Tashichho Dzong (right) is a focal point in Bhutan's capital city of Thimphu. It's the main secretariat building and houses the offices of the king.
Thimphu —
Tashichho Dzong (right) is a focal point in Bhutan's capital city of Thimphu. It's the main secretariat building and houses the offices of the king.
Kuni Takahashi/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Trekking is the quintessential activity in Bhutan, offering visitors an intense experience of high-altitude nature at its most dramatic.
What to do in Bhutan —
Trekking is the quintessential activity in Bhutan, offering visitors an intense experience of high-altitude nature at its most dramatic.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti
The Taktsang Lhakhang monastery is Bhutan's most famous attraction.
Majority Buddist country —
The Taktsang Lhakhang monastery is Bhutan's most famous attraction.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti
Bhutan officially targets "high value, low impact" tourism.
Unique opportunities —
Bhutan officially targets "high value, low impact" tourism.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti
Strategically located at the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers to protect Bhutan from Tibetan invasions, Punakha Dzong is the country's greatest fortress.
Punakha Dzong —
Strategically located at the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers to protect Bhutan from Tibetan invasions, Punakha Dzong is the country's greatest fortress.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti
Punakha Dzong fortress is home to the most sacred of Bhutan's possessions: an image of the Bodhisattva of Compassion that Guru Rinpoche brought with him from Tibet.
Punakha Dzong —
Punakha Dzong fortress is home to the most sacred of Bhutan's possessions: an image of the Bodhisattva of Compassion that Guru Rinpoche brought with him from Tibet.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti
Flanked by India and China, Bhutan has a rich Buddhist culture. The Memorial Chorten Monastery (pictured) is located in Thimphu.
Buddhist influence —
Flanked by India and China, Bhutan has a rich Buddhist culture. The Memorial Chorten Monastery (pictured) is located in Thimphu.
courtesy Mark Wiens
Pilgrims can be found prostrating themselves at religious sites around the country.
Devotees —
Pilgrims can be found prostrating themselves at religious sites around the country.
courtesy Mark Wiens
Oxford-educated Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck married Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011.
Royal family —
Oxford-educated Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck married Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011.
courtesy Mark Wiens
Some 60% of the country is covered in forest.
Green nation —
Some 60% of the country is covered in forest.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti
Cross-country treks and cycling paths are great ways to experience the Himalayan kingdom. You'll find suggested excursions in the guide below.
Wild land —
Cross-country treks and cycling paths are great ways to experience the Himalayan kingdom. You'll find suggested excursions in the guide below.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti
Cycling is an emerging tourist activity in Bhutan.
New adventure —
Cycling is an emerging tourist activity in Bhutan.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti
The Changlimithang national stadium in Thimpu has hosted international games such as World Cup qualifiers and celebrations like this 2014 party celebrating the king's 34th birthday.
Changlimithang Stadium —
The Changlimithang national stadium in Thimpu has hosted international games such as World Cup qualifiers and celebrations like this 2014 party celebrating the king's 34th birthday.
courtesy Mark Wiens
Dominating the Paro Valley, Paro Dzong fortress was built in the 1600s as a symbol of religious and political authority.
Paro Dzong —
Dominating the Paro Valley, Paro Dzong fortress was built in the 1600s as a symbol of religious and political authority.
courtesy Andrea Oschetti