Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.
The Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable approach to tourism in line with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Foreign visitors famously pay a minimum tariff of US$250 per day, making it seem one of the world's more expensive destinations.
The pristine eastern Himalayan landscape, where snow-capped peaks rise above primeval forests and beautiful traditional villages is just breathtaking! To this picture-book landscape add majestic fortress-like dzongs and monasteries, many of which act as a stage for spectacular tsechus (dance festivals) attended by an almost medieval-looking audience. Then there are the textiles and handicrafts, outrageous archery competitions, high-altitude trekking trails, and stunning flora and fauna. If it's not Shangri-La, it's as close as it gets.
Bhutan འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ - Capital Thimphu - Area 38,394 km2 - Population 741,700 - Attractions Thimphu Valley, Tiger’s Nest Monatery, Paro Tsechu (Festival), Himalayan Trecks, Punakha Dzong, Gross National Happiness