The Kingdom of Bhutan teeters between contemporary and medieval: monks transcribe ancient Buddhist texts into laptop computers, traditionally dressed archers use alloy-steel bows and arrows, and its farsighted leaders maintain Bhutan’s environment and unique culture. The king is supposed to have said, ‘l m not as much concerned about the Gross National Product as l am about the Gross National Happiness’. Since Bhutan’s doors in 1974, visitors have been mesmerized by spectacular Himalayan scanery, impressive architecture and hospitable people.

September to November when skies are clear and the high mountain peaks visible

Experiencing the extraordinary friendliness and warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people River-rafting down remote, stunningly beautiful rivers, from small alpine runs like the Paro Chhu to the big water Puna Tsang Chhu Exploring ancient and precious Buddhist at Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland Marvelling at the imposing Trashi Chhoe Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion )at Thimphu and visiting ‘the painting school’ below it Spotting black-necked cranes at the glacial valley of Phobjika on the western slopes of the Black Mountains

Read A Baby in a Backpack to Bhutan, an engaging, amusing adventure by Bunty Avieson, who quit her job and traveled with her newborn baby Bhutan

Listen to Music to Meditate By: Tibetan Buddhist Rites From the Monasteries of Bhutan, Vol. 1: Rituals of the Drukpa by the Thimphu Monastic Orchestra

Watch Little Buddha, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starring Keanu Reeves-partly set and filmed in Bhutan The Other Final, a documentary about a football match between Bhutan and Montserrat, the world’s worst soccer teams in 2002.

Eat Tibetan-style momos (filled steamed dumplings), yak meat, and ema dates (chillies and cheese) – but not all at once!

Dzong (the iconic white, fortress-style monastery)

The last Himalayan Buddhist kingdom; colourful, hand-woven textiles; unsurpassed beauty; ancient myths and legends; a hair descent into Paro airport; a place for inspiration and solitude; prayer flags, beads and wheels; dates (archery) enthusiasts

Thimphu is the only world capital without traffic lights. One set was installed, but residents complained that was too impersonal

ln a mountain village named Laya, l was standing in a schoolhouse and staring at a document entitled Manual for Teachers of Mathematics. What caught my eye is something that is offered as a ‘first rule;’ Always remember that you are a human being as well as a teacher, that your students are also human beings, and that you are here because you have something important to give them that need.’