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:
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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!
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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!
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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.
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