Horseback Riding

Seeing the countryside of Bhutan from the back of a horse, whether for several days or just an afternoon, adds distinction to what is already sure to be a unique vacation. Riding is a laid back alternative to trekking, that other slow-paced way of connecting with nature. With sturdy Bhutanese horses doing the walking, you can sink into meditative absorption and not become exhausted from the passing miles. Tourists often describe as magical and unforgettable the experience of crossing high mountain passes and low river bridges, passing by ancient temples and terraced rice fields, riding through flowering meadows and rhododendron forests, witnessing village life unchanged from centuries ago. Traveling on horseback opens up these inaccessible areas that until recently were cut off from the rest of the world — many small villages are still far from the nearest road. Though horses and mules traditionally were used as pack and riding animals for crossing mountain passes to neighbor villages, horseback riding as a way for travelers to see Bhutan has only developed in the last few years. Some of the most popular areas for starting riding excursions are Haa Valley in Haa district, Phobjikha Valley in Wangdue Phodrang district, and Tang Valley in Bumthang district​, where day and multi...