Asia
Cliffside monasteries, prayer flags and Himalayan valleys.
Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom that has kept its traditions close. Dzongs, the great fortress-monasteries, anchor valleys such as Paro and Punakha, where Punakha Dzong sits at the meeting of two rivers. The hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, clinging to a cliff high above the valley, is the classic image, and high passes such as Dochula give wide views of snow peaks.
Travel is structured: most visitors go with a licensed guide and driver, and roads wind slowly between valleys. Food is simple and fiery, led by ema datshi, chillies in cheese, with red rice and butter tea. March to May and October to November are best, with clear views and colourful festivals; the summer monsoon brings cloud, rain and landslides.
March, April, October, November.