Bhutan: Kingdom In The Clouds

Bhutanese Buddhist monk looking out the window of a monastery. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

THE KINGDOM OF GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS

It would not be an exaggeration to say that The Kingdom of Bhutan is akin to land that exists in fairytale stories. Thankfully for all of us its anything but a fairytale story, rather it’s a country, one of a handful in what is a globalized and borderless realm, where old world charm and a distinctly unique way of life has still been preserved throughout the ages and continues to flourish even in the face of modernization. A kingdom now gaining more and more recognition for all the right reasons, Bhutan is that kingdom in the clouds bathed in its rich Buddhist cultural traditions and norms that still pay a lot of the respect to old age wisdom and the profound ways of the elders.

Today Bhutan – the Land of the Thunder Dragon – is one of the most sought after travel destinations. With its distinctly conservationist and sustainable policy and approach of “Low Volume, High Value” tourism, Bhutan has managed to maintain and sustain a tourism policy that emphasizes more on conserving local norms and mores, resisting the temptation of Back-Packing tourism that has been the bane of many a nation, although the tempting temporary boons are abundant at first sight, the visionary approach of trying to maintain a fine balance between selling out and offering with caution has paid of rich dividends. Today, thanks to the far-sighted approach, Bhutan is among a handful of developing nations that is truly able to offer and share, with the discerning visitor, the resultant riches of its colorful traditions and culture, and it’s still visible way of life steeped in Vajrayana Buddhism in the north and those influenced by Hinduism in the south.

PUNAKHA, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 13: A pigeon on the colorful rooftop of the main courtyard in Punakha, Bhutan on October 13, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen of Bhutan Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck wed in Bhutan's historic 17th century Punakha Dzong the same venue that hosted the King's historical coronation ceremony in 2008. The marriage of popular, Oxford-educated king was celebrated throughout the country's capital and countryside for several days. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

The land of the thunder dragon kingdom is a trekker’s paradise, a bird lover’s nest and an environmentalist’s dream. With 72% of the country under forest cover, Bhutan’s pristine ecology is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna.

This spiritual land is the last bastion of the Vajrayana school of Mahayana Buddhism which provides the essence of a unique identity for the 750,000 Bhutanese that make up its inhabitants.

Bhutan is that unique blend of the old and new. Here is a kingdom that is slowly opening up to the modern world striking a fine balance with its ancient heritage.

Fashionable clad younger Bhutanese holding the latest gadgets respect their elders and visit the monasteries and festivals as does the village lad who is probably a Manchester United fan.

Those fortunate enough to visit Bhutan describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. This kingdom is an adventure like no other, invariably leaving deep imprints of the warmth of the people, their natural joy and ready smiles along with a curiosity and a natural hospitality that keeps the visitor wanting to come back over and over again.

PUNAKHA, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 13: Around 100 monks waiting to enter the Kuenra to offer the white scarves after the wedding ceremony on October 13, 2011 in Punakha, Bhutan. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen of Bhutan Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck wed in Bhutan's historic 17th century Punakha Dzong the same venue that hosted the King's historical coronation ceremony in 2008. The marriage of popular, Oxford-educated king was celebrated throughout the country's capital and countryside for several days. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Now widely gaining international acclaim as the country that gave the world a paradigm shift in the way development is viewed and carried out through its developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan shows you that at a mere 18,147Sq.km, size sometimes hardly matters and if variety is the spice of life, there is more than enough assortments awaiting your discovery within that landmass.

A landlocked nation on the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalaya, the Kingdom of Bhutan is surrounded by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north, and the Indian states of Sikkim, Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to the west, south and east.

Bhutan’s considerable variation in altitude, from subtropical in the south to temperate in the highlands and year-round snow in the north, forms five distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring.

 Bhutan’s great geographical diversity, combined with equally diverse climate conditions, contribute to the country’s outstanding range of biodiversity and ecosystems.

