Bhutan — A blend of Culture & Cuisine!
A small landlocked country, surrounded by powerful neighbors, India & China, Bhutan is no ordinary place. There is something magical about this place which has preserved its vibrant Buddhist culture and magnificent natural scenery by avoiding foreign influences. The beautiful monasteries, breathtaking views, dense forests, pure air, pleasant climate and delightful people manages to touch your soul, relax your mind, fades away all the stress and even mends the broken hearts. The words may seem a bit cliched but the beauty of Bhutan does justice with them in its purest form. While traveling, you will encounter numerous ancient temples, prayer flags, stupas, Dzongs, foamy waterfalls which altogether feels like scrolling timeless images from the past.
Also known as the “Land of the thunder dragon”, Bhutan is the world’s last remaining Buddhist kingdom in the region of Himalaya. It is geographically quite small with a multi-ethnic population of approximately 8 lacs but this small unspoiled country has at least 59 natural mountain lakes and 2674 glacial lakes. Depending on the varied altitudes, the climate here also varies from north which is covered with snow to south which experiences humid and subtropical climate. About 10% of the total surface area is covered with glaciers in north Bhutan. Being an important renewable source of water, glaciers bring fresh water here and downriver areas every year.
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This country is full of surprises. Tuesdays are dry days here and waiters in restaurants don’t need tips. Rice are red and chillies come under main course meal not just seasoning. Ema Datshi is one of the most famous Bhutanese dishes which is made with chillies and cheese. Ema means chilli and datshi means cheese. So likewise, you will find Kewa (Potato) datshi, shamu (mushroom) datshi, shakam (Dried beef) ema datshi. Datshi will probably be one of the first words you will learn in Bhutan’s national language: Dzongkha. Turnip leaves are dried and preserved and cooked with pork for some extra delicious flavor. Apart form this, you will find Suja in almost every restaurant which is a Bhutanese term for butter tea.
Bhutan generates huge amount of hard-currency revenue from Tourism as it has become a progressively famous destination for international tourists. In addition, tourism also provides momentum for the progress of services sector which leads to integrated and fair development of the entire region. It is privatized by the Royal Government in 1991 but still is restricted. One can only travel here with pre-arranged package or tour. Hydroelectric power and agriculture are also the major sources of income for it. Development here does not only depend on the amount of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) but also on GNH which is Gross National Happiness. Bhutan follows a very holistic approach for its citizen’s well-being by offering free education and elementary medical care. There are strict fines for people smoking in public areas and also the sale of tobacco products is banned. Traffic rules are also followed strictly here. People get punished with fines for over-speeding, honking and not crossing the roads via zebra crossing. A guard remains on duty on every zebra crossing to keep a check. Proper parking spaces are made for vehicles (two-wheeler and four-wheeler both). Also, people of Bhutan prefers to walk rather than commuting by any medium of transport. Therefore, you will hardly find any public transport facility here.
Though Bhutan is one of the least famous traveled destinations but the long list of monasteries, majestic architecture, trekking spots, adventure activities, forts, rich flora and fauna, and Buddhist relics, make it worth a visit. Some most famous places to visit in the country are Paro, Punakha, Thimpu — the capital city, Dochula pass, Tiger’s nest, Phobjikha and Haa valley. You can enjoy many adventure activities here like kayaking, fishing, archery, wildlife safari, trekking, rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing and many more. Moving cautiously and being aware about the downsides of rapid modernization, Bhutan has maintained to sustain the essence of its culture, tradition and natural environment. Visiting Bhutan is a lifetime experience which will slow down your fast-paced life and let you enjoy pleasurable moments in the lap of Himalayas.
