Bhutan

Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom that has chosen to protect its forests, culture and way of life, and travelling there feels unlike anywhere else. Whitewashed dzongs, part fortress and part monastery, guard its valleys; prayer flags flutter on every pass; and the Tiger’s Nest monastery clings to a cliff high above the Paro valley. People still wear traditional dress to work, and archery is the national sport.

For Indian travellers it is close and welcoming. No visa is needed, the Indian rupee is widely accepted alongside the ngultrum, and hotels serve Indian vegetarian food as well as local dishes such as red rice and ema datshi, chillies cooked in cheese. Visitors pay a Sustainable Development Fee for each night, which supports the country’s conservation and public services, and we include it in your quote.

A week is ideal: fly into Paro, tour by private vehicle with a local guide through Thimphu and over the Dochula Pass to Punakha, then return to Paro for the Tiger’s Nest hike once you are used to the altitude. The pace is gentle, which suits families and senior travellers, while honeymooners love the quiet valley lodges.