Horse Riding in Bhutan
Bhutan’s diverse topography offers a range of trails suitable for riders of all levels. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced equestrian, horse riding in Bhutan can be a fun. There’s a trail waiting to be explored. Traverse through lush meadows adorned with vibrant prayer flags, ride along crystal-clear rivers, and ascend to breath-taking mountain passes that provide panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or someone who has never been on a horse, Bhutan offers riding experiences tailored to your skill level. Professional guides and well-trained horses ensure that even beginners can enjoy the thrill of exploring Bhutan on horseback. For the more experienced riders, there are challenging terrains and longer trails which provide an adrenaline-pumping adventure amid the pristine landscapes.
Bhutan Inbound offers the off-the-beaten-track horse ride, with the backdrop of towering mountains, along the wild rivers and beautiful villages.
We primarily do horse riding for the following places:
-
Phobjikha Valley
Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring rides that traverse breathtaking landscapes, taking you through local villages, over mountain passes, and amidst untouched forests.
Along the way, you may have the delightful opportunity to interact with monks, villagers, and if you are on the right month (Dec to Mid of March), you can catch a glimpse of the magnificent black-necked cranes.
The easy pace allows time to spot some of the unique and hardy fauna and flora that have adapted to live on the mountain sides.
In Phobjikha valley, the horse ride is along the famous Gangtey Nature Trail Hike. The region is known for its impressive Buddhist monasteries with articulate landscapes.
You can experience the essence of spirituality and the healing energy of nature all together!
-
Bumthang
The riding experience in Bumthang is more off beaten over a wide spread ranch. It starts from Wobola village at Tang, en-routing Tandingang village and back to the Womthang village following the Tang river.
The routes are scenic and good for photographers. We get to see various high altitude flowers, various kinds of rhododendrons and lakes besides having the best views of great Himalayas during clear days.
Along the trails, you can stop at Tandingang village, traditional Bhutanese village where locals warmly welcome visitors. Take a break from riding to engage with the friendly villagers, learn about their customs, and savor the traditional Bhutanese cuisine. This cultural exchange adds a unique dimension to your horse riding adventure, turning it into a holistic experience that goes beyond the physical thrill.
As you trot along, you will witness the breath taking mountains and gentle landscapes lined with sacred Buddhist monasteries. You can dance in the perfect harmony of the blue sky and green pasture land and experience the nature at its best!
-
Tiger Nest
One of the must-try horse riding experiences is the trail to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). Perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,120 meters, this sacred site is not only a testament to Bhutan’s rich religious history but also offers a thrilling ride through dense forests and rocky terrains.
The exhilarating journey begins from the base of the monastery where you can find strong horses raised by the rural families of the region. For beginners, you could feel the bursts of excitement as you move up and embrace the beautiful landscapes unfolding with each step. The view of serene mountains and lush green forests are the key features of the Himalayan Kingdom. As you savor the landscape, you will reach a café which is almost mid way for the actual destination. After having a delightful meal, you can continue moving towards the monastery.
As you reach inside the monastery, you will find carefully engraved statues, sacred places and relics which are the stepping stones of teachings of Buddhism. You can interact with the monks residing and you will learn that Guru Rinpoche had arrived to the place on a back of a tigress to subdue a demon. The place was consecrated to tame the demon which is now a cultural icon of Bhutan.
The journey downhill begins, the moment is now for those who want to regain the exhilarating experience of the trail and look around.
The horseback riding is a thrilling experience for the ones wanting to live and relish every moment!
In conclusion, horse riding in Bhutan is not just an activity; it’s an immersive experience that combines adventure, spirituality, and cultural exploration. As you navigate the trails on horseback, you’ll discover the heart and soul of this enchanting kingdom, forging memories that will linger long after the hoof prints have faded from the mountain paths. So, saddle up, embrace the spirit of the Himalayas, and let the journey begin.
For more information please visit our social media channels😊!
Google Reviews
Jenny Chua
In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!
Reviewed on: 1/14/2025
Terri KimOur first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience
Reviewed on: 12/24/2024
Suresh KaruI had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .
Reviewed on: 9/30/2024
Charles VrtisEverything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!
Reviewed on: 3/30/2024
Brian NYCHuge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!
Reviewed on: 10/14/2023
