Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): This 17th-century monastery clings to a sheer granite cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. The 4–5 hour round-trip hike winds through pine forests and prayer flags before the monastery appears through the mist like a vision; start early, 7–8am, to catch soft morning light on the facade.

Visit Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this fortress monastery gleams white and gold against terraced rice paddies. Go in late afternoon when golden light catches the walls and the river reflects the sky.

Cross Dochula Pass: At 10,171 feet, this mountain crossing between Thimphu and Punakha offers one of the most staggering panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan range anywhere on Earth, with 108 white memorial chortens arranged on a hillside of prayer flags. Pack a layer, it’s cold even in October.

See the Buddha Dordenma above Thimphu: Standing 169 feet tall and gilded in gold, this is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, yet it feels like a quiet guardian rather than a spectacle. Come at sunset for the best light on the statue against the valley.

Drive slowly through the rice fields and villages between the major sites—the terraced paddies of the Punakha Valley, where women weave traditional textiles, and monks spin prayer wheels.

Farmhouse butter tea stops: Some of the best moments in Bhutan happen off the itinerary entirely, like a roadside farmhouse offering traditional butter tea to passing travelers.

In-lodge dining at Bhutan spirit Sanctuary, Six Senses, or COMO Uma Paro: Bhutan’s luxury properties are built around thoughtful, locally-inspired dining as part of the overall experience, so meals tend to be a highlight of the stay itself rather than a separate outing.