Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the closest international destinations to Bangladesh — a short flight to Paro, or an overland route via the border town of Phuentsholing. It manages tourism deliberately: independent foreign visitors pay a Sustainable Development Fee per night (rates have changed several times, so confirm the current amount and any regional concessions before planning). The result is uncrowded trails and well-kept sites.

Most trips centre on the western valleys. Paro has the country's only international airport, the National Museum in a round watchtower, and the trek up to the Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery, which clings to a cliff 900 m above the valley floor — a half-day hike that is the defining image of Bhutan.

Thimphu, the small capital, has no traffic lights, the giant Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the city, the weekend market, the Motithang takin preserve (the national animal), and traditional arts and textile institutions. The drive east crosses the Dochula Pass, lined with 108 stupas and, on a clear day, a wall of white Himalayan peaks.

Punakha, lower and warmer, has Bhutan's most beautiful dzong at the junction of two rivers, a suspension bridge, and gentle valley walks. With more time, the Phobjikha Valley is a glacial bowl where black-necked cranes winter.

Things to do are cultural and outdoors: visiting dzongs and temples (dress respectfully, some inner areas are closed to non-worshippers), attending a tshechu festival with masked dances if your dates align, day hikes, archery matches, and a hot-stone bath. Food is chilli-heavy — ema datshi (chillies and cheese) is the national dish — with rice, buckwheat, momos and butter tea; menus in hotels are milder and often include Indian and continental options.

March–May brings blossoms and clear mornings; September–November has the best mountain visibility and festival season. Winter is cold but bright at lower elevations; the monsoon (June–August) is green but wet with cloud on the passes.

There are no domestic flights or trains for tourists; travel is by road with a driver, on winding mountain highways, so build in generous transfer times.