Carola finds bliss in Bhutan and Nepal
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4.9/5 (992 reviews)

Many parts of Bhutan feel like an otherwordly, glorious paradox, and perhaps none more so than the capital city, Thimphu. Surrounded by forested mountains and spread out along the Raidāk River, it was barely more than a village when the King declared it the face of ‘new’ Bhutan in 1961 and it exploded into life. Today, it’s slowly modernising and you’ll spot the famous ‘traffic light’ policeman alongside cool cafes and restaurants, shops selling handmade paper and traditional arrows alongside cellphone credit, and red-robed monks sipping lattes. We recommend wandering the crooked streets to the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and the National Library, before heading to the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices – and completely nail-free! Then, hike to Cheri Goemba, the first monastery in the country, to complete a rather eccentric but lovely stay.
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Paying a visit to the Changlimithang Stadium to watch the bowmen practise their archery skills. It’s the country’s national sport and an impressive sight and there’s usually a good dose of ritualistic singing and dancing (when they hit target, of course).
We’ve got a couple of insider's tips here. Head into the valley and ogle at the gigantic, 51-metre tall Buddha Dordenma – and leave time to count all 125,000 mini Buddhas inside – and visit the weekend market for organic produce and other, er, unusual delicacies…
Compared to Bhutan’s bucolic countryside, Thimphu is a thumping, pumping city; in anyone else’s book, it’s little more than a small town! It’s a fascinating insight into contemporary Bhutanese culture and a welcome respite in a rural itinerary, but hustling and bustling it is not.
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Dry Season — a quieter time to visit
Dry Season — a quieter time to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Wet Season — a quieter time to visit
Wet Season — a quieter time to visit
Wet Season — a quieter time to visit
Wet Season — a good time to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — a good time to visit
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