Travelling to Bhutan will be an unforgettable experience for you. The country is full of underrated gems that you can explore once you are here. Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a landlocked country that attracts tourists with its jaw-dropping scenery and ancient traditions. Called one of the happiest countries on earth, Bhutan leaves a lasting impression on every single traveler’s mind.
Lush green forests, peaceful monasteries, and cultural preservation—Bhutan has something different to offer you as compared to other tourist spots. There are a myriad of reasons why you should add it to your travel bucket list:
World-Class Architectures
Bhutan is full of architecturally rich edifices. As soon as you land here, you will get to see the distinctive architecture of the country. Sloping roofs and multicolored wood are the features of Bhutanese architecture. Right from its temples, ancient fortresses, and traditional houses, Bhutan continues to amaze every single tourist with its world-class architecture.
You will find uniformity in Bhutanese architecture, which makes the country scenic for tourists. The main architectural style in the country is the Tibetan Buddhist Style, which makes Bhutan’s architecture different from other countries in the world.
Scenic Beauty of the Himalayan Mountains
The beauty of the Himalayan Mountains is one of the reasons that make Bhutan a must-visit country. It is an excellent place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Hikers, too, love this place as there is no dearth of hiking opportunities here.
A Bhutan trip will let you explore several Himalayan Mountains such as Jomolhari Kangphu Kang, Jitchu Drake, Kula Kangri, Gipmochi, etc. Whether you are an adventurous seeker or a common tourist, a Bhutan trip will satisfy you to the core. The country is quite popular for Gangkhar Puensum, which is the highest unclimbed peak in the world.
Bhutan’s Royal Lineage
The locals of Bhutan have a great admiration for the King of Bhutan. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fifth king of Bhutan, is kind towards his people and is loved by a lot by the local people. Bhutanese love