Things to do in Bhutan in November

Apart from visits to the breath-taking hill stations and pristine monasteries, enjoying delicious cuisine, seeing the historical monuments and captivating cultural art forms and indulging in adventurous activities, the things to do in Bhutan in November are many. This winter month gives you an authentic experience of this wonderful kingdom.

Bhutan has been the top choice when hunting for the right destinations to spend a holiday with utmost peace and tranquillity. Moreover, winter adds its very own charm that lures many to this mystic land. There is a plethora of wildlife to see in Bhutan in November and it houses serene and untouched natural settings. A perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation can be achieved here.

Explore the unexplored jewels of exquisiteness that adorn this scenic land by ticking off all these must-do things in Bhutan in November.

Suggested Read: Things To Do in Bhutan , How To Reach Bhutan & Best Time To Visit Bhutan

Planning to visit Bhutan, here are the best Bhutan tour packages that can be customized according to your requirements.

Best adventurous things to do in Bhutan in November

Sign up for white water rafting

River rafting has emerged as one of the most popular adventure sports to do in November in Bhutan. It is popularly done in the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers where you get to tame the rapids while gulping down a 15 kms long stream. These rivers are calm in the winters as compared to monsoon months and fit for adventure activities. Offering magnetising views of the surrounding greenery and snow-capped mountains, rafting makes for one unforgettable experience.

Catch the views of Gangkhar Puensum

This is something only that person can appreciate who is an adventurer at heart. Gangkhar Puensum is the world’s highest unclimbed mountain peak. Many attempted to climb and make it to the summit, but no one has been able to do so. It is said to be the place where the Yeti appeared and Bhutanese think that it is the home to their gods and spirits and hence, the superpowers keeps everyone away. You can catch views of these peaks from the many viewpoints and is a must to do thing in Bhutan in November.

Opt for paragliding

Bhutan’s pristine hills and mountains have more to them than just a place for prayer flags. Paragliding is a recreational flying sports activity to do in Bhutan in winters where you can hang on a harness that is suspended below a fabric wing. It is frequently operated in the appealing valley of Phobjika, Ura and Bumthang. The risks of accidents are low as it supervised by alpine flying licensed and experienced pilots. It offers a unique perspective when you fly above snow-capped mountains, high altitude lakes and the plethora of flora and fauna.

Spend a night at a camp

The mountainous valleys of the Bhutanese Himalayas are very inviting. Spending a night camping in these regions or its forestlands is a must perform activity in Bhutan in November. It gives you a peek into the amazing flora and fauna and brings you closer to nature. Lose yourself amidst nature as you spend nights getting cosy with a bonfire and self-cooked food over fire. Some of the camps also have basic trekking and hiking and also fishing activities planned for adding to the enthusiasm while camping.

Go Kayaking

When you are looking for adventure activities to do in Bhutan in November, you will love to indulge in kayaking through the various rivers of Bhutan. It is rapidly gaining in popularity and sees participation from travellers across the globe. Immerse yourself in the wilderness of the kingdom and row through its crystal clear tranquil waters on your kayak. The rivers are plentiful with varying currents and there are many easy routes for beginners as well.

Things you must do in Bhutan in November to enjoy nature

Enjoy snow mountain peaks of Bhutan from Dochula Pass

The Dochula pass is a perfect example of turning a dark time and violent history into something inspiring and beautiful. 108 Bhutanese soldiers died defending the country in the 2003 war and to commemorate them, 108 chortens were built here. Apart from holding significant historical importance, it is also a popular tourist attraction. A visit here is a must-do thing in Bhutanduring winters to admire the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan mountain ranges. This lush green hillside reflects greatly on Bhutanese culture as well.

Celebrate Bhutan’s winter festivals with the locals

Winter in Bhutan is the time for many colourful festivals. Monggar Tshechu, Trashigang Tshechu, Trongsa Tshechu and many more such festivals light up the whole kingdom in November. It is that time of the year for families and friends to come together and for you to spend some amazing time with the localities. Do not miss out on unfurling of a large thangka or scroll which is a religious practice performed on festival days. There are energetic dance programmes and mask dances performed as well.

Appreciate the beauty of holy Tibetan lakes

The lakes of Bhutan comprise of its natural mountain lakes and the glacial lakes. This is enough to state that they are extremely photogenic locations and also hold religious significance. People worship the water bodies formed amidst the majestic mountains and consider them sacred. Bhutan’s highest lake is the Tseringma Lhatso, which translates to “Spirit Lake” and there are a couple of temples as well to protect the people and their faith from evil demons.

Visit the scenic Samtse district

This spot can most certainly add a lot of spark to your trip. One of the most offbeat things to do in Bhutan is to make a visit to its least populated regions. This picturesque town has affiliations to many interesting cultures and ethnicities that will trigger the imaginative side in you. Tucked in the most southern corner of the kingdom, you can have all the time and space to yourself when you plan to spend a weekend here.

Get a closer look at the rare black-necked cranes

The absolute must-do thing in Bhutan in winters is to spot as many black-necked cranes as you possibly can. This is the only time they flock in the country and are endangered as they are last to be found amongst the sixteen known species of cranes. There is also an annual festival celebrated around this time to generate understanding and awareness on the importance of conserving the cranes. Be a part of the cultural programs such as dances, folk songs and conservation-themed dramas on your visit to Bhutan.

Things to do in Bhutan in November for a cultural and religious experience

Visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Standing regally atop the hill in the Punakha valley, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a classic example of the fine architecture and gorgeous traditions of Asian countries. Unlike other chortens, this is not built for community worship and is built to drive off the negative forces and keep the people of the kingdom safe and happy. There is big prayer wheel and you can enjoy views of a lovely Bodhi tree and well-tended gardens.

Spend a day with the locals

Spend the happiest days of your life with those who contribute to the concept of Gross Happiness Index in Bhutan. Spending a day with locals is the best thing to do when you visit Bhutan. Bhutanese hospitality is incredible and is also a great way to experience the country. You can visit the many villages and meet with the locals or also opt for homestay accommodation. Enjoy a cup of tea and indulge in honest conversations with them about Bhutanese culture, development and politics.

Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum

Set within the 3 storey traditional Bhutanese house, the National Folk Heritage Museum gives you a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of the people of Bhutan. It houses an impressive collection of daily tools and equipment, artefacts from rural households and recaptures the rural setting with wheat and millet fields. Moreover, its offers the visitors a taste of traditional cuisine as well.

See the ruins at the Drukgyel Dzong

This Buddhist monastery and dzong is used to house one of the biggest granaries amongst all the other dzongs in the nation. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Bhutan and to see its ruins is a must do thing in Bhutan in November. The weather is great with cold winds blowing and will not tire you out as you walk through the remains of this fortress.

Shop for unique Bhutanese artefacts from Bhutan’s marketplaces

If you are interested in high-quality handicrafts and handlooms, then visiting and shopping from the marketplaces in Bhutan is a must. The fabrics are weaved so intricately that they come across as fine prints with various patterns. In addition to that, you can also shop for carpets, bamboo basket musical horns, religious items and brass bowls.

We have summarised the numerous things to do in Bhutan in November, which is evidence that there is more than just monasteries and natural beauty in this country. So, if you need a getaway with friends or family, and that too in unprecedented luxury, this mesmerising country has all the components for a perfect holiday recipe.