Bhutan
Locally known as ‘Druk Yul’ or ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia, situated in the Eastern Himalayas, between China in the north and India in the south, and is the safest travel destination in the region according to the Global Peace Index (GPI) of 2022 carried out by Institute of Economic and Peace.
Slightly smaller than Switzerland, Bhutan covers just 14,800 square miles (38,400 square kilometers) of territory. This small, Himalayan kingdom is awash with historical, religious and adventure-filled attractions. Its awe-inspiring mountainous landscape is matched in its brilliance by the country’s enchanting and vibrant culture. A striking place of magic and myth, the lush Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan brims with a wealth of natural beauty, vibrant culture, spiritual and historical attractions and intrepid adventure.
Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures happiness as output. Happiness is measured by way of an index known as Gross National Happiness which is considered more important than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The king and the government of Bhutan are very careful to ensure that their people live a happy and fulfilling life.
Buddhism in Bhutan is not a religion; it’s a way of life. Buddhism is deeply engrained in the society mentality; thus, the country is very peaceful. Many monasteries are across the country, but Paro Taktshang is a revered monastery for over 300 years, and is situated on a cliff above the Paro Valley. The monastery was built in 1692. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew on this cliff from Tibet on the back of a flaming tigress.
Bhutan is a country that protected its culture and tradition well, where you will find people still wear traditional clothes. Bhutanese are required to wear traditional clothes in public. Men dress in Gho and women in Kira, traditional attire when going to religious sites, government institutions, work and school.
Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until the mid-20th century. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage. Hinduism is the second most dominant religion in Bhutan, being most prevalent in the southern regions.
The land consists mostly of steep and high mountains. In the Bhutanese Himalayas, there are peaks higher than 7,000 meters (23,000 ft) above sea level. Gangkhar Puensum is Bhutan’s highest peak and is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Other highest unclimbed mountains in the world include Mount Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake, etc. The government prohibits mountaineering in the peaks which the Bhutanese believe are the abode of deities and spirits.
Bhutan’s climate varies with elevation, from subtropical in the south to temperate in the highlands and polar-type climate with year-round snow in the north.
Celebrated for its ethos of sustainability and unwavering focus on promoting responsible tourism, Bhutan is the leading green destination in the world. Bhutan is blanketed in forest, creating a carbon negative environment and a destination to enjoy the fresh, crisp mountain air and pristine pollution free skies.
Bhutan has a rich primate life, with rare species such as the golden langur, a variant Assamese macaque, which is regarded by some authorities as a new species, Macaca munzala. Bhutan is also home to some exceptional wildlife including Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, red panda, Himalayan black bear, black-necked cranes, Himalayan musk deer, Asiatic black bear, sloth bear, leopards and the grey wolf. Besides, more than 770 species of bird have been recorded in Bhutan. The globally endangered white-winged duck has been added recently in 2006 to Bhutan’s bird list.
Located in the eastern Himalayas, there is no better way to enjoy Bhutan’s mountains than trekking. The kingdom is home to some of the most beautiful treks in the world. March to May, September, and October are the best months for hiking. There are different levels of trekking trails to suit any style, from easy to difficult.
Wholesome and hearty, Bhutanese dishes consist of curries, stews and rice, all packed with chili peppers to maintain a feeling of warmth. A favorite is Bhutan’s national dish, ema datshi, melted yak’s cheese served with hot chili peppers – delicious
Include Bhutan in your bucket list. It is a prosperous and happy country with so much to offer.