Bhutan, a country around the size of Switzerland that only opened its borders to tourism in the 70s, is a wonderful destination for a trekking holiday or cultural tour. Bhutan tours can take in so much, from the memorable festivals, to the breathtaking mountain scenery and the friendly people, the country is really like no other. If you still need convincing, here’s a breakdown of what makes the country so special.

The Unspoilt Nature of the Landscape

The Bhutanese, having only opened their doors to tourism in 1974, have been extremely careful to maintain their traditions and avoid any damage to their country’s beautiful landscapes. There is no domestic air service, no helicopters and not a single line of railway track – the only way around the country is by road or on foot. Simply put, there’s nowhere on Earth that feels this far removed from the stress and strain of modern life – it really is a breath of fresh mountain air!

The Beautiful Sights

This unspoilt nature of Bhutan is directly tied in with the main attraction of the country: its magnificent and unforgettable sights. Whether you’re taking in the amazing views of the Himalaya on a trekking holiday in Bhutan, or enjoying a cultural tour of the fascinating Buddhist monasteries, you can be sure that you’re never far from a stunning sight or an unforgettable image in this traditional paradise.

The Wonderful Festivals

If you are lucky enough to be on a tailor made holiday in Bhutan at the same time as one of the country’s major festivals, you’re in for a memorable treat. Tsechus are the country’s most impressive festivals, and take place in Bhutan’s monasteries and dzongs to celebrate the deeds of Buddha and to honour Guru Rinpoche – who Buddhism to Bhutan. Colourful traditional dress, energetic masked dancing and lively religious plays are some of the highlights of a tsechu, all wrapped up in a sense of spectacular pageantry. Tsechus are also great social occasions and nothing really shows the happy spirit of the Bhutanese locals like attending a festival. So, if you’re taking a trekking holiday in Bhutan during festival season, be sure to make one part of your holiday plans!

The Charming Locals

The term Gross National Happiness was coined by the country’s former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1972 to measure quality of life in Bhutan; a more holistic approach than the traditional economic-focused Gross National Product. Using this innovative measurement, Bhutan was rated the happiest country in Asia in 2006. The friendly happy attitude of the local people, who still lead a very traditional way of life, is eagerly extended to foreign visitors. It is in the country’s culture to treat each guest with great hospitality, so you are sure to feel entirely welcome wherever you go in Bhutan.

The Fascinating Culture

If you’re at all interested in the Buddhist way of life, then a tailor made holiday to Bhutan can allow you to wander around the fascinating ancient dzongs and temples taking in the traditions, history, architecture and fascinating culture of the country. They really are extremely beautiful and offer serenity unfamiliar to many of us from a more western way of life.

Simply put, a tour of Bhutan should be a must on any adventure traveller’s agenda. I’m hard- pushed to think of anywhere in the world further removed from the stress and pace of modern life. A tailor made holiday to Bhutan allows you to relax, unwind and enjoy a cultural mountain Shangri-La, little-changed by the modernising world – and that alone makes it worth any serious traveller’s time and attention.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have arranged tailor made holidays in Bhutan for many years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia http://mountainkingdoms.com/bhutan-holidays.ihtml.