Paro Tsechu in Paro Dzong, Bhutan

You'll be mesmerized by the swirling dances, bright, elaborate costumes and hypnotic music at the deeply symbolic Buddhist festival of Paro Tsechu, the most important in Bhutan. Join thousands of devotees at the 16th-century Paro Dzong monastic fortress, set in the lush Paro Valley, with sheer forested mountains rising around it.

Paro Dzong sits on the site of a holy temple built by Guru Rinpoche, who arrived here on the back of a tigress during his crusade from Tibet to Bhutan more than a millennium ago. He was born on the tenth day of the lunar month, when the tsechu (festival) is held in his honor -- and he is said to appear riding on the rays of the sun.

One of the first things you'll see are the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and flocks of traditionally dressed Bhutanese. They come to prove their Buddhist faith and receive blessings, waiting expectantly for the final day when a four-storey, 350-yearold throngdrel (religious picture) is unfurled at dawn as the music reaches its climax. Just seeing the tapestry is believed to cleanse your sins.

On the last two days, monks and lay people perform in the festival dances and dramas as an act of meditation. Masked and dressed in costumes of silk brocade, dancers demonstrate the triumph of good over evil to the haunting sounds of trumpets, cymbals and flutes. Every step has deep symbolic meaning and re-enacts visions seen by Bhutan's great Buddhist saints.

When: Five days in mid-March. All day.

Don't miss: The folk songs and clowning between the dances, when plenty of butter tea or potent barley alcohol is consumed.

About the crowd: Thousands of Bhutanese Buddhists, dressed in bright traditional clothes, and a few tourists. This is one of the most important Buddhist festivals in Bhutan's calendar, so respect for tradition is vital.

Insider tip: Arrive early in the day if you want a seat and a good view.

What else?: The National Museum of Bhutan close to Paro Dzong has 13 galleries covering Bhutanese Buddhism, ceremonial scroll paintings, prehistoric and religious items, arms and armour, natural history and crafts.

Get there: The national airline, Druk-Air, flies to Paro International Airport, less than an hour from Calcutta, Kathmandu and Dhaka. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan. The Tourism Council of Bhutan website has a list of tour operators.

Price: Free.

Information: Bhutan Tourism (tel. +975 2 323251; www.kingdomofbhutan.com)