Bhutan, Valley to Valley

The journey.

Bhutan admits few and changes most of them. This is the kingdom done thoroughly — five valleys, lodge to lodge, at the altitude where prayer flags do their work and the air is thin enough to notice.

The valleys Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and beyond: a fortress-monastery at a river confluence, an archery match with locals who will out-shoot you, hot-stone baths and farmhouse dinners.

The climb The journey builds to Taktsang — the Tiger's Nest — reached on foot with a monk-scholar who turns the ascent into a conversation. You earn the view, which is the only way to have it.

A country that measures happiness, on a journey designed to raise yours.