Things to do in Bhutan in October

Knowing of all the things to do in Bhutan in October is your opportunity to discover the splendid nature, rich cultural heritage and unusual adventures sheltered in this paradise-resembling kingdom. It maintains its decades-old reputation of being rich in culture and ethnicity and is a hotspot for nature preservation.

Winters in Bhutan bring in an additional charm with cool and calm weather. You can spend hours walking and exploring and the fresh cold winds will keep you energetic and going. It lures thousands from all across the globe through unlimited attractions and activities.

Lofty mountain peaks, endless shopping sprees, meadow-covered landscapes and irresistible Bhutanese platters offer many off the beaten opportunities to explore in this land. So, browse through this complete list of things to do in Bhutan in winter before you pack your bags and head out.

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 October

Go hiking in the Jigme Dorji National Park

Imagine hiking in the largest protected area in Bhutan. Doesn’t it sound like the best thing to do in Bhutan in October? Most of the country’s most popular trekking routes cross through the Jigme Dorji National Park. It is biologically very rich and you will be able to see the sacred peaks such as Tsherimgang, Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey. The alpine region is also rich in flora and fauna and you will easily spot numerous flowers such as edelweiss, orchids, rhododendrons and the national flower blue poppy among many others.

Trek in the Thrumshingla National Park

Trekking in this sprawling natural reserve is a must-do thing in Bhutan in October. Winters provide for favourable climatic conditions and you will come across six hundred species of plants as you traverse through the Thrumshingla National Park. Trekking in Bhutan opens up gates to a unique forest ecosystem, which makes this thrilling activity all the more interesting for many travellers. Many routes also take you through sleepy hamlets and ancient temples and monasteries.

Climb uphill to The Tiger Nest

Legends say that this is where Guru Padmasambava meditated when he brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It is called the Tiger’s nest since he arrived on a tiger. It requires a two hour climb from the valley floor to reach further 3000 feet above. There is a steep trail with dense trees around. October makes the surrounding misty and more picturesque. Going slow is recommended and you must take your time to avoid any mishaps.

Register for the Nabji Korphu Trek

The trek goes through broadleaf forests and terraced farmlands with an impressive array of flora and fauna. The best time to get on this trek is in winter where you can enjoy the natural beauty and biodiversity of Bhutan in a pleasant and cool climate. Nabji is an idyllic village that is surrounded by verdant paddy fields. The rare species observable along the route include the Red Pandas, Golden Langur, Himalayan Black Bears, Rufous-necked Hornbills, Rhesus Monkeys and Clouded Leopards.

Hop on a safari in the Royal Manas National Park

The most appropriate time to visit this national park is during the winter months. It is the oldest of its kind in the country and a tropical jeep safari will make your tour memorable. An elephant back ride through the grasslands is an incredible experience. Such safaris where you can catch the alluring one-horned rhinoceros and Golden Langurs in action is truly an offbeat activity to do in Bhutan in October.

Things you must do in Bhutan in October to enjoy nature

Go for the Hot Spring therapy

Hot water springs are natural features that are brought up to the earth’s surface by geothermal forces. They contain dissolved minerals and chemicals that prove to be beneficial to the human body as they possess great medicinal values. Moreover, n a chilly weather of October, taking a dip in the hot springs seems to be the best thing to do in Bhutan in winters. feel the warmth of the water which is a real delight and comforting.

Spend time in Phuentsholing

What is said to be the most photographed place in Bhutan, Phuentsholing is where you can catch a glimpse of the culture and diversity of Bhutanese, Indian and Nepalese traditions. There are a lot of things to see and do in Bhutan in October and Phuenstsholing has most to offer to its visitors. It remains thickly populated with tourists owing to the beautiful landscapes, manicured gardens, ancient temples and modern lifestyle.

Explore The Cheli La Pass

Every mountainous country is linked with a series of passes and Bhutan is also replete with beautiful high motorable roads. The highest and the most amazing pass in the country is the Cheli La Pass. It connects the valleys of Paro and Haa and is popular for a short day excursion. You will come across various sights such as scenic waterfalls, frozen rivers, rhododendron forestlands and several yaks grazing peacefully. Moreover, catch views of Bhutan’s most sacred peak- Mt. Jumolhari from here and mesmerising views of Paro and Haa valleys.

Visit the Garden of Phallus

Bhutanese people consider phallus as a symbol of luck and fertility. Moreover, it promotes harmony and also wards off evil spirits. To visit this garden of phallus is among the unusual things to do in Bhutan and you will find a garden rather unique in its flora. This garden is set in Simply Bhutan, which is a living museum and photography studio built to represent a Bhutanese village and the villager’s way of life.

Take a day trip to Mongar

The fastest growing district in the east of Bhutan, Mongar is a pleasant countryside replete with stunning natural settings. It is known for producing lemongrass and essential oils. Gushing waterfalls and steep cliffs dot the place and you will also come across some architectural masterpieces in Mongar. Its Dzong is built in a way where no nails are used in its construction. It also houses a monastery that houses a wide range of sacred objects and other spiritual treasures.

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

Visit the Gangtey Monastery

A climb through dense forests takes you to one of the most stunning spots in Bhutan. Gangtey Monastery is the winter home to black-necked cranes and is an extremely rare experience to have in Bhutan in October. It has an observation room that is equipped with a high power telescope for catching the best views of these species. Mainly 140 Gomchens and their families who take care of the complex inhabit the monastery. There are many shops around here too that sell handicrafts produced by the local people.

Go on a photo-walk

Resting in the lap of the enormous Himalayan ranges, a must-do thing in Bhutan in October is to go on a photo walk and capture its many offerings with your camera lens. The breath-taking vistas make for a perfect setting and will have you go clicking. Keep extra batteries with you because you are sure to delve into the natural beauty and would want to capture every corner of Bhutan’s towns.

Pray at the Punakha Dzong

Dzongs are an integral part of the culture of Bhutan. Accessible through a suspension bridge that hangs over the crystal blue river water, the Punakha Dzong is an architectural masterpiece. It translates to the ‘palace of great happiness or bliss’ and immense natural beauty surrounds it. It is the most frequented tourist destination owing to the fact that it lies on the convergence of two rivers. A visit to this second oldest and biggest dzong is a must to do thing in Bhutan in October.

Visit the Tango and Cheri Monasteries

A visit to these monasteries come at the top of the list of things to do in Bhutan in winter if you are looking for spending a day in complete spirituality. It is set on two adjoining hills with river Thimphu Chu flowing beneath. A small hike through riverside and forestlands takes you uphill to the monasteries and you will be welcomed by the sight of beautiful white structures. The complexes are vibrant with prayer flags and the atmosphere is extremely calm and peaceful with cold winds blowing.

Take a culinary tour and explore the land’s cuisine

Exploring food is one thing you must not miss out on your trip to Bhutan. The Bhutanese are in love with the variety of spices and that reflects boldly in their preparations. There is a great choice of meat-based dishes as well as pure vegetarian options. Dishes made from dried Bhutanese beef is very popular and also a local choice. Many other dishes use potatoes and cheese on a large scale. Many of the curries and vegetables are accompanied with a generous amount of red, brown or white rice.

No matter what you choose, whether recreational, nature loving or adventure activities to do in Bhutan in October, it will have you wanting for more. You will always return back as a loyal patron of this paradise on the earth.