Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan features stunning landscapes, friendly people, and a rich and fascinating culture. Like a soft mist clinging to the mountains, there is an overarching sense of sacredness and deeply ingrained respect for spirit, people, and land that is immediately evident to visitors. Bhutan is a destination like no other; it offers a rare glimpse into another world, one that has been compared to Eden.
It’s the Happiest Place on Earth!
Watch out, Disney. Bhutan is the real magic kingdom! The tiny nation is arguably the happiest on earth. As a whole, its people have enough in economic terms, but they have more than enough in wellness, community spirit, strong governance, environmental policies, and spirituality. It is the only country that measures its progress by its “gross national happiness.” Being surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful scenery certainly doesn’t hurt either! This contentment and satisfaction shines through and makes interactions with the native peoples that much more rewarding and enjoyable.
Bhutan practices strict crowd-control.
Until the 1970s, visitors were not allowed to enter Bhutan. Now, the number of visitors is limited, and each must obtain a travel visa and book their tours via an authorized tour operator. It is not a tourist destination, and, of course, this only makes the savvy world traveler want to explore its mystical nooks and valleys all the more. Those lucky enough to gain access (only about 105,000 per year) can enjoy a host of activities, from lively festivals to mountain trekking to kayaking, without jostling crowds.
An effortless blend of culture and environment.
“Ecotourism” is a growing trend, but it is no fad in Bhutan. It is a way of life that has thrived since time immemorial. Its people enjoy lives that are literally carved into the mountainsides. They make their livings from the land and its animals. Further, Bhutan is a biodiversity “hotspot” and hosts a variety of endemic and exotic animals, including snow leopard, elephant, blue sheep, tiger, golden langur, water buffalo, and over 770 species of birds. A variety of medicinal, edible, and ornamental plants and flowers bloom all over the kingdom. Bhutan is committed to protecting its biodiversity and its traditional way of life.
Bhutan is a prime destination for any traveler who wants more than a typical vacation; if you want to experience a country and its people at their most authentic, choose Bhutan.
Tucked into the Himalayas, Bhutan is one of the world’s most isolated, mysterious, and majestic lands. Often called the “Kingdom in the Clouds,” Bhutan offers a magical adventure for intrepid travelers, for those who have always dreamed of touching the sky or of getting closer to the gods than ever before. Visiting the Kingdom of Bhutan is a heady experience and one that grants entrance into an exclusive club of explorers who tread where few others have.
Here is a small sampling of Bhutan’s secrets and surprising facts:
Bhutan is said to be where one can contemplate and mediate to be closer to the gods. Pristine air, majestic surroundings, and a friendly, spiritual population certainly lend themselves to discovery and exploration, both of the body and the soul.
Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is at the crux of a culinary crossroads; it mixes elements of Chinese, Indian, and Tibetan cuisine. This creates a truly unique experience for travelers visiting the region. If you are the type of person that enjoys a little spice, Bhutan is the place to find it. Its most popular dish, ema datschi’, is made of very hot chili peppers cut into strips and served with a spiced cheese sauce. Bhutan food is definitely not for the bland palette as it uses a variety of meats, beans, rice and of course, spices. If you are up to a culinary challenge, you will be handsomely rewarded!
Staples of Bhutan food include red rice, which has a wonderfully nutty flavor, buckwheat, lentils and corn. Meat is also used very often, and you will find that cuisine from the hills uses a lot of chicken, pork, mutton and yak. On cold days, the locals will eat dried vegetables with chilies and cheese. The diet here consists of high protein and healthy fats, with cheese and dairy mixed in. They also make use of leftovers by frying them with rice for snacks.
A popular ingredient in Bhutanese food is Yak and not a morsel is wasted. The locals use the animal to produce milk, butter, cheese and will consume the meat. Similar to other meats, yak is normally prepared with vegetables and chilies.
Food here is often very simple. For instance, asparagus grows well in Bhutan and is boiled or steamed and served laced with butter. Other common vegetables of the area include mushrooms, radish, potato, onion, and cabbage. Dishes are created by combining these basic elements and adding some chilies.
It is important to understand the cuisine of Bhutan, but also important to understand the culture. When you are offered food say, “meshu meshu” and cover your mouth with both hands. By doing this you are refusing the food. After doing this a few more times you may accept. This is considered polite and is a part of their culture. Once you accept the offering, be ready for the heat of the food. Bhutan may have a considerably cold climate, but they make up for it with the exceptionally fiery food. Most professional chefs can accommodate Westerners who are not used to intense spice, but if you are up for a challenge, order your food Bhutan style!