THIMPHU, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 14: The Royal couple, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen of Bhutan Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, greet people after arriving after spending a long day greeting Bhutanese supporters along the wayon the road from Punakha October 14, 2011 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Royal Wedding celebrations will begin on October 14, in Thimphu as Bhutan celebrates the country's royal wedding. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

More than 120 species of butterflies, 28 of which are endemic to the Eastern Himalayas (they occur only in this region) , and as many as 750 plant species endemic to the Eastern Himalayas are found in the country. Providing a home for this diversity are sub-tropical forests, warm and cool broad-leaved forests, evergreen oak forests, chir-pine forests, and alpine meadows among others.

Tigers, one horned rhinos, golden langours, clouded leopards, the sloth bear, the Himalayan black bear and the red panda are some of the species that have found a relatively safe refuge in Bhutan.

English: Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu, Bhutan. It is a Buddhist monastery and seat of the Druk Desi, the head of Bhutan's civil government. Français : Le monastère fortifié de Tashichho Dzong, à Thimphu, au Bhoutan. Le Tashichho Dzong est le siège du Druk Desi, chef du gouvernement civil du Bhoutan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

PEOPLE & RELIGION:

Ngalops, Sharchops and Lhotsampas are the major ethnic groups. At least 24 languages are spoken in the country, many of which have yet to be recorded.

About three fourths of the population practices Vajrayana Buddhism, followed by Hinduism.

ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT:

Agriculture, forestry, and the export of hydroelectric power to India are the foundations of Bhutan’s economy. More than 80% of the population is involved in agriculture, mostly subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Crops include rice, chili, dairy products (from yak), barley, apples, and citrus and maize at lower elevations.

English: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan. Probably a studio image. Français : Le roi Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck du Bhutan. Probablement une photo prise en Studio. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some Key Facts and Figures

Land area: 38,394 square kilometres

Forest area: 72.5 %

Altitude: between 240metres and 7541metres above sea level

Inhabitants: 634,982

Language: official language “Dzongkha”, English widely spoken

Religion: Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)

Currency: Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)

Capital: Thimphu

National Tree: Cypress

National Bird: Raven

National Flower: Blue Poppy

Incredible Things to Do in Bhutan:-

Taktshang Monastery, Bhutan Français : Le monastère de Taktshang, au Bhoutan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

PUNAKHA, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 13: Monks climbing on the grand entrance of the Punakha Dzong leading to the royal wedding ceremony on October 13, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen of Bhutan Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck wed in Bhutan's historic 17th century Punakha Dzong the same venue that hosted the King's historical coronation ceremony in 2008. The marriage of popular, Oxford-educated king was celebrated throughout the country's capital and countryside for several days. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Bordering India and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Bhutan is full of beautiful scenery and rich culture. Getting into the country may seem difficult because of visa requirements, but Bhutan is a great way to learn about Himalayan culture and in particular, the age old traditions that continues to thrive to this day. Due to the inherent living culture and tradition that is largely imbued with the advent of Buddhism and the coming of Guru Rinpoche in the 17th century, Bhutan's heritage is one of a living entity with a fabric that is part and parcel of everyday life. This living values and norms are embodied to the hilt in the riotous "Tsechus" or festivals in honor of Guru Rinpoche-  literally a time to have a blast with the past that continues to the present with no sign of stiffness and formality. With the majestic snow-capped Himalayan Mountains as the background setting, Buddhist temples and monasteries, historic forts, and quiet valleys, there is a ton to see and to do in Bhutan. In large part due to the isolated location and unspoiled natural environment and its own policies of cautious planned development that began as recently as in the late 1950s, Bhutan is also often referred to as The Last Shangri-La. Visitors to Bhutan will quickly see why it's citizens have earned the country the reputation of being the happiest country in Asia in a study done by Business Week in 2006, and its introduction of holistic programs such as the developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness. 

