Punakha Dzong

Probably the most beautiful dzong (fortress-monastery) in Bhutan, built in 1637 at the meeting of two rivers, the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu. Its whitewashed walls, gold roofs and carved woodwork are reached across a covered cantilever bridge. It was Bhutan's capital until 1955, and it's still the winter home of the central monastic body. In spring, the jacaranda trees in the courtyard flower purple.

It's about 3 hours by road from Thimphu over the Dochu La pass, with 108 stupas and, on a clear day, views of the high Himalaya. The Punakha Tshechu festival, with masked dances, is held in February or March. Bhutan is a great place for photography and festivals, but expect hotels to be simple and hot water sometimes in short supply in rural areas.