It wasn’t until 1974 that Bhutan opened her doors to visitors and quite cautiously we might add. It boasts a location that is nestled in the heart of the Himalayas and for centuries has kept a distance from the world at large. The people are warm and welcoming and the architecture and scenery are awe inspiring. It is a country that has deep roots in its religious beliefs and the sights the traveler can visit reflect that commitment.

Dechenphu Lhakhang

In order to reach this religious and spiritual treasure you must climb a short distance up a staircase made of stone. The elevation once reached is 872 feet or 2660m. The chapel or goenkhang is red, imposing and tall and the site is dedicated to Gyenyen a powerful deity that can supply the weapons needed to an endless amount of soldiers. Next door you will find a Buddhist Monastary and the paintings have recently been restored to their former glory.

Taktshang Goemba

This is declared one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries and can be found perched cliffside 2952 feet or 900m above the bottom of the Paro valley. The only sounds one can hear are the soft sounds of wind and water along with the murmurs of the chanting monks. The founder of this monastery was said to have arrived on the back of a female tiger, hence the name means “tiger’s nest.” In 1998 a fire of suspicious origin destroyed the contents of the monastery along with the main building. It wasn’t until 2005 that the rebuilt site was reconsecrated before the king at a considerable cost.

Trongsa Dzong

Located high above the Mangde Chhu this fort/monastery is one of the most impressive that can be found in the kingdom of Bhutan. There is a succession of stunning courtyards along with spectacular Bhutanese architecture in the traditional mode. It is a site that no visitor to Bhutan wants to miss.

Bhutan remains a mysterious destination for most Western visitors that find it difficult to understand the religion and impulses that shaped this ancient land. One visit to Bhutan will convince you of the tranquility and beauty of this sacred nation.

If trekking is your passion then visiting Bhutan from the end of September until the latter part of November is the best time for you to visit. Seeing the majestic peaks of the mountains straining upwards into the clear blue sky is quite a sight to behold.

For those that like wildflowers in bloom, then the season to visit Bhutan is in the months of March through May. This is typically the second favorite season for which to travelers flock to Bhutan. Though it may be a bit cloudy and you may get some rain, the plant life and the abundance of birds during this season makes for some stunning vistas. Trekking and touring are typically popular tourist pastimes for this season.

The only season you are recommended to avoid is during the monsoons. The monsoon season is during the months of June, July and August. You may think you have seen stormy weather that included some vicious hurricanes, but the monsoon season in Bhutan is even more brutal.

Birdwatchers make time to visit the western area of Bhutan during the winter months. The southern jungles are thick with bird life and binoculars are almost a necessity if you are to be touring during this season. Winter days in Bhutan boast plenty of sunshine with just a hint of a nip in the air, though once the sun goes down it can be downright chilly. This is also a popular time for tourists to thrill to the sport of white water rafting.

If you visit during the months of December through February, there are certain areas of Bhutan that may be inaccessible because of snow. Traveling to Thimphu eastward to Bumthang may be a chore, so you may want to avoid these regions during these times.

No matter when you decide to visit the remote nation of Bhutan, nestled snuggly in the great mountain range of the Himalayas, you are sure to find a world unlike any other that makes any traveler’s must-see list.