Bhutan

Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom of high valleys and forest covering over two-thirds of the land, watched over by dzongs — whitewashed fortress-monasteries. Travel goes valley by valley with a private guide and driver, so a stay usually combines several lodges. Paro is the gateway valley, with the only international airport and the trail to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, on its cliff. Thimphu, the small capital, has Tashichho Dzong, crafts and markets.

The road east crosses the Dochula pass, with 108 chortens and, on clear days, Himalayan views. Below lies warmer Punakha, a valley of rice terraces where the 17th-century Punakha Dzong stands where two rivers meet. Around Gangtey, the wide glacial Phobjikha valley holds Gangtey monastery and, in winter, black-necked cranes watched from afar. Central Bhutan's Bumthang is a cluster of temple valleys around Jakar.

Days bring hiking, traditional archery, hot-stone baths and farmhouse meals of ema datshi (chilli and cheese), red rice and butter tea; colourful tsechu festivals crown the season. Spring (March–May, rhododendrons) and autumn (late September–November, clear mountain views, festivals) are usually best. Summer is the monsoon, roughly June to August, green and cloudy; winter is cold and clear in the high valleys, milder in Punakha. It suits seekers of culture, nature, walking and calm, couples and wellness lovers, and pairs well with India or Nepal.