditional Bhutanese cooking classes are available at the interactive kitchen, but you might just prefer to enjoy a sundowner on the nearby suspension bridge coloured by prayer flags.

    & Beyond Punakha River Lodge, andbeyond.com

  • Lobby Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel Bhutan

    Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel Bhutan

    Luxurious Retreat

    Nestled in the valley of Paro near Bhutan’s international airport, boutique bolthole Zhiwaling Heritage offers 45 rooms, including the two-bedroom Royal Raven suite, which features a separate dining room and even has its own shrine. Embrace local tradition - and have some fun with the kids – making butter tea using a wooden churner at the Tea House, and watch them gaze in wonder at the hotel’s archery and dart demonstration.

    At the in-house temple and Samden Meditation House, you can enjoy some quiet contemplation before a treatment at Menla Spa, which finishes with a Himalayan singing bowl session. Want to to explore? Sights nearby include Rinpung Dzong, an ornate Buddhist fortress with shrines, chapels and wall paintings.

    Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel Bhutan, zhiwalingheritage.com

  • Pemako Punakha

    Hello, Tented Pool Villas!

    Set among 60 acres of pristine forest with a riverside, the kids will love the unique proposition at Pemako Punakha, where a night in one of 21 tented pool villas will feel like a very fancy camping trip. Families can have fun doing activities like hiking nearby trails, having picnics in the garden, or just relaxing by the pool. Some villas feature heated pools so you can have a dip even if you're visiting in cooler months.

    The hotel also has a spa where parents can unwind, and kids can join in with adult supervision. Foodies will love The Chef’s Table, which showcases Himalayan flavours made from top notch produce from local farmers.

    Pemako Punakha, www.pemakohotels.com/punakha

  • Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Bhutan

    Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

    All-Inclusive Wellness Retreat

    Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is the first and only five-star wellness-inclusive luxury resort in Bhutan. Every stay includes all meals, with a four-course set lunch and a six-course set dinner, alongside an à la carte breakfast. Rates offer access to Traditional Bhutanese Medicine Doctors, one wellness treatment per paid night, and complimentary use of all wellness services and facilities.

    Yoga classes, meditation sessions, and a curated selection of in-house activities further enhance your stay, promising an experience that nourishes mind, body and spirit.

    Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, https://bhutanspiritsanctuary.com

  • Six Senses Gangtey

    Best For Birdwatching

    Perched on the western slopes of the Black Mountains at an elevation of approximately 3,000m, Six Senses Gangtey is situated in the stunning Phobjikha Valley, which is renowned as the Winter habitat of the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet between October and March.

    The lodge features eight suites and one two-bedroom villa, each with private outdoor balconies equipped with daybeds and binoculars for birdwatching.

    Six Senses Gangtey, www.sixsenses.com

    Other Six Senses options in Bhutan include Six Senses Paro, Six Senses Punakha and Six Senses Bumthang

  • Como Uma Punakha

    Uma By Como Punakha

    Amazing Wellness Facilities

    Located in Bhutan's serene Punakha Valley, this intimate luxury lodge offers guests contemporary comfort coupled with Bhutanese charm. Perched above the Mo Chhu River, the resort provides panoramic views of terraced rice fields and orchards. Take a gentle white water rafting trip to get up close to all the amazing scenery if you dare.

    The lodge features 11 rooms, including nine hillside rooms and two free-standing villas, but it's the wellness facilities at the COMO Shambhala Retreat that are the real draw here, with a range of holistic wellness treatments, including massages, facials, and traditional Bhutanese therapies from a tranquil woodland glade. Take a family-friendly hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a temple built to promote peace and harmony.

    Uma By Como Punakha, www.comohotels.com/bhutan/como-uma-punakha

  • Chodens Homestay Bhutan

    Choden's Homestay

    Connect With Locals

    Located in Dumcho Valley in Haa in the west of Bhutan bordering Sikkim, Choden's Homestay offers visitors a cozy, authentic experience in a former farmhouse where you can immerse yourself in the way of traditional Bhutanese life in one of the least-visited areas of the country.

    Opt for this homestay and you'll get the chance to feel the warmth and hospitality of Choden’s family and see how local Bhutanese people really live. The wooded hills of Haa provide an ideal location for hiking and mountain biking. Cycling round the valley to get to the local temples is an enjoyable way to spend the day.

    Choden's Homestay, https://cbtbhutan.com/home-stay/choden-homestay

  • Chencho Dema Homestay

    Savor Home-Cooked Meals

    The Chencho Dema Homestay in Paro offers an authentic Bhutanese experience. The architecture reflects the craftsmanship of a bygone era, with intricate woodwork and a warm, rustic ambiance. Guests can experience local customs, savor home-cooked meals made from organic ingredients, and participate in daily village life.

    Whether it’s storytelling by the fire, guided walks through the scenic village, or simply the warmth of your guests' hospitality, the whole family are sure to remember this experience.

    Chencho Dema Homestay, https://services.bhutan.travel/search/homestay/chencho-dema-homestay

  • Tigers Nest Resort Bhutan

    Tiger's Nest Resort, Paro

    Close To Bhutan's Top Attraction

    Perched on the edge of Paro Valley, Tiger’s Nest Resort offers a unique vantage point to witness Bhutan's iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The 36-room boutique hotel features suites designed with intricate wood carvings, oak floors and slate roofs, and you can head over to the spa for a hot stone bath or deep tissue massage. The kids will enjoy a stroll around nearby Paro town, where you can pick up locally-made souvenirs like woven textiles, incense, and prayer flags.

    Meat eaters, look away: the resort is exclusively vegetarian, and offers Bhutanese, Indian, and Chinese cuisine depending on your preference.

