In this guide
Archery is Bhutan's national sport, and you'll see it everywhere: on village grounds, behind offices at lunchtime and at big tournaments in Thimphu. It became the national sport in 1971, the year Bhutan joined the United Nations, but people were shooting long before that.
A match is part sport, part festival. If you get the chance to watch one, take it.
How a match works
- The distance. Targets stand about 145 metres apart, roughly twice the distance used in Olympic archery.
- The targets. Each is a small wooden board, about 91 centimetres tall and 28 centimetres wide, brightly painted, with a bullseye called a *karay*.
- The teams. Teams usually have 13 players. Archers shoot two arrows from one end, then walk to the other target and shoot back.
- The shooting area is called the *datse*, which is also a common name for the sport in western Bhutan.
From 145 metres the target looks tiny, so a hit is a big moment.
Bamboo bows and compound bows
Traditional Bhutanese bows are made of bamboo, with bamboo or reed arrows. Today many archers in competitions use modern compound bows, but traditional bamboo bow events are still held, and you'll still see them at village matches and festivals.
More than a sport
What surprises most visitors is the noise:
- Dancing and singing. When an archer hits the target, teammates celebrate with a short dance and song.
- Teasing the other side. Players and supporters shout witty verses at their opponents to put them off. It's part of the game, and the wordplay is valued as much as the aim.
- Cheering. Women singing and dancing at the side of the field are a big part of the atmosphere, and their songs often poke fun at the opposing team.
Matches can last all day, with breaks for food and plenty of conversation.
Where and when to watch
- Changlimithang in Thimphu is one of the best-known archery grounds in the country, close to the town centre. Ask your guide whether a match is on while you're in Thimphu.
- Village grounds all over Bhutan host matches, especially at weekends and around holidays.
- Losar, the Bhutanese New Year in February or March, is a traditional time for archery between villages. Our Bhutan in February page covers that season.
When you watch, stay well back and to the side of the field, never between the targets. Arrows travel fast and land close to the target, where players stand.
Trying it yourself
If you'd like to try a traditional bow, tell us when you plan your trip and we'll see what we can arrange for your dates. It's a fun hour, and you'll quickly see why a hit from 145 metres earns a dance.
Most of our private tours pass through Thimphu, so there's often a chance to catch a match on the way. Ask us about your dates and we'll look out for one.
Official sources
Check the official rules and schedules for your nationality and travel dates before making fixed bookings.
