Set in pristine Himalayan mountains, Bhutan is often called the last Shangri-La, a land where Gross National Happiness matters more than income. Once closed to outsiders, the kingdom now welcomes visitors and new technologies as long as they serve and respect the ancient way of life and Himalayan tradition. Every aspect of Bhutanese life is steeped in the Buddhist culture which spread from Tibet over 1200 years ago.
Bhutan’s Monasteries and Temples
Bhutan’s most striking landmarks are fortified monasteries, or dzongs, used as administrative and religious quarters. Guarding the valleys for centuries in strategic locations, they have whitewashed walls and gilded roofs and contain temples full of colourful paintings and statues. Most houses have a Buddhist shrine, carved eaves and frames and lucky signs painted on outside walls. Tourist hotels follow the tradition.
Traditional Buddhist Festivals and National Sport in Bhutan
Buddhist festivals are held in the dzongs. Best known are the colourful tsechus where crowds dressed in their finest traditional clothes come from afar to watch dancing monks and medieval-style jesters. Fun and prayers go on for several days. Archery, Bhutan’s national sport, is often on the programme, with victory dances and poetry reading.
Among the more unusual festivals are the Fire Blessing and Night Dance in Central Bhutan and the Crane Festival held in Phobjikha to celebrate the return of rare black-necked cranes from Tibet to their winter grounds.
Bhutan’s Pristine Himalayan Mountains
Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist culture sees nature as a gift to enjoy and respect. Sixty per cent of the land is protected forest and life in all its forms is sacred. From sub-tropical lowlands in the south to high mountain peaks, the environment is unspoilt, rich in fauna, particularly birdlife, and flora including blue poppies and medicinal plants. This is a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers
Slow Travel in the Kingdom of Bhutan
The country has few roads and only one running from the capital Thimphu in the west to the eastern valleys. All are breathtaking, climbing over high passes through forests and lush pastures with spectacular views. There’s plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful Himalayan mountains on these winding roads. Travelling is slow and usually safe, there is little traffic and everyone is patient and courteous.
The highest road pass is the Chele La in the west, 3988 metres, between Paro and the remote Haa valley
Buddhist Culture in Quiet Valleys
Every valley reflects the kingdom’s ancient culture, from Paro with its monastery clinging to a precipitous cliff to the holy sites of Trashiyangtse in the east. In a beautiful location, at the confluence of two rivers, the ancient capital of Punakha and its impressive dzong are easily reached from Thimphu over the Dochu La pass while the central valleys of Bumthang are worth exploring for their temples and Buddhist festivals.
How to Get to Bhutan, Druk Air to Bhutan
Druk Air is the national airline and the only one linking Bhutan to the outside world, with flights from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand. The airport is in Paro, an hour’s drive from Thimphu.
Trips must be arranged in advance through a recognised tour operator. Independent travel is not allowed. The basic daily charge set by the government includes full board accommodation, services of a guide, entrance fees and private internal transport.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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