Adventure Sports in Bhutan

With its vivid landscape and mountainous roads, Bhutan is rapidly becoming one of the favourite places to try one's hand in mountain biking. Located approximately 2300 metres above sea level, one needs heart and strength to take up this task. A relatively new activity in Bhutan, many firms and start-ups in Bhutan are now aiming at providing this experience to their customers. There is no dearth of options for you to choose from, whether you're an amateur or a professional.

Archery in Bhutan continues to see the evolution through the efforts of people to master the art with their skills and techniques. The game thrives and cheers up people even though there are a few challenges faced in it. Declared as the national sport in 1971, the inclination of people towards archery in Bhutan started in the 1920s. Seeing the level of enthusiasm that Bhutanese have for this sport, it would not be wrong to say that archery is the crown jewel of the country.

Being a mountainous region, Bhutan offers a lot of opportunities for trekking. The best time to trek in Bhutan is September to October and March to May. Some treks like Punakha Winter Trek are suitable for winters also. If you are looking for a really challenging trek, then Jomolhari Trek and Snowman Trek are it for you. Punakha Winter Trek is perfect if you are looking for a fun and an effortless trekking experience.

In Bhutan, you will come across many rivers whose mighty waves will tempt you to try rafting in their waters. Paro Chhu River and Mo Chhu river are considered best for rafting. March to May and October to November are considered ideal months to take up rafting. Proper security equipment is provided for your safety. Unquestionably one of the most fun adventure sports in Bhutan, rafting enriches your travel experience and gives you an thrill.

A relatively new adventure sport in Bhutan, kayaking has already grabbed many eyeballs and attracted hundreds of adventure enthusiasts. A more challenging water sport as compared to rafting, kayaking requires more energy and a proper technique. However, amateurs can also try their hand at this marvellous sport since there are proper arrangements for first-timers as well. The best months to do this full-of-thrill activity in wavy waters are March to May and October to November.

Requiring passion and high determination, rock climbing is one of the toughest yet most adventurous sports in Bhutan. "The Nose" - a climbing rock in Thimphu is known to provide the finest rock climbing experience in Bhutan. With thirteen climbing routes of different difficulty levels, everyone can climb here, irrespective of whether they have done it before or not. The best time to do this exciting activity is from March to May and from September to November.

The second-longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, Punakha Suspension Bridge is perched over the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu (river) and is about 160-180 meters in length. It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world that connects Punakha Dzongkhag to the rest of the valley. The bridge is beautifully draped with prayer flags and makes a perfect spot for bird watching and photography.

One of the oldest activities, horse riding is considered a royal act and it goes without saying how adventurous it is. Riding on a horse's back and exploring the unspoilt villages of Bhutan is something that surely every individual visiting the country would want to try. Here, you can also learn how to ride a horse since many firms provide riding lessons to visitors at very reasonable rates.

One can not help but try fishing at least once in the glacier-fed lakes of the country. Autumn and spring seasons are considered best for fishing since fish are more easily caught during this time. Although, fish are not allowed to be cooked or even brought out of water. According to new rules, fishing has to be done on a 'catch and throw' basis. All the required equipment is provided to you, and your safety is especially looked after.