Paro is one of Bhutan's most historic valleys, enriched by its close cultural ties with Tibet. A Bhutan holiday in this city will be a spiritually enlightening experience. On a tailor-made holiday to Bhutan, a must-see spot in Paro is the Taktshang.

This famous monastery was built around Taktshang Samdup Cave, a mountainside cave where the Tibetan preacher, Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated during the 8th century. A spiritual retreat to this sacred area would be an excellent addition to your Bhutan luxury holiday.

Taktshang monastery hangs off a cliff at 3120m, making it a magnificent sight to behold. Overlooking the Paro valley, views from the top are breathtaking. When visiting this sacred site on a Bhutan holiday, visitors ascend the mountainside either by foot or riding on the back of a mule.

Thimphu: The Capital City

Thimphu is Bhutan's capital city, and is the largest in the whole of the kingdom. A beautiful and peaceful place to visit while on a Bhutan holiday is the Phajoding Monastery. The monastery is a 3 hour hike above Thimphu, starting from a water tower in a forest above the city.

The monastery was founded by the Tibetan Togden, Pajo, in the 13th century. The walk up to the monastery is beautiful, with forest lining your way, and mountain goats waiting to greet you along your path. It is important to remember the low-altitude limitations, and allow time for an easy, slow walk upwards. The hike is definitely worth it, and a spiritual retreat awaits you at the top.

The Many Spiritual Sites of Bhumtang

There are a large number of temples and spiritual sites in the Bhumtang area, making it an ideal place to include in a tailor-made holiday to Bhutan. The city is divided into 4 main mountain valleys: Ura, Chumey, Tang and Chokor. 'Bhumtang' translates as 'beautiful field,' so you know you're in for a scenic experience in this region.

The Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery is one of the best spots to visit while on holiday in Bhutan. It is located in a valley, and is the final resting place of the remains of the first 3 Kings of Bhutan. There is a large tree behind the temple which is believed to be a terma (a spiritual object which contains the teachings of a spiritual master). This terma is thought to have been left by Padmasambhava.

A Constant Vigil in Punakha

Being the winter home of Bhutan's Central Monk body, Punakha is certainly a spiritual city to include on your tailor-made holiday in Bhutan. Since the 1680s, the district has been a site of the spiritual vigil over the body of Shabdrung Namgyal, who was the founder of the country. His remains lie in a special chamber. The area is located at the confluence of 2 rivers, the Pha Chhu and Mo Chhu (male and female rivers), and is notable as being a place of spiritual worship.

Haa District's 3 Temples

The central feature of the Haa District is the steep north-south valley with its narrow floor. This valley is not only beautiful but also productive, with potatoes, chillies and apples being farmed in the area. 78% of Haa is covered in forest, making it a scenically diverse place to visit on a Bhutan holiday.

In 2002 the valley was opened to foreign tourism, and 3 temples constitute the central tourist attractions. The Black and White Temples were built in the 7th century, alongside the Haa Gonpa which lies further up the valley. During the 10th day of the 11th month of the Bhutanese calendar year, liturgical ceremonies worshipping Amithabha Buddha are held, making this a good time to visit on a Bhutan holiday.

Sharon Evans is an India holiday expert for Tropical Locations, a specialist operator providing Bhutan holidays http://www.tropical-locations.com/countryBhutan.php?s_hotel_town=bhutan&pagename=bhutan as well as holidays in India's Golden Triangle, the Far East, Indian Ocean & Arabia. Tropical Locations has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants ready to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.