Weekend Market: The days are absolutely central to the lives of the bhutanese, but there are many reasons to visit other than the delicious fresh food on offer every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.There are regular competitions centered on the national sport of Bhutan – archery – as well as the opportunities to buy beautifully handcrafted items such as yak tail dusters and butter tea cups. The people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!

Zorig Chusum Institute (Thirteen Crafts):It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan. The two main objectives of the institute are a) to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts and b) to create job opportunities for the underprivileged group of the society, school dropouts and unemployed youths.

Textile museum:The foundation was laid in 2000 under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts. It’s a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.

Memorial Chorten:Chorten are memorial structures designed to evoke the same perfect symmetry and elegance of the Buddha himself, and it is traditionally good luck to pass them on the left. This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The chorten is just another example of how seriously the Bhutanese consider, and how perfectly they realize, their unique architectural style.

Tashichho Dzong :The names means – Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Hike to Cheri Monastery(Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary):Hike about1hour leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). The trail starts by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Wang Chu, and then climbs to the monastery. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. Silver Chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung father.(Option for meditation). A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.

Paper factory:The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. It began as domestic ancient ctivity which is still in practice in remote areas. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products.

Mini zoo:Here you can see just one animal – Bhutan’s national – the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. The zoo was emptied in accordance with Buddhist principles, but the Takin came back so the keepers decided to look after them, also in accordance with Buddhist principles!

Handicraft Emporium:The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to them The shop is one of the best places to buy souvenirs from Bhutan, including finely made traditional clothes, jewelry, linen work, books, and paintings. There is also a money changing facility and the shop will exchange travelers cheques.

Archery:During weekends we can also see the archery match at the Changlimithang ground. Archery is the national game of Bhutan.

Entertainment:During your trip to Bhutan the Raven Tours and Treks Team will try to include the following under your request – actual selection depends on the itinerary.

Night in “down town Thimphu”: In the evening we can make arrangements to take you to enjoy life the way the young Bhutanese do, in the discotheques, or in the entertainment areas. There are live performances of Bhutanese songs and dances (traditional and modern) by the best Bhutanese bands. If you wish you can even test your singing talents in the bars that offer Karaoke. (Guests pay for own drinks and entrance fees).

Evening Meal with music and dancing: We try to visit a local restaurant for an evening meal, where we are also entertained with performances of local dancing and signing, and much wine! (No extra charge).

Local barsThe local bars in the towns (and Thimphu) do not live up to Western standards, but the people are polite, friendly but not obtrusive. Your Raven Tours and Treks guide will be happy to escort you into town to visit such a bar. It is very unlikely that any of the bar staff will speak English, hence the need for the guide!

Location: Western Bhutan
Distance from Paro: 65 km (2 hours)
Elevation: 2320m/ 7611ft above sea level. View details >>

Paro

Location: West of Thimphu
Distance from Thimphu: 65 km(2 hours)
Elevation: 2250m/ 7382ft above sea level. View details >>

Haa

Location: Western Bhutan, south of the Paro valley
Distance from Thimphu: 119 km(5 hours)
Elevation: 2670m/ 8758ft above sea level. View details >>

Punakha

Location: Between Thimphu and Wangdue
Distance from Thimphu: 77 km(3 hours)
Elevation: 1350m/ 4430ft above sea level. View details >>

Wangduephodrang

Location: Between Punakha and Trongsa
Distance from Thimphu: 70 km(3 hours)
Elevation: 1400m/ 4480ft above sea level. View details >>

Gangtey

Location: Between Wangdue and Trongsa
Distance from Punakha: 65 km(2 hours)
Elevation: 2800m/ 9186ft above sea level. View details >>

Trongsa

Location: Central Bhutan
Distance from Thimphu: 199 km(7 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 2180m/ 7150ft above sea level. View details >>

Bumthang

Location: Central Bhutan, east of Trongsa
Distance from Trongsa: 68 km(2 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 2600m/ 8530ft above sea level. View details >>

Mongar

Location: Eastern Bhutan, Between Bumthang and Trashigang
Distance from Bumthang: 198 km(7 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 1600m/ 5250ft above sea level. View details >>

Lhuntse

Location: Eastern Bhutan
Distance from Mongar: 76 km(3 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 1700m/ 5580ft above sea level. View details >>

Trashigang

Location: Eastern Bhutan
Distance from Mongar: 90 km(4 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 1070m/ 3510ft above sea level. View details >>

Trashiyangtse

Location: North Eastern Bhutan
Distance from Trashigang: 53 km(2 hours)
Elevation: 1871m/ 6137ft above sea level. View details >>

SamdrupJongkhar

Location: South Eastern Bhutan
Distance from Thimphu: 180 km(7 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 250m/ 820ft above sea level. View details >>

Phuentsholing

Location: Southern Bhutan
Distance from Thimphu: 189 km(7 hrs 30 min)
Elevation: 250m/ 820ft above sea level. View details >>