Nicknamed Shangri-la, travelers can look to Bhutan's Thimphu for mountainside adventures among the exotic Himalayan highlands.
Located in a wooded valley in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, the remoteness of Thimphu is immediately apparent. Because of its ruggedness, visitors who are up for true wilderness will find it in its finest form here. Crystal clear lakes are located among dense forests, while meandering rivers make their cool paths up and down the steep slopes throughout and around town.
The charms of traditional Thimphu culture reign strong as well. Mobile phones are a rare occurrence, and large-scale advertisements and worldwide companies have barely touched the surface of this largely unknown region. One of the city's greatest attractions is its weekend market, as much a spot to buy local wares as it is a congregating area for locals. Travelers can buy chewy dried fish or beef, or even a leg of yak - if the season is right - while they meander through groups of housewives, citizens of nearby villages and monks.
For an adventure into the artisan world of Thimphu, travelers can visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where travelers can explore the art of handmade Bhutanese paper.
The true Shangri-la, Thimphu
Posted on Tuesday, Feb. 7th, 2012