Immerse yourself in the kingdom's colorful Buddhist festivities (Tsechus):  Bhutan has a number of festivals each year, but nothing is as colorful as the Tsechu. This Buddhist festival, usually held in the Fall or in Spring, attracts a large number of people who come to see the sacred masked dances. Its primarily a religious and Buddhist affair for the locals. Each dance represents an important point in Bhutan's history, particularly centered around events in the life of Guru Rinpoche (The Precious Master), also known as Guru Padmasambhava, the harbinger of Buddhism to Bhutan and on of the key figures in Vajrayana Buddhism. The festival lasts four days and brings together people from remote places throughout Bhutan, who otherwise do not meet, making it an important social gathering apart from the spiritual matter. Its a day of merriment, and of salvation and contemplation for the Bhutanese.

Rel

a Brook Meanders Through The Lunana Higlands

For a small kingdom, Bhutan can be rather big. This is owing to its late development in the modern sense, that probably has been a blessing in hindsight. Learning from the good and the bad that such a powerful force as an exchange of people can bring, the royal government has maintained a steadfast approach to tourism with sustainability as the forerunner. The result is that Bhutan has been able to maintain its colorful identity, deeply Buddhist ingrained culture and its ancient traditions that are not a day in the calendar year where everyone gets costumed. Far from it, its everyday pace of life is infused with that distinct imprint that only a living and breathing culture can afford. The old ways coexist with the new, trying to find harmonium wherever they meet and mostly, they merge and blend rather than repel and thwart.

The Wind Driven Chelela Prayerflags 

When Small Is Big:

Youngsters go to school dressed in their colorful national dresses. Grown ups leave for work attired pretty much the same way. In all government and places of worship and reverence, folks naturally don their national dress, not just out of respect and reverence but to continue a living cultural fabric that has endured the ages. 

Infrastructure is under construction all around the kingdom. Yet the coming of globalization has had to take down the notes of localization, and as has often been the scenario, all imports become Bhutanized, with its own inimitable Bhutanese touch and feel.

View Atop Chelela Pass

Beginning at the great Indian foothills at about 97m in the eastern dzongkhag (district) of Sarpang to as high as 3,800m above sea level at its highest motorable altitude. Mount Gangkhar Puensum, standing tall and unscaled at 7,570m in the northwestern part of the country in Gasa and Wangduephodrang dzongkhags is the highest peak. Buddhist beliefs in the sacredness of mountains remains a strong reason and a deterrent to why Bhutan's mountains have never been summited, with the exception of a few ill-fated expeditions. The sheer shift in altitude as one travels from the subtropical plains to the sub-alpine north provides for one of the richest flora and fauna and a drive, once accustomed to the literal twists and bends almost every couple of seconds or minutes, provides for a shifting climate and a view and a ride seldom dull.

a Calm Jade Lake in Lunana

Still the present scenario, as far as the tourism sector is concerned, is rather flat and numb. The kingdom’s natural, rugged, adventurous and smooth landscapes from down in the plains up to the northern lands and glaciers have been untapped. Most itineraries offer the same deal and meal, but more pertinently, if the idea is to get potential travelers interested, then a radical new approach is required; one befitting the kingdom’s rich flora, fauna, culture, tradition and the changes about, along with untouched lands such as the northern belts.

Keeping in mind the present scenario, there are ample ways to market, brand and lure new visitors to the country. Some of the lingering old stereotypical images of the country such as the division of summer and winter as “Off Seasons” must be erased, together with the notion of US$200 a day tariff. This is where Adventure Roots will tailor itineraries as you like it- on or off the beaten track or path, just let us know and we'll work out a tailor made schedule that offers your more without taking the spontaneity... or the surprise!

A Highland Yak-Dog, Known as the Bjob

A Fresh Creek Runs Through Lower Lunana

The Highland Ponies

**All Lunana Photographs Courtesy Karma Tshiteem, Sec, GNHC & All Chelela Photographs Courtesy Xochitl Rodriguez

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