Trek through fabled Himalayan vallyes with Lonely Planet Bhutan travel guide

Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. Lonely Planet is your passport to Bhutan, with amazing travel experiences and the best planning advice.

Ascend the steep path the Taktshang Goemba, trek through fabled Himalayan vallyes, and get a blessing from a wooden phallus at the tsechu; all with your trusted travel companion.


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Lonely Planet author Bradley Mayhew describes why he loves Bhutan. "There is so much to love about Bhutan, but it's the sacred side of the country I enjoy the most. I love joining pilgrims as they look for saints' footprints in a rock face, or explain monastery history in terms of flying tigers and unruly demons. On one hike alone, a reincarnated lama blessed me with a thangka made from the nose blood of a saint and then hit me on the back with the stone footprints of a divine skywalker. From Gross National Happiness to crazy wisdom, a journey to Bhutan is a journey into a different reality."

Bhutan Top 10

1. Taktahang Goemba

2. Terrific Tsechus

3. Himalayan Treks

4. Archery

5. Haa Valley

6. Punakha Dzong

7. Traditional Textiles

8. Gross National Happiness

9. Bumthang

10. Paro Dzong & National Museum
Inside Lonely Planet’s Bhutan Travel Guide:

- Full-colour maps and images throughout

- Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

- Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

- Honest review for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

- Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - Bhutan today, history, the Bhutanese way of life, Buddhism, arts, architecture, wildlife, environment, food, drink

Coverage includes: Thimphu, Western Bhutan, Central Bhutan, Eastern Bhutan, Treks and more

Writers: Bradley Mayhew, Joe Bindloss, Lindsay Brown

Get to the heart of Bhutan and begin your journey now!