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Favorite thing: It is a short and hard walk (3 hours up, 1,5 down) but the place is wonderfull!
It is a perfect 1/2 trip from Paro.

Bhutan is a wonderfull country.
If you go, I strongly recomend to contact Bhutan Travel: it is a middle size agency based in Timphu with a perfect service and organisation. Ask for Mr Daza, the general manager and Mr Palden a perfect guide: www.tourbhutantravel.com
Philippe

Favorite thing: My family and I went to Bhutan in June this year and let me tell you, the trip was amazing. we initially had problems getting information on Bhutan and especially finding a local travel agent who would'nt clean us dry. After spending weeks on the internet and through some personal friends in Asia, i managed to get in touch with Mr Rinchhen of A Middle Path to BHUTAN (http://www.middlepath2bhutan.com/) . With his help, I managed to sort things out and my trip to Bhutan became a reality. Helpful, kind, always ready to assist and above all a true gentleman, Mr Rinchhen is what travel consultants should be.

Fondest memory: Thimphu, Paro and Punakha are the main places to see in Bhutan. This country is a magical land hidden away in the Himalayas. For those who havent been to Bhutan, all i can say is a trip in a lifetime is a must. You will not regret the memories you bring back with you. Go for it - you only live once!

Favorite thing: Bhutan is hidden in the Himalayas. Here is one of the most beautiful valleys called Phubjikha valley which carves itself through the mountain slopes. It makes me think of the symphonic poem "The Moldau" by Smetana.

The mountain slopes are to my surprise very gentle, probably because it's cushioned by the tall cypress. The flat land are always patches of paddy fields.

I like the mountains, tall trees, the greens, blue sky and radiant smiles of everybody.

Favorite thing: Bhutan reminds a lot of westerners of Switzerland, no matter by its shape, the area, rolling mountains, green forests, pasture, chalets in the mountains...

There should at least be one more thing in common, both countries are very expensive as travel destinations.

They are both beautiful too, very well reserved. I have to say it's very smart to manage a country in such a way.

Fondest memory: You are not watched in Bhutan as you are in other countries, like Nepal. Nobody comes up to you everyday and asks "Where are you from?" Nobody follows you to try to sell you something, or cadge...

I always wonder if Bhutanese have curiosities about the world; or are they just shy?

Favorite thing: Monasteries aboud, here. Dzongs and Chortens, with shining " stupas ", elaborately carved and painted woodwork, huge prayer wheels, solemn gong of prayer bells, sweet fumes of burning incense and beautiful, delicate wax figurines and prayer lamps.

Fondest memory: The fondest memory of Bhutan are Sonam and his family and the time we spent with them, both doing sightseeing and in their home. They were so friendly and nice people and we dont know how to thank them for all they did for us. Without their help we would never have been able to visit Bhutan. They certainly did so that we left Bhutan with a very positive attitude towards that beautiful country. THE PHOTO:
ME AND MUM WITH SONAM AND FAMILYMEMBERS.

Favorite thing: You should take the times during the big tsechus. The hole aerea is then at the Dzongs and 1000 things will happen around you. Take the time and think about, that all this dances and music is not a tourist howabow - it is a deep religious ceremony ( ok the Bhutanese more use it as a yearly 'see-and-be-seen'. But you will feel the deep spiritual power there - if you like to feel it !

Fondest memory: It was a spontan meeting with an old monk, reading religious textes. I came in the tempel and found myself in another world. The monk just looked in my eyes for a part of a second, but I understand, that there is more than a western brain is able to understand.

Favorite thing: bring a camera
pic from cyberia

Fondest memory: Bhutan is a nice destination, all the colors are brilliant there, in my opinion, because its closer to the sun. It was such a weird experience there, because they have this royal family and this upper class thing, which is probably something like the Royal Courts of Europe c. 1600.

At the top are all these catty, bantering philanderers with western educations and laser discs and a fridge full of king-sized beers. Additionally they each have an entire contingent of servants at their beck an call, ready to dispense aforementioned at a moments notice. Or to perform menial tasks such as sew buttons, amuse the children, receive verbal abuse, etc. If you are an unlucky servant who falls into disfavour, you will never work in Thimphu again.

Then there are the 99.9% of the population who are subsistence-level farmers, whose beasts are run down by members of the royalty in Toyota Land Cruisers on a weekly basis. There are many fine castles and fortresses, nice homes and very good food. So although the standard of living in monetary terms is low, the quality of life seems high.

The many Buddhist devotees across the land seem to enjoy schlepping provisions up to the Buddhist monks in their 4000 meter high Buddhist temples as an act of charity. Everyone seems to believe in reincarnation too, so any misfortune or injury is easily attributable to a misdeed in a former life. Also, if you are a member of the royal family, your children will be found to be reincarnations of great figures from the past.

My friend's sister was divorced from her Bhutanese husband about three years ago, and moved with her two children (both reincarnation of wisemen) back to New Hampshire. Many people in the top circles are neurotic or have gone completely insane.