Discover Bhutan: Tiger's Nest, Thimphu and the Himalayas

A monastery clings to a cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley, reached by a steep hike and considered Bhutan's most sacred and photographed site.

The world's only capital without traffic lights features the giant Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley, a lively weekend market and traditional archery matches.

Punakha Dzong sits at the confluence of two rivers, while high-altitude trails lead toward peaks over 7,000 metres near the Tibetan border.

Bhutan measures wellbeing over GDP, preserving over 70% forest cover and Buddhist culture through a daily Sustainable Development Fee paid by every visitor.

March–May and September–November offer clear mountain views and coincide with the country's major festivals.

Yes, all visitors need a visa and must pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee, both arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

It is pricier than neighbouring countries due to the daily fee, which directly funds free healthcare, education and forest conservation.

Flights land at Paro's dramatic mountain airport, one of the world's most technically challenging for pilots, from Delhi, Bangkok or Singapore.