The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bhutan

19 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Bhutan

Updated July 4, 2026

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Unusual Attractions in Bhutan

Taktsang Palphug Monastery

Paro, Bhutan

Paro Taktsang

The small cliffside monastery known as the Tiger's Nest is said to be the meditation site of an 8th-century Buddhist master.

The meditation caves.

Dochula, Bhutan

Dochula Pass Meditation Caves

The small sanctuaries lie just off the beaten path near one of Bhutan's most famous attractions.

Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, at Motithang Takin Preserve.

Thimphu, Bhutan

Motithang Takin Preserve

Strange, gentle beasts resembling goat-cow hybrids roam within this patch of forest.

Head on view of the Buddha Dordenma statue

Thimphu, Bhutan

Buddha Dordenma Statue

This giant Buddha statue has 125,000 smaller Buddhas hidden inside it.

View of Trongsa Dzong from Trongsa village

Trongsa, Bhutan

Trongsa Dzong

The largest and, arguably, most scenic fortress in Bhutan.

Garden of Phallus.

Thimphu, Bhutan

Garden of Phallus (Wangchuk Chenmoi Dümra)

This garden is very fertile.

Facing east.

Punakha, Bhutan

Punakha Suspension Bridge

This colorful overpass is one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges.

See All 19 Things To Do in Bhutan

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Buddhism 9

Religion 5

Sacred Spaces 5

Legends 4

Temples 3

Statues 2

History 2

Bhutan 2

Exploration 1

Engineering 1

Architecture 1

Gardens 1

Collections 1

Fortresses 1

Bridges 1

Secret 1

Caves 1

Sculptures 1

Lakes 1

Animals 1

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Stories About Bhutan

On our first day of hiking the Trans Bhutan Trail, right before we stopped for a tea break

Hiking the Trans Bhutan Trail

by Tracy M, Community Contributor

Los Angeles Central Library fire of 1986

Unusual Love Stories: Traveling Unprepared With Susan Orlean

Author Susan Orlean talks travel romance, burning books, and how ditching the itinerary can make a trip better.

by The Podcast Team, Atlas Obscura

September 8, 2025

At a Festival in Bhutan, Some Dancers Bare All to Ward Off Evil Spirits

One of the many traditional dances at the annual Jambay Lhakhang Drup involves performers in masks—and nothing else.

by Erika Fatland, Atlas Obscura

January 11, 2023

Sange Norbu milks a yak in Northeast India.

The Last Cheesemakers of the Eastern Himalayas

India and Bhutan's yak herders face steep challenges.

by Jitaditya Narzary, Atlas Obscura

A tiger painted on a building in Thimphu; tigers are particularly revered in Bhutan.

In Bhutan, a Rare Tiger's Mysterious Illness Had a Surprising Source

Local vets collaborated with an international team to figure out why the animal was dazed and wandering near the capital city.

by Madeline Bodin, Atlas Obscura

February 23, 2022

Chillies hanging out to dry in Bhutan.

Decoding Bhutan's Love Affair With Chili Peppers

In the small mountain country, spicy peppers dominate breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

by Charukesi Ramadurai, Atlas Obscura

November 2, 2017