Archery: Bhutan's national sport

Archery (datse) is Bhutan's national sport, and you will find a range in almost every village. Matches can last all day and are as much a social gathering as a competition.

A very long shot

The targets are small painted wooden boards set up at each end of a range roughly 140 metres apart, far longer than an Olympic range. Teams shoot from one end to the other, then walk across and shoot back. Traditional bows are made of bamboo, though many archers today use modern compound bows.

Singing, dancing and teasing

What surprises most visitors is the noise. When an archer hits the target, teammates break into a short dance and song of praise. When the other side is shooting, the rivals do their best to put them off with jokes and loud commentary. Women often sing and dance on the sidelines, and food and drink are shared through the day.

When to see it

Matches happen all year, with big tournaments around Losar (Bhutanese New Year) and on public holidays. Ask us and we will try to fit a match into your days in Thimphu or Paro.

Watching safely

• Stay well behind the archers and never walk near the targets during a match.
• Ask before photographing players up close.
• If you are invited to try a bow, our guide will show you how.