Bhutan: Magical Himalayan Kingdom

Few destinations capture travelers’ imaginations as much as Bhutan. Nestled between India and China, this tiny Himalayan kingdom remains virtually untouched by commercial tourism, rewarding those who venture here with an authentic, unforgettable experience.

This is a land of mist-enshrouded monasteries perched impossibly on clifftops, of fluttering prayer flags on flower-strewn hillsides, of a kind, hospitable people who still wear traditional dress for school and work, and a rich traditional culture steeped in Buddhist values.

Bhutan is also a global beacon of sustainability — a carbon-negative nation thanks to a decades-old policy of protecting its forests, which cover at least 70% of the land mass. In short, more carbon is taken out of the atmosphere than the country produces. Add to this an emphasis by the King on Gross National Happiness rather than Gross Domestic Product, and this is a country that cannot help but inspire and delight in equal measure.

Set in a steep valley at 7,700 feet above sea level, Bhutan’s capital Thimphu is often the starting point for travelers’ explorations. Architectural wonders include the Buddha Dordenma, the world’s tallest seated Buddha, and elaborately decorated fortresses or dzongs such as Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne room of the King.

Traditional crafts and pursuits still feature prominently in Bhutanese daily life. The National Textile Museum in Thimphu offers a comprehensive primer into stunning handwoven and embroidered textiles. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a tournament of the national sport, archery, or even try your own hand at hitting the target.

Nowhere is the sheer diversity of Bhutan showcased more than the journey from Thimphu to Punakha. Traversing the Dochula Pass at 10,000 feet, you are greeted with mesmerizing views of the snowcapped Himalayas on a clear day. After a few hours, you descend into the lush, subtropical Punakha valley where farmhouses dot the terraced rice fields. Set where two rivers converge, the Punakha Dzong is a picture-postcard fortress where the kings of Bhutan are coronated.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, flew on the back of a tigress to subdue a demon at the monastery of Taktsang Goemba, before spending the next three months in meditation. Tiger’s Nest, as it is more commonly known, is an iconic highlight of any journey to Bhutan. The walk up through beautiful pine forests is well worth the effort as you are rewarded by regular glimpses of the monastery clinging to the sheer cliff as well as spectacular views of the Paro valley below.

How to get there: Drukair flights to Paro depart from New Delhi and other Asian hubs. Landing in Bhutan is part of the adventure, as planes must take a steep dive and level off.

Altitude: Some destinations such as Paro are at high altitude, so allow time in your itinerary to rest and acclimatize.

Festivals: Try to coincide your trip with one of Bhutan’s spectacular festivals, tsechus, where you can admire the stunning local dress and witness Bhutanese archery – the national sport.