Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the last places in the Himalayas that hasn't been overrun by tourism. Holy Kailash Tours runs trips into this small kingdom, where Buddhist monasteries cling to cliffs, and the government tracks something called Gross National Happiness instead of GDP. It's an odd place to explain to people who haven't been.

Most trips start in Paro, home to the Tiger's Nest monastery, perched about 900 meters above the valley floor. From there, travelers usually head to Thimphu, the capital, then on to the Punakha valley, where rice fields spread out below an old fortress.

On a Bhutan tour with Holy Kailash Tours, you can expect:

• Guided visits to dzongs, monasteries, and local markets
• The hike up to Tiger's Nest, with enough time built in to take it slow
• Local hotels and guesthouses, not big chain resorts
• A guide who actually knows the country's history and Buddhist traditions
• Help sorting out Bhutan's visa and permit paperwork, which every foreign visitor needs

Bhutan caps the number of tourists allowed each year, so it's worth booking your trip well in advance.