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In Search of Joy
Soothe your weary soul amid misty mountains, green valleys, dignified monasteries and welcoming people with a tour of Bhutan. Invested in sustainable development, this small land-locked mountain kingdom is sure to offer an adventure off the beaten track. Bhutan is well known for using a Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index to measure development, instead of the traditional GDP. It is not an abstract concept, however. There are clearly defined goals and parameters related to the people’s quality of life, focusing on equitable socio-economic development, preserving the environment, promoting culture and creating a system of sound administration. As a result, Bhutan is one of the most hospitable countries in the region, with an abundance of natural beauty and the riches of its cultural heritage.
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The Last Buddhist Kingdom
The Land of the Thunder Dragon is the last of the great Himalayan kingdoms and continues to be a Buddhist stronghold. The druk or ‘the thunder dragon’ of Tibetan and Bhutanese mythology is a national symbol of Bhutan and adopted in particular by the Drukpa Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Dzong architecture is a style of fortified administrative and monastic community centre commonly seen in Bhutan and is important for understanding the Bhutanese ways of life. Visit the spectacular Trongsa Dzong set high above the banks of the mighty Mangde Chhu river. This is the largest dzong in Bhutan. The hermitage here was first built in 1543 and is crowned by a sheer drop off the south side, usually blanketed in clouds and mist. Marvel at the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong in the Paro District. Admire the grandeur of Punakha Dzong, the second largest and second oldest dzong in Bhutan and an erstwhile administrative seat. Spend half a day at the Ta Dzong, which currently houses the National Museum of Bhutan and visit the monasteries of Bumthang. It has over 3000 specimens of Bhutanese art and artefacts, from over 1500 years of Bhutanese history. Make a pilgrimage to Taktshang Goemba or ‘tiger’s nest monastery,’ perched high on a clifftop above the Paro valley. It is one of the most revered sites in Bhutan and throngs of visitors brave the steep climb up to this monastery every year.
Adventures in the Himalayas
If you seek adventure in a rough terrain, travel to Bhutan! Cradled in the magnificent Himalayan mountains, Bhutan offers you your choice of trekking holidays of varying difficulties, luxury camping trips, white water rafting, bicycling tours and other adventure sports like rock climbing and abseiling. Make your way to the Dochula Pass near Thimphu which has a cluster of over 100 memorial stupas dedicated to Bhutanese soldiers who died in a military operation in 2003. This gorgeous pass is often covered in snow on account of its elevation (3100m) and offers views of nearby peaks like Masang Gang ((7165m), Teri Gang (7300m) and Gangkhar Puensum (the highest peak in Bhutan at 7541m). Trek up to Chelela Pass at almost 4000m. Engage in an afternoon of river rafting over several kilometres of courses on the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers. Bicycle in and around Paro and Thimphu and hike through Phobjikha Valley before visiting Gogona Lhakhang for a closer look at traditional village life in Bhutan. If you have the nerve, ProVacation can organise archery lessons with local experts in Thimphu too!
Rich Tradition of Crafts
The National Institute for Zorig Chusum or the traditional painting school of arts and crafts provides instruction in Bhutan’s traditional arts. Students may train in the intricate art of painting thangkas (religious images on canvas), painting furniture, woodcarving, embroidery and statue-making or clay-work. There are impressive demonstrations of the crafting processes for visitors, by the talented students and some of their expert work is up for sale too. As a tourist, you will rarely find more authentic souvenirs. Check out the National Folk Heritage and Textile Museums. The Textile Museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy and offers an opportunity to learn about thagzo, the Bhutanese weaving tradition as well as styles of local dressing and textiles used by residents. The Folk Heritage Museum is situated in a traditional mud and wooden house dating back to the 19th century and displays many objects of everyday use in Bhutanese life. Don’t forget to save some time to visit the Weekend Market in Thimphu. This colourful bazaar sells local aromatics like incense, camphor and saffron, alongside the nearby handicrafts market that has a wide array of products including wooden knick-knacks, amulets and jewellery.
Bounties of Nature
Feast your eyes on the natural beauty of Bhutan. Snow-capped peaks, misty mountains, meadows of wildflowers, verdant valleys, crystalline rivers and picturesque driving routes and trekking paths afford a new scene to delight your senses at every turn. Visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to get better acquainted with the national animal of Bhutan, the takin. Hike through Phobjikha Valley, a glacial bowl in the Black Mountains, that is one of Bhutan’s most important nature reserves. A large flock of black-necked cranes settle here in winter, alongside barking deer, Himalayan black bears, wild boars, snow leopards and sambars. Bhutan is also a critical participant in WWF’s Global Tiger Recovery Program. There is great diversity in Bhutan’s wildlife, also evident in other national parks and sanctuaries in the country including Jigme Dorji National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Thrumshingla National Park and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. In fact, a majority of Bhutan’s land is under some form of environmental protection and Bhutan is truly a photographer’s haven.