Bima Sinkhole is a newly developed attraction in Oman and an incredibly enticing one, located between Muscat and Sur. Though called a sinkhole, it's a naturally formed cave that gives the impression of a massive pit created by a huge boulder crashing down.
Fort Mirani was built in the 16th century during the Portuguese occupation of Oman. It is a fort in the Portuguese architectural style, standing majestically in a position that corresponds to Fort Jalali across the bay. Fort Mirani and Fort Jalali are the guardians of Muscat; during wartime, any invasion of the city had to pass through these two forts. Fort Mirani was constructed on...
Fort Jalali was built in 1580 during the period of Portuguese occupation of Oman. It is a Portuguese-style fortress that stands impressively opposite Qalhat Fort (Mirani Fort). The two forts are considered twin fortresses, and mentioning one naturally brings the other to mind. Fort Jalali is among the finest examples of Omani defensive structures...
The Muscat City Gate Museum is located on Saidiya Street in the administrative center of Muscat. Opened to the public in 2001, this museum is different from most others—while typical museums are built from the ground up, the City Gate Museum was constructed atop a city gate,…
Introduction Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan (the government moved the capital to Thimphu in 1955) and is located in the central-northern part of the country at an altitude of 1,300 meters. The majestic Punakha Dzong (sPu-na-khardzong) is the second-largest dzong in Bhutan, built in 1657, situated at the confluence of the Pho-chu...
Simtokha Dzong is the oldest temple in Bhutan, built between 1626 and 1627 by Ngawang Namgyel. The temple enshrines Guru Rinpoche. Today, this Simtokha has been converted into a monastic college, where 200 students study Buddhism and Buddhist art. The Bhutanese...
Tongsa Dzong is one of the twenty dzongs in Bhutan, covering an area of 2,181 square kilometers with a population of approximately 19,460. Its capital is Tongsa. Located in Tongsa, the ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family and nobility, this dzong and its township rank among the most spectacular scenic sites in Bhutan. The dzong was initially established in the early 17th century by Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual leader of Bhutan...
Built in 1692, Paro Taktsang Monastery was severely damaged in a fire and rebuilt in 1998. It is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Bhutan and is recognized as one of the world’s top ten most amazing temples. Perched on a 3,000-foot cliff in the Paro Valley, the monastery is associated with the legendary second Buddha, Padmasambhava...
Attraction Introduction If you think there are no places on Earth that humans have never set foot in, then you're wrong. From the polar regions to some remote deserts, there are still countless places on our planet that remain untouched “virgin territories.” The reason these places are still unvisited is simply because no one wants to go there. …
Attraction Introduction Walking along the streets of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, I saw Bhutanese women wearing “kira” dresses that reach the ankles; men wear loose, wide-sleeved traditional robes called “gho,” with neatly folded snow-white cuffs and knee-length skirts with long socks. According to locals, the loose sleeves can double as pockets — just tuck items inside, pinch the cuff, and nothing will fall out.
Attraction Introduction Paro is home to the 17th-century Drugyel Temple, and its National Museum boasts an extremely rich collection that is well worth exploring in detail. The kingdom’s oldest temple, Kyichu Lhakhang, is also located here. It was built in 638 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The Drugyel area of Paro…
A renowned Buddhist monastery, the office of the current King of Bhutan, and the seat of the Je Khenpo (the spiritual leader of Bhutan) and the central monastic body. Tashichho Dzong is a famous Buddhist monastery in Bhutan and also serves as the government center of the capital city, Thimphu. It was first built in the 13th century...
Punakha Dzong is the oldest dzong in Bhutan and once served as the country’s capital, also known as the "Palace of Happiness." The term "Dzong" refers to fortress-monasteries that integrate administration, religion, and judiciary. Established in the early 17th century by Bhutan's first spiritual leader, Ngawang Namgyal, these structures functioned as both religious institutions and fortresses. Almost every major valley in Bhutan features a Dzong, serving as a stronghold against invasions. Punakha Dzong, built in 1636, is the second oldest dzong in the country. Bhutanese believe that the confluence of two rivers or paths is a sacred site where divine spirits gather. Located at the meeting point of the two main tributaries — the Mother River (Mo Chhu) and the Father River (Pho Chhu) — Punakha Dzong is exceptionally tranquil, with the gentle sound of flowing water. A large bodhi tree stands in the courtyard, its ancient branches towering overhead, while groups of young monks walk by, creating an atmosphere of profound serenity. Punakha Dzong (English: Punakha District) is one of the twenty dzongkhags (districts) in Bhutan, covering an area of 1,016 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 23,340, and its administrative center is Punakha.
The national animal of Bhutan—the Takin (Takin), a sheep-headed, cow-bodied creature that can only be seen in Bhutan, is said to have been created by the mad saint Drupka Kunley from animal bones. The Thimphu Takin Zoo (Thimphu Takin Zoo) showcases the national animal of Bhutan—the Takin (Takin), a unique sheep...
This is a cultural and leisure destination in Dubai. The resort features a new heritage park with a series of ancient wells, a reconstructed mosque, and a traditional village. At the Hatta Fort Hotel within the resort, you can enjoy activities such as crazy golf, archery, pigeon shooting, tennis, and swimming. Ticket/Opening hours…
The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the world’s only seven-star hotel. Located on an artificial island extending 280 meters into the Arabian Gulf, it resembles a billowing sail. The tower stands 321 meters tall with 56 floors, and was once the tallest hotel in the world—taller than the Eiffel Tower in France...
The World Islands are a collection of man-made islands shaped like the continents of the Earth, billed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Currently located offshore from Dubai, the islands were developed and are owned by Nakheel Properties, a Dubai-based company. The World Islands are situated 4.1 kilometers off the coast of Jumeirah, near the Palm Jumeirah, and lie…
Highlights The small hills and pine forests in the snow park are remarkably lifelike, and the complex is just steps away from the shopping mall. Description Ski Dubai is covered in snow all year round. Even in scorching temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, visitors can still enjoy walking on ice. It features the world’s third-longest indoor ski slope…
Highlights Visitors can take a traditional Arabic dhow to enjoy the views along both sides of Dubai Creek. Before the discovery of oil in 1960, locals mainly made a living by pearl diving and small-scale trade at the river mouths. The areas on both sides of Dubai Creek were almost just stretches of yellow sand with a few dilapidated houses…
The “World Islands” (The World Islands) are located off the coast of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Each island has an area ranging from 23,000 to 83,600 square meters, and adjacent islands are separated by at least 50 meters of sea. The original intention behind creating this geographical marvel was to form a miniature version of the Earth using 300...