Bhutan

Paro Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest and considered to be the cultural icon of Bhutan, is a sacred Buddhist monastery nestled on a cliff side in the Paro Valley. 

Accessed through beautiful trails, the Tiger's Nest is a collection of ethereal buildings built in the 1600s. With an expert guide, you can hike up to the Paro Taktsang and be met with stunning views across the valley as you climb further and further uphill. You'll cross a bridge of brightly-coloured prayer flags before hiking your final stretch to the monastery; once there, you'll have a guided tour of the monastery and learn about the history of this incredible structure - this really is a must-see on your first visit to Bhutan!

The Royal Manas National Park, located in the south of Bhutan, is classed as one of the world’s most biologically outstanding parks. 

Rich in astounding wildlife, Bhutan's oldest national park is the home to many endangered species, such as the Royal Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant, the Himalayan black bear and the rare golden langur. Once in the park, there is plenty for you to see and do; hike through eco-trails and enjoy the diverse tropical and subtropical flora; go wildlife watching and try to glimpse the elusive animals in the national park; book a boat ride on the Manas river and glide through the lush foliage - you may even be lucky enough to see a pod Gangetic river Dolphins!

The best way to immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich culture and history is by attending the Paro Tscechu Festival, held yearly since the 17th century on the 10th day of the 2nd Bhutanese lunar month.

One of the biggest religious dance festivals in Bhutan, this vivid display of masks and costumes is truly mesmerising and definitely worth seeing on your holiday to Bhutan. You can watch a variety of thousand-year-old religious rituals and dances that perform good triumphing over evil with an eerie musical accompaniment of cymbals and flutes. Whilst admiring the silk brocade costumes of the monks, make sure to try the unique butter tea with its distinctive salty taste or the potent barley spirit that is popular in the Himalayan region. 

The Haa Valley, west of Thimphu, is a breathtaking paradise carved out between the mountains. With the glistening Haa Chhu river weaving its way through the valley, this is an incredible place to explore.  

Great for hiking trips, the Haa Valley has many Buddhist temples that are accessible by foot for different walking abilities. As you walk further into the valley, you'll be able to experience rural Bhutan with its verdant paddy fields and traditional wooden houses adorned with large phalluses - a protective symbol! The valley is best experienced walking alongside the river; there is nothing more rejuvenating for your mind than to hear the water trickle as you inhale the crisp mountain air. 

A visit to Bhutan is not complete until you have visited a fortress, locally known as a dzong, and marvelled at the distinctive architecture only to be found in the Himalayan region. 

There is no finer dzong in Bhutan than the Punakha Dzong. Tranquilly set alongside the Mo Chhu River and surrounded by green hills and lilac jacaranda trees that bloom in the spring, the fortress looks simply heavenly; it is no surprise that is often termed as Bhutan's most beautiful dzong. Used as the seat of government until the 1950s and having crowned all of Bhutan's kings, the Punakha Dzong remains a prestigious site of cultural importance in the country. With an amazing assembly hall that charts Buddha's life in paintings and carefully-maintained temples, the Punakha Dzong is a great place to learn about Bhutan's history and the religious influences within the country. 

Modernity is slowly seeping into Thimphu, but Bhutan's capital city still retains its authentic Buddhist charm. 

Located in a beautiful valley, Thimphu is a great place to explore Bhutan's unique history and architecture whilst indulging in modern restaurants and nightclubs. To experience Thimphu's local culture, Thimpu's Weekend Market is definitely worth a visit. On the banks of the Wang Chu River, you can try local produce such as wild honey or purchase handcrafted souvenirs as a keepsake for your Bhutan holiday. Make sure to visit the Tashichho Dzong on the edge of the city - you'll be blown away by the ornate three-tiered golden roofs!