The prestigious New York Times list of 46 Places to Go in 2013 is hot off the press, with Seven Skies favourite Bhutan coming in at number 5. The New York Times was enamoured with the luxury outposts, exquisite monasteries and lush national parks. We couldn’t agree more. Here is our list of the top 5 Bhutan experiences that keep us coming back for more.

No. 1: Soak up the atmosphere of a tsechu festival. Jam-packed with colour, culture and atmosphere, this is one of the most authentic cultural experiences still available. A true window into Bhutanese culture, and you’ll likely be one of only a handful of travellers.

No. 2: Trek to Bumdra Monastery. Slow and steady through pine forest, then feel your mouth drop as you reach the monastery grounds at 3,800 metres. Incredible views and all you’ll hear is the sound of prayer flags whipping in the breeze. Pinch yourself around the bonfire at night.

No. 3: Cheli La Pass cycling. Who wants to go uphill when you can go downhill? Take a drive from the Paro Valley floor to the pass at just under 4,000 metres. Then mix it up with a ride back down to Paro in the company of mountains, water prayer wheels and lush forests (and maybe a sambar deer if you are lucky).

No. 4: Red Panda Beer tasting with Fritz Maurer. It doesn’t get much better than this. Tour the intimate brewery with the colourful Fritz, sample one (or maybe two) of the iconic weissbiers, then wash it all down with some delicious local Gouda cheese. Memorable.

No. 5: Steam up in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. Hot river stones, warm flowing water, a wooden tub and views to die for. The ultimate soaking tub experience. Our favourite? Set in a remote farm field, open the wooden doors at Amankora Gangtey’s bathhouse to reveal incredible views of the glacial valley wilderness below. Sublime.