Bhutan with Kids: The Complete Family Travel Guide

Traveling to Bhutan with children might seem daunting, but it’s actually one of the most rewarding family destinations in the world. Bhutan is safe, welcoming to families, and filled with experiences that will captivate children and adults alike. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning a memorable family trip to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Why Bhutan is Perfect for Families

Safe & Welcoming

• One of the safest countries: Extremely low crime rate
• Family-oriented culture: Bhutanese love children
• Child-friendly facilities: Most restaurants and hotels welcome kids
• Healthy food: Fresh, non-processed, generally mild

Educational & Enriching

• Living culture: Ancient traditions still practiced daily
• Gross National Happiness: Learn about a unique development philosophy
• Buddhist culture: Teach children about mindfulness and compassion
• Nature: Pristine environment, diverse wildlife

Easy Pace

• Slow travel: No rushing from site to site
• Short drives: Most destinations within 3-4 hours
• Flexible itinerary: Can adjust to family needs

Best Age to Visit

Ages 0-3: Infants & Toddlers

Pros:

• Free entry to most attractions
• Portable, easy to carry
• Won’t remember but great photos

Cons:

• Diapers/formula logistics
• Altitude sensitivity (infants under 1 year)
• Need frequent breaks

Verdict: Doable but challenging. Wait if possible.

Ages 4-7: Young Children

Pros:

• Old enough to appreciate the experience
• Still portable (can be carried if tired)
• No tickets required for most attractions

Cons:

• May struggle with long hikes
• Early wake times can disrupt schedule
• Picky eating might be challenging

Verdict: Great age to introduce Bhutan!

Ages 8-12: School-Age Children

Pros:

• Can engage with the culture
• Can handle moderate hikes
• Will remember the trip forever
• Educational value is huge

Cons:

• School schedule considerations
• May get bored with monastery visits

Verdict: IDEAL age for Bhutan travel.

Ages 13-18: Teenagers

Pros:

• Can do more challenging activities
• Can appreciate cultural depth
• Good travel companions

Cons:

• Might prefer adventure over culture
• Tech withdrawal (limited connectivity)

Verdict: Excellent if you involve them in planning.

Family-Friendly Itineraries

7-Day Classic Family Trip

Best for: First-time families with children 8+

Day 1-2: Paro

• Arrive, acclimatize
• Tiger’s Nest Monastery (hike or pony ride option)
• Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong)
• Light hiking around Paro Valley

Day 3-4: Thimphu

• Drive to Thimphu (1 hour)
• Visit Takin Preserve (kids love these strange animals)
• Motithang Museum (traditional Bhutanese life)
• Weekend market (colorful, sensory experience)
• Paper factory and traditional arts demonstration

Day 5-6: Punakha

• Drive over Dochu La pass (play in snow!)
• Visit Punakha Dzong (most beautiful fortress)
• Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple - kids find it funny)
• River rafting (gentle floats available)
• Suspension bridge walk

Day 7: Departure

• Last-minute souvenir shopping
• Airport departure

10-Day Family Adventure

Best for: Active families, children 10+

Includes everything above PLUS:

Day 7-8: Phobjikha Valley

• Drive to Gangtey (glacial valley)
• Black-necked cranes (November-February)
• Gangtey Nature Trail (easy 90-minute walk)
• Visit crane center and learn about conservation

Day 9: Thimphu

• Additional cultural sites
• Archery lesson (Bhutan’s national sport!)
• Hot stone bath experience

Top Family Activities

1. Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

Why kids love it:

• Cliffside location is exciting
• Ponies available for the climb up
• Buried treasure legends
• Prayer flags fluttering in the wind

Tips:

• Start early (cooler, less crowded)
• Take frequent breaks
• Bring snacks and water
• Consider ponies for children under 10

2. Archery Experience

Why kids love it:

• It’s Bhutan’s national sport!
• They can try it themselves
• Fun competition with family members

Where:

• Thimphu archery range
• Many local clubs offer lessons

3. Takin Preserve

Why kids love it:

• Takins are strange, mythical-looking animals
• They look like a mix of cow, goat, and sheep
• Easy to see up close

Location: Motithang, Thimphu

4. Traditional Hot Stone Bath

Why kids love it:

• Like a giant hot tub
• Fascinating to watch the preparation
• Relaxing after a day of hiking

Note: Test temperature first - it gets very hot!

