The Legendary Taktsang Goemba or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched at a height of 3000m on a vertical cliff. It is believed Guru Rinpoche flew to this cliff on a flaming tigress and meditated here. This spectacular monastery is one of the most sacred sites to the Buddhist pilgrims.

There is no better way to get under the skin of the place than to experience it during the time of festive celebrations. Witness the traditional Bhutanese style masquerade dance; the re-enactments of the Bhutanese victory over invading Tibet as firecrackers explode and the battle scenes are acted out in one of the most beautiful buildings of Bhutan – Punakha Dzong. It is believed that the ones who witness the mask dances receive blessings and wash away the sins as the world’s largest religious Thangka scroll, Paro Thongdrel unfolds at the festive ceremony.

Travel to the small capital of Bhutan and the only capital in the world without traffic lights to explore the colourful weekend markets and quirky shops. Thimphu houses the traditional Bhutanese art, culture and tradition. The architecture of the city is embellished with wooden houses and concrete buildings constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

Every Bhutan travel guide is incomplete without including Dochula Pass. It is a concentration of 108 chortens (Stupas) was built in the memory of Bhutanese soldiers who were killed in 2003 war against the insurgents from India. The pass offers a spectacular 360 panoramic view of the valleys overlooking the snow-capped mountains.

One of the most honoured temples in Bhutan, the Temple of Fertility or the Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley. Frequented by tourists and childless couples seeking special blessings to beget a child. The temple is decorated with colourful phalluses which are believed to drive malicious gossip and evil eye away.

Set on the western slopes of the black mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Phobjikha Valley is a stunningly beautiful wildlife preserve popular for its scenic splendour and cultural uniqueness. The park is a hot bed for wildlife activity and a paradise for birdwatchers. One could spot the globally threatened black neck cranes migrate to the valley in winters.

For those who thought Bhutan is all about culture and tradition, well, there’s more to it! Hit the countries first established brewery known as the Red Panda Brewery established in 2006 by Fritz Maurer. Beer is brewed from wheat and is pretty strong especially at high altitude.

A trek to Zuri Dzong is a popular hiking trip amongst many tourists. The peak of the Zuri Dzong trek is a perfect spot for a bird’s-eye view of the entire Paro Valley, with glorious Himalayas in the backdrop. It is believed that Buddha had meditated in one of the Zuri Dzong caves in the 8th century. One could soak in the tranquil, serene and extraordinary views as you hike along the trekking trail.

This Bhutan travel guide is incomplete without Gangtey Valley trails which lead to the historical Gangtey monastery passing through dense forests of magnolia, rhododendron and juniper to ferns & dwarf bamboo and villages of Gogona & Khotokha.

Zorig Chusum or the 13 Bhutanese arts are rooted in the Buddhist philosophy. Pema Lingpa, a treasure discoverer introduced 13 arts and crafts namely, woodwork, stonework, paper making, carving, painting, sculpting, wood turning, black smithy, ornament making, bamboo work, weaving tailoring, to Bhutan in the 15th century.