Bhutan

Nestled in the Himalaya mountain range, Bhutan is blissfully untouched. Here you can step back in time and experience a life of ancient tradition playing out in front of you.

Bhutan’s location in the mighty Himalaya has protected it from the rest of the world and left it unspoilt through the centuries. For example, the Bhutanese people still wear traditional dress while archery is a national sport.

The Drukpa Kagyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism is prevalent and has left the country with a rich culture and a fascinating history. The Bhutanese people have protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded in a closely guarded isolation.

Scott Dunn’s highlights for Bhutan:

The spiritual centre of Bhutan, visit Bumthang for its ancient 7th century temples. Stay for at least three nights in the Choekhor Valley, to make the most of Bumthang’s stunning sacred sights.
Take the challenge and Hike to Tigers Nest, the gateway to the Taktsang Dzong monastery. It's stunning beauty, 900m above the valley, will make the steep journey worth the climb.

Bumthang is one of the most historic districts of Bhutan, littered with ancient temples and sacred sites, leading it to be known as Bhutan's 'spiritual heart'. Bumthang is also accredited as the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. Many of these ancient buildings such as the 7th century Jampa Lhakhang are decorated with vibrant wall paintings and richly adorned altars that all have fascinating storie

Gangtey is located in the Phobjikha valley and is a popular area for trekking, with routes that start from the Gangteng Gonpa in the Phobjika Valley and pass the Kumbu village, the Gedachen and Khebayathang villages, and terminate in the Kungathang Lhakhang. A short trek of about 90 minutes known as the 'Gangte Nature Trail' is also available. The valley is rich in wildlife and famed as an ideal l

The tranquil and dramatic Paro valley is one of the most flourishing places in Bhutan. The town of Paro is characterised by ornate 3-storey farmhouses and beautiful forests of blue pine, set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. There’s a great deal to see and do in the valley, from visiting the monumental Dzong, to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and seat of government until 1955, before Thimphu took the title, but it still retains the stately atmosphere of its past and offers breathtaking views of the snowy Himalayas. The climate is more tropical here due to the lower altitude. The dzong (fort-monastery), located on an island at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, is particularly impressive

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, is a two-hour drive from Paro or one and a half hours directly from Paro’s international airport. At an altitude of 2,350m, Thimphu lies in a steep valley surrounded by richly-forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and lhakhangs (temples). The town is centred around the quaint Clock Tower and is home to many attractions including the National Textile Mus