5. Mask Dances (Festivals)

Why kids love it:

• Colorful costumes and masks
• Music and chanting
• Can join in at the end

Best festivals:

• Paro Tshechu (March/April)
• Thimphu Tshechu (September)
• Punakha Tshechu (February)

6. Paper Making Demo

Why kids love it:

• Hands-on activity
• Can make their own paper
• See traditional crafts in action

Where:

• Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Thimphu

7. Rafting on Po Chu River

Why kids love it:

• Gentle floats available
• Beautiful scenery
• Safe but exciting

Minimum age: Usually 5-6 years old

Practical Tips

Health & Safety

Altitude

• Thimphu/Paro: 2,200-2,500m (generally fine for kids)
• Punakha: 1,300m (lower, easier)
• First 24 hours: Take it easy, lots of water
• Watch for: Headaches, loss of appetite, irritability

Food & Water

• Water: Only bottled or purified water
• Avoid: Tap water, ice cubes, street food
• Safe food: Well-cooked, hot meals
• Fruits: Peel yourself or avoid

Medical

• Travel insurance: Essential
• First aid kit: Bring family medications
• Hospitals: Available in Thimphu/Paro
• Medicines: Bring a supply of:
  • Pain/fever reducers
  • Stomach remedies
  • Band-aids & antiseptic
  • Any prescription medications

What to Pack

For Kids

• Comfortable walking shoes: Broken in before trip
• Layers: Weather can change quickly
• Rain jacket: Essential year-round
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+
• Entertainment: Books, games, tablet (downloaded content)
• Snacks: Familiar foods for long drives
• Reusable water bottle: Keep hydrated

For Parents

• Baby carrier/front pack: If you have a baby/toddler
• Stroller: Not very useful (uneven terrain), but bring for airports
• Wet wipes & sanitizer: Essential
• Laundry detergent: For hand washing clothes
• Plug adapters: Type D, G (Bhutan uses 230V)

Eating with Kids

Child-Friendly Foods

• Ema datshi: Usually too spicy (ask for non-spicy)
• Red rice: Mild, kids usually like it
• Momos: Dumplings - most kids love these
• Noodles: Available everywhere
• Fried rice: Safe bet
• Western food: Available in hotels

Tip: Carry snacks (granola bars, crackers, fruit) for emergencies

Restaurant Tips

• Lunch: Usually 12-2pm
• Dinner: Usually 6-8pm
• Kid-friendly places:
  • Ambient Café (Thimphu) - great coffee, pastries
  • Folk Heritage Museum restaurant
  • Hotel restaurants (most accommodating)

Accommodation

Family-Friendly Hotels

What to look for:

• Connecting rooms: Adjoining doors
• Family rooms: Space for everyone
• Heating: Essential in winter
• Hot water: Not guaranteed in budget places
• Wi-Fi: Available in most mid-range+ hotels

Recommended:

• Thimphu: Terma Linca, River View
• Paro: Tenzinling Resort, Olathang
• Punakha: Damchen, Zhingkham

Budget Option

• Homestays: Authentic experience, families welcome
• Guesthouses: Basic but clean
• Note: Shared bathrooms common in budget places

Transportation

Private Vehicle (Recommended)

Why:

• Flexibility with stops and timing
• Space for luggage
• Climate control
• Safety

Cost: $50-80/day plus driver

Taxis

Good for:

• Short trips within cities
• Budget-conscious travelers

Less ideal:

• Long distances
• Limited space

Keeping Kids Engaged

Before the Trip

1. Involve them in planning: Show pictures, videos
2. Read books about Bhutan: “Beyond the Sky and the Earth” (children’s book)
3. Learn basic Dzongkha: Hello = “Kuzuzangpo”, Thank you = “Kadrin chhe”
4. Set expectations: It’s different, and that’s the fun part!