    Tiger's Nest Resort, Paro, https://tigersnestresort.com

  • Naksel Hotel Bhutan

    Naksel Urban Hotel & Spa

    Lofty Views

    A serene retreat located in the tranquil Ngoba village around 30 minutes from Paro International Airport. this boutique hotel offers breathtaking views of Mount Jumolhari from its lofty 2,700m spot. Many rooms offer private balconies or decks, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

    The Menchu Himalayan Herbal Spa provides a range of treatments that combine traditional Bhutanese healing practices with Himalayan herbs. After a long day sightseeing, treat yourself to a hot stone bath, massage, or a steam. Ahhh!

    Naksel Urban Hotel & Spa, www.naksel.com

  • City Hotel Thimpu Bhutan

    City Hotel Thimphu

    Stay In The Middle Of The City

    A solid mid-range option, City Hotel Thimpu is a centrally located three-star hotel in Bhutan's capital. Situated at the Chang Lam-Dungkar Lam Junction, the hotel provides easy access to Thimphu's main attractions, shopping areas, and restaurants.

    The hotel features 32 rooms, including 27 Deluxe Rooms, 3 Superior Deluxe Rooms with balconies, and 2 Service Apartments equipped with living rooms and kitchenettes. Amenities include a spa, fitness center, and a lovely garden and terrace where you can unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

    City Hotel Thimpu, www.cityhotelthimphu.com

  • Bhutan cuisine

    Where To Eat In Bhutan

    Sample Local Delicacies Including Bhutan's Unique Take On Momos!

    Emphasizing spice, simplicity, and seasonality and often centered around chilies and cheese, Bhutanese cuisine offering a bold, warming, and flavorful culinary experience shaped by the Himalayas.

    Meals are typically simple and home-cooked and the national dish, Ema Datshi, a fiery stew of chilies and cheese, is often served with rice. While meat is widely available (one famous dish is Phaksha Paa, sliced pork cooked with chilies and radishes), many Bhutanese are Buddhists and  follow vegetarian diets, especially during religious periods.

    The food is often quite spicy, even compared to neighbouring countries like India, and guests are encouraged to taste small portions first to see if they can handle the heat. Watch out for the kids, even the older ones! Have a glass of milk or lassi at the ready. While in the Himalayas, you have to try butter tea: in Bhutan, it's called Suja, and is made by mixing strong black tea with salty yak butter and a pinch of salt.

    Here are 10 places worth checking out and chowing down at…

    Babesa Village Restaurant, Thimphu

    Set in a 400-year-old traditional building, Babesa offers an immersive dining experience with ishes served in wooden bowls: try the Shakam Paa, a flavorful beef jerky dish cooked with radish and chili, or the Sikam Paa, a dried pork dish with vegetables. www.facebook.com/p/Babesa-village-Restaurant

    Chig-ja-gye at Taj Tashi, Thimphu

    Located within the luxurious Taj Tashi hotel, Chig-ja-gye specializes in putting a contemporary twist on Bhutanese dishes including Jasha Maru, spicy chicken stew cooked with fresh herbs and spices and buckwheat dumplings filled with shredded beef. One for a posh night out. www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-tashi-bhutan

    Zhiwa Ling Ascent Restaurant, Paro

    Situated on a hilltop within a boutique hotel, this restaurant provides breathtaking views alongside a menu that fuses Bhutanese, Indian, and international cuisines, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients often sourced from the hotel's organic garden. www.zhiwalingascent.com

    The Zone, Thimphu

    A lively spot popular among locals and expats, The Zone offers a diverse menu ranging from Bhutanese to international cuisine soundtracked by live music. Try a Yak burger or some pork ribs with Bhutanese chili and cheese dish Ema Datshi. www.zonebhutan.com

    Bukhari at COMO Uma Paro

    Push the boat out at Bukhari at COMO Uma Paro, an award-winning restaurant that offers a fine dining experience Bhutanese menu made from organic local ingredients: try the braised pork curry with Asian greens and spring onion with some steamed red rice. www.comohotels.com/bhutan/como-uma-paro/dining/bukhari

    Lobesa Village Restaurant, Punakha

    Offering stunning views of the Punakha Valley, Lobesa serves a mix of Bhutanese and continental dishes in a serene setting: go for a buffet meal and you can sample lots of different Bhutanese delicacies. www.facebook.com/p/Hotel-Lobesa-Punakha

    The Bhutan Kitchen, Thimphu

    Located near the clock tower, this restaurant is renowned for its authentic Bhutanese cuisine and traditional seating arrangements. https://preview.mybhutan.com/explorer/restaurants/bhutan-kitchen

    Zombala 2 Restaurant, Thimphu

    Known for its authentic Bhutanese dishes at affordable prices, Zombala 2 is a go-to for traditional meals like Ema Datshi and momos, the beloved Himalayan dumpling usually served with cheese and chili, or beef, pork or yak meat. www.heavenlybhutan.com/zombala-2-restaurant

    My Kind of Place, Paro

    Located in the bustling market of Paro, this charming restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options, in a cozy environment. Try the Khuley with Ema Datshi, a traditional Bhutanese pancake served with the national chili cheese stew, or a Bhutanese thali. www.facebook.com/p/My-Kind-of-Place-100066583046995

    Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, Thimphu

    Located within the Folk Heritage Museum, this restaurant provides an immersive experience with traditional Bhutanese cuisine served in a rustic setting. Buffet menu available if you're keen to sample a range of Bhutanese dishes. https://folkheritagemuseum.org.bt/restaurant

    Sonam Trophel Restaurant, Paro

    Feeling hungry? This restaurant serves generous portions of Bhutanese cuisine in a simple setting and is a favorite with budget-conscious travelers; the set lunch offers seven different dishes. https://www.sonamtrophel.com

     

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