Bhutan

Overview

The Kingdom of Bhutan ( Dzongkha : འབྲུག་ཡུལ་ , Druk Yul ) is a small country in the Himalayas between Tibet and India . Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbours. Bhutan is a bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life.

Perched high in the Himalayas, Bhutan is the world's only Vajrayana Buddhist country. Furthermore, as an initiative of the fourth king, it has developed the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, whereby development is measured using a holistic approach of well-being, not just based on gross domestic product. As part of this philosophy, all citizens receive free education and medical care.

Culturally, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist with Dzongkha as a national language (although there are regional variations – such as Sharchopkha , the predominant language in Eastern Bhutan ), and a common dress code and architectural style. Bhutanese people primarily consist of the Ngalops and Sharchops, called the Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese, and Lhotshamphas (Southern Bhutanese), a people of Nepalese origin, respectively. The Ngalops primarily consist of Bhutanese living in the western part of the country. Their culture is closely related to that of their neighbour to the north, Tibet.

The Druk is the Thunder Dragon of Tibetan and Bhutanese mythology. As the national symbol of Bhutan, it appears on the national flag holding jewels in its claws. In Dzongkha, Bhutan is called Druk Yul ("Land of Druk"), and Bhutanese leaders are called Druk Gyalpo , "Thunder Dragon Kings".

Sights and landscapes

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Paro . This is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world, and Guru Rinpoche visited here in the 8th century on his second visit to Bhutan. It is the most recognised and visited monument in Bhutan. It is believed that he arrived on the back of a winged tigress, hence the name, Tiger's Nest. The temple is built on a 1,200-metre cliff and was built in 1692.

Kurje Lhakhang , Jakar . A temple built around a cave with a body print of Guru Rinpoche embedded in the wall. Guru Rinpoche practiced meditation here on his first visit to Bhutan and as such it is the earliest Buddhist relic in the country.

Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Thimphu. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. The Buddha Dordenma is among the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu. At a height of 51.5 m (169 ft), it is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world.

Experiences

Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and competitions are held throughout the country at most weekends. Visitors are very welcome to watch and also to add voice to the boisterous cheering that accompanies these events.

Hot Stone Bath : The hot stone bath is a ritual in itself, riverside rocks are heated till red hot and gradually dropped into a wooden tub filled with water and scattered with Artemisia leaves. The burning rocks heat the water gradually and thus release minerals in to the water. Traditionally these bath are done near a river bed with plenty of supplies of stones and water and preferably after dark in the open air.

Week end Market in Thimphu: Every weekend, a market is held near the vegetable market (sabji bazaar), where artisans from all over the region come to sell their wares. On one side of the river, farmers sell their produce, while on the other, there is Bhutanese handcraft market selling colourful masks, religious artifacts, dresses, tools, swords and other curios.

Culture and food

Rice is a staple with every meal; traditionally red rice, but white rice is now common too. Vegetable or meat dishes cooked with chilli and/or cheese comprise the accompanying cuisine.

Bhutanese food has one predominant flavour – chilli. This small red condiment is not only added to every dish but is also often eaten raw. So, if you don't like spicy-hot food, make this abundantly clear before ordering a meal. Otherwise, you'll be spending the next hour dousing your mouth with cold yoghurt or milk.

Planning your route

Bhutan does not have addresses, though streets in the bigger towns, such as Thimphu, have been designated names, which come before the suffix lam , meaning street or road. As an example, the main street in Thimphu is Norzin Lam. Monasteries are called by their specific names, followed by the word for monastery or temple in Dzongkha – Lhakhang or Goempa (Gompa). As an example, Khurjey Lhakhang is a famous monastery in Jakar.

Plane travel is a fast and relatively safe alternative to tackling Bhutan's twisty roads, but schedules are sparse and flights are cancelled at the drop of a hat. Druk Air and Bhutan Airways (aka Tashi Air) fly from Paro (Thimphu) to Yongphula Airport near Trashigang and Bathpalathang Airport in Jakar , Bumthang region, and to Gelephu close to the Indian border, in the southern central region.

Travel guide text compiled and adapted from Wikivoyage article (contributors). Sections were selected and reordered for this guide. Text is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Check current arrangements with your travel consultant.