During the Trip

1. Journaling: Kids can write/draw daily experiences
2. Photography: Give kids a camera (disposable or old digital)
3. Scavenger hunt: Find prayer flags, stupas, yaks, etc.
4. Souvenir budget: Give kids their own money for gifts
5. Down time: Schedule rest time - tired kids = miserable trip

Engaging Activities

• Monastery visits: Light incense, spin prayer wheels together
• Mask dance: Try on traditional masks (available in shops)
• Cooking class: Learn to make momos
• Traditional dress: Try on kira/gho (fun photos!)
• Stamp collection: Collect Bhutanese stamps

Educational Opportunities

Cultural Learning

• Buddhism: Visit monasteries, learn about compassion
• Architecture: Dzongs, chortens, prayer flags
• Traditional arts: Thangka painting, weaving, woodcarving
• Music: Drums, cymbals, chanting

Nature & Environment

• Gross National Happiness: What does it mean?
• Conservation: Black-necked cranes, protected areas
• Sustainable living: Organic farming, renewable energy
• Flora/fauna: Rhododendrons, blue poppies, yaks

Social Learning

• School visit: Arrange through tour operator
• Family life: How do Bhutanese families live?
• Community service: Volunteer opportunities available

Common Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Long Drives

Solution:

• Break up with frequent stops
• Bring snacks, entertainment
• Plan for lunch stops

Challenge: Temple Fatigue

Solution:

• Limit to 1-2 monasteries per day
• Focus on unique features (different architecture, location)
• Interactive elements (lighting butter lamps, spinning wheels)

Challenge: Food Issues

Solution:

• Bring familiar snacks
• Plain rice, noodles always available
• Western food in hotels
• Restaurants can modify spice levels

Challenge: Altitude

Solution:

• Start in Paro/Thimphu (lower elevation)
• Drink lots of water
• Take it easy first day
• Descend if symptoms appear

Budget Considerations

Family Discounts

• Children under 5: Often free
• Children 5-12: Usually 50% discount on:
  • Tour package price
  • SDF may be waived (check current policy)
  • Flights (check airline policy)

Typical Family Costs (7 days, 2 adults + 2 kids)

Prices are estimates and vary by season, operator, and current SDF policy

Sample 7-Day Family Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro
  - Airport pickup
  - Check-in, rest
  - Light dinner, early bedtime

Day 2: Paro sightseeing
  - Ta Dzong (National Museum)
  - Paro Dzong
  - Short hike to local temple
  - Cultural show in evening

Day 3: Tiger's Nest
  - Morning hike/pony ride to Taktsang
  - Lunch at viewpoint
  - Visit Kyichu Lhakhang
  - Relaxing afternoon

Day 4: Drive to Thimphu
  - Scenic drive (1 hour)
  - Takin Preserve
  - Lunch in Thimphu
  - Motithang Museum
  - Traditional arts demo

Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha
  - Drive over Dochu La pass
  - Play in snow (if winter)
  - Visit Punakha Dzong
  - Check-in to hotel
  - Relaxing evening

Day 6: Punakha
  - Chimi Lhakhang
  - Suspension bridge
  - River rafting (optional)
  - Hot stone bath
  - Return to Thimphu

Day 7: Departure
  - Souvenir shopping
  - Transfer to Paro airport
  - Fly home

Why Choose Silverpine for Family Trips?

Family Specialization

• Kid-friendly guides: Patient, experienced with children
• Flexible pace: We adapt to your family’s rhythm
• Family accommodations: Connecting rooms, kid-friendly hotels
• Child-friendly activities: Archery, cooking classes, crafts
• Safety first: Modern vehicles, emergency protocols

Bhutan is a magical destination for families. The combination of safety, culture, nature, and adventure makes it perfect for creating lifelong memories together.

Contact us to plan your family adventure - we’ll make sure every family member, from kids to grandparents, has an unforgettable experience in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!