Popular Activities in Bhutan

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Da or arrow is literally defined as that which is aimed and directed towards a spot visualized by the mind and seen by the eye. Arrow’s shot after offering prayers toward a target unseen by the eyes are referred to as Yesheypai Da or the Divine Arrow.

Declared as the national sport in 1971, the inclination of people towards archery in Bhutan started in the 1920s, under the leadership of Jigme Wangchuk, the second king of the country. However, archery has been practised in the country since long before then. It was used as a major weapon against Tibetan and British invaders in the 1864 battle. Not just this, bows and arrows can be seen even in the historical paintings and wall carvings, demonstrating the importance of this sport in the lives and history of Bhutan.

In the times of wars and invasions, this was the major source of defence for the army. In fact, when Tibetan King Langdarma started taking Buddhism as a joke in the 10th century, he was very smartly assassinated by an arrow, targeted straight from a bow, in the middle of a Black Hat Dance by Lhalung Pelgi Dorji, a Buddhist monk. So, it would be safe to say that the roots of archery are grounded deep beneath the grounds of Bhutan.

A traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath uses rocks taken from the river that are heated till red hot and then placed in the bath water. The rocks then crack and steam, releasing key minerals into the water which alleviate aches and pains and are said to have broader medicinal properties.

The hot stone bath is a ritual in itself and traditionally these baths were taken close to rivers from where the best stones could be sourced. These days the practice is offered countrywide and you can opt for a luxurious version, like the one at the Gangtey Lodge (see picture above), or go for a more earthy version in a local farmhouse where the bath is laid on by your hosts. Either way it makes for a very relaxing and restorative experience, especially if you have been doing some trekking.

Unique Bhutan offers a wide range of authentic Bhutanese Farmhouses for your visit Bhutan.

Some of the farm activities that you can see in Bhutan are milking cows, growing organic vegetables, cash crops like Bhutanese apples, oranges, cardamom, etc. Some farmers are also into red rice growing, Bhutanese chilies and homes made out of ramp mud, greeted by phallus painting on the big walls.

Some of the farmhouses are not listed here however if you wish to follow offbeat itinerary and enjoy the best of Bhutan, Heavenly Bhutan is the right company to contact for booking the tours.

A Bhutanese wedding is much more than a simple exchange of vows and rings. It includes a number of religious rites performed by Buddhist monks and lamas. This represents the importance of the bond between a husband and wife.

For our Guests, we arrange special Marriages and Wedding Ceremonies strictly as per the Bhutanese Traditions. If you wish to marry in Bhutan,we will do all the best in making your marriage a very Special one. Do contact us and let us know about your request and information on whether, the ceremony will be a “Private One” with just the Bride and Groom, or will there be others partaking in this joyous occasion, this will help us arrange your Marriage Ceremony perfectly.

For the Marriage Ceremonies do note the followings:

1. Inform us at least 2 months in advance, as in Bhutan, marriage ceremonies are performed on auspicious days as per the Bhutanese calendar.

2. The below is the sequence of how a Marriage ceremony will be performed in Bhutan as per our tradition and culture:

A Bhutanese Marriage and Wedding ceremony is a sacred tie between a man and a woman or same sex mates and God is witness to it, that’s why we always have a lot of prayer ceremony to make this life’s bond of happiness together, as sacred and binding in the presence of spiritual beings.

The cultural show in Bhutan are performed during special occasion, events and religious feast. The cultural show for our guests is performed into three parts by group of experienced dancers and singers.

Folk Dances & Singing:
Few of the dance items for the cultural show like welcome dance, concluding dance and other folk dances are performed in full colorful traditional Bhutanese costumes. If you wish, you get to involve with them to dance at the last of the program.

Religious Chams:
Couple of religious chams or mask dances is performed in traditional costumes, which is same as mask dances performed during religious festivals in Bhutan. You get better opportunity to photograph the dancers.

Nomadic Performance:
The nomadic people living in various parts of Bhutan have special costume, tradition and sports. In order to promote their best practiced culture and tradition, our cultural group includes nomadic dances as well.

Sample of items performed during cultural shows are given below, the item may not be same but the concept of the show will be same. Therefore the list given below is for your reference only.

1. Joenpa Legso (welcome dance): Welcome dance is performed during any special occasion to welcome the guest and believed to bring the good luck in gathering.
2. Shazam Cham (dance of deers): This is popular mask dance which is usually performed as opening dance during the religious festival in Bhutan. This dance signifies the four stages of the human world.
3. Flute dance (Instrumental dance): This dance is performs by the female dancers each carrying a flute.
4. Nga Ging cham (Dance of Gings): Gings are spiritual beings whose dances were revealed in a vision to the great saint call Pema Lingpa. The dancer carries drum and called Nga Ging cham.
5. Karmala Lingi (Bumthap dance): This dance was first performed in Bumthang at the large gather to bring good luck to the people at the presence of Guru Rimpoche, when he first visited Bhutan.
6. Sa Dida Sa Ngo (The dance of victory): This is performed to remember great master Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who came to Bhutan in 1616. This is a victory song.
7. Sakten Dance (The dance of Nomadic people): This is performed by nomadic people who live in the eastern part of Bhutan.
8. Archery (Bhutanese National game): This is one of the most interesting game in our country and also called our national game. Archery was played by men carrying bow and arrows. We also perform this dance in gathered places to show how Archery was played.