Bhutan

This is due in no small part to the present hereditary monarchy, who continues to restrict the number of tourists entering Bhutan. Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product, and this policy is designed to protect the heritage of this profoundly traditional and religious society.

Bhutan is both beautiful and fascinating. Sacred mountains, often unnamed and un-climbed, soar above tropical forests and richly cultivated valleys. Spectacular fortified monasteries clinging to cliff tops, ancient legends and colourful festivals echo the unwavering Buddhist beliefs of the local people. The former Queen Mother perhaps described Bhutan best, as ‘a natural environment of beauty, peace and tranquillity, where cultural and spiritual values have been allowed to grow and flourish’.

Read our travel blog: The Last Shangri-La