Experience the best of Thimphu

Thimphu lies at about 2,300 metres on the Wang Chhu river in western Bhutan. Tashichho Dzong, a whitewashed fortress-monastery with golden roofs, holds government offices and the king's throne room. Buildings across the valley follow the traditional style, with painted wooden windows and sloping roofs. The Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the third king, is a white stupa that worshippers circle all day.

On a ridge above town, the Buddha Dordenma, a bronze statue about 50 metres high, looks over the valley. The Motithang Takin Preserve keeps the takin, Bhutan's odd-looking national animal, and the Folk Heritage Museum recreates a traditional farmhouse. The road east climbs to Dochula Pass, hung with prayer flags and 108 chortens, and goes on to the great dzong at Punakha, while Paro and its cliffside monastery lie to the west.

Ema datshi, chillies stewed with local cheese, is the national dish, eaten with red rice, and momos and salty butter tea are everywhere. Archery is the national sport, with matches played on open fields. The clearest skies come in spring and autumn, and the autumn Thimphu Tshechu brings masked dances to the dzong.