Bhutan

Taktsang Monastery

Known as the Tiger's Nest and the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Paro Taktsang is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Located in the Paro Valley, the monastery is perched …

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Taktsang Monastery

Known as the Tiger's Nest and the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Paro Taktsang is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Located in the Paro Valley, the monastery is perched on a cliff 2,950 feet (900m) above the valley floor. The monastery has been an important site for pilgrimage and meditation in Mahayana Buddhism since it was built in 1692 around a cave believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. Tourists can reach Taktsang Monastery via a 20-minute drive from Paro to the base of the mountain, followed by a two-hour hike or pony ride to the monastery.

Punakha

Serving as the winter capital of Bhutan, Punakha is only 45 miles (72km) from Thimphu. It has a much warmer climate than the latter, allowing for the patchwork of red and white ric…

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Punakha

Serving as the winter capital of Bhutan, Punakha is only 45 miles (72km) from Thimphu. It has a much warmer climate than the latter, allowing for the patchwork of red and white rice fields to cover the surrounding valleys. The serene atmosphere of the city is personified in the Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness. The palace is the winter residence of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body and home to several sacred relics. Punakha also makes for a good base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Guru Rinpoche Cave and Koma Tsachu hot springs.

Trongsa

The geographic centre of Bhutan, Trongsa is a historical village built around a monastery established in 1543. Small enough to easily explore on foot, Trongsa's main attractions in…

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Trongsa

The geographic centre of Bhutan, Trongsa is a historical village built around a monastery established in 1543. Small enough to easily explore on foot, Trongsa's main attractions include the Trongsa Dzong and the Thruepang Palace, as well as the markets in the centre of town that sell handmade textiles and traditional carpets for prices lower than those in Thimphu. Trongsa is a popular rest stop on the journey between Thimphu and Bumthang.

Bumthang

Also known as Choekhor Valley, Bumthang is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan, with the town of Jakar at its centre. It has a few points of interest such as the Jakar Dzong, …

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Bumthang

Also known as Choekhor Valley, Bumthang is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan, with the town of Jakar at its centre. It has a few points of interest such as the Jakar Dzong, Wangdicholing Palace and half a dozen monasteries. Jakar also hosts a number of colourful festivals between July and December.