Bhutan
Bhutan's National Sports
In Bhutan, sports are more than just leisure activities – they’re an integral part of community life and cultural identity.
You won’t be in the country long before you see locals in traditional attire playing Khuru, a lively outdoor game where large wooden darts are hurled across open spaces with remarkable precision. Often played in groups, it’s as much about the camaraderie and friendly banter as it is about skill.
Equally, Dha (archery) – Bhutan’s national sport – holds a special place in the hearts of the Bhutanese. Archery is played nationwide, with regular competitions and tournaments taking place throughout the year. If you’re in Paro over a weekend, head to the local Archery Ground, where you can watch teams in action, often accompanied by singing, dancing, and cheering from the sidelines.
Visitors are warmly encouraged to join in. Your guide or hotel staff can easily arrange for you to try your hand at either sport, and locals will gladly teach you the basics. Whether you’re aiming for a target or tossing a Khuru dart, you’ll quickly find yourself swept up in the social spirit of these traditional games.
What you’ll do
- Watch or join in Bhutan’s national sport, archery (Dha), played year-round
- Experience Khuru, a traditional dart game popular across the country
- Visit Paro’s Archery Ground at weekends for lively local competitions
- Learn the games with help from local players or your guide
