A small Buddhist kingdom the size of Switzerland, this country, located east of the Himalayan Range, not far from Nepal, nestles between India and the Tibet Autonomous Region. Here, the peaks are well over 7,000 meters above sea level and offer an ideal setting for trekking. The people, particularly welcoming, have preserved their customs through their colorful costumes, a charming traditional habitat and a secular lifestyle.
There are no fewer than 25 ethnic groups living, for the most part, in the magnificent national parks where a particularly rich fauna and flora proliferates, such as the royal Bengal tiger, the snow leopard or the Himalayan black bear.
In the capital, Timphu, more than 2000 meters above sea level, you will not find any building or billboards as this country, open to tourism for just over 40 years, has kept its authenticity. Here you can visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, an imposing fortress with rich decor.
Bhutan has many sacred sites and especially the dzongs, characteristic monastic fortresses of the country, some of which perched on the mountainside, will impress you. Built for the most part from the 17th century, their interiors are richly decorated, as in Punakha, a monastery rich in cosmic mandalas, Buddhas and Tantric deities.
On foot or by donkey, come and discover the Taktshang Monastery, a real eagle's nest clinging to the cliff, 700 meters above the Paro Valley, worth seeing for the incredible beauty of its setting and its architecture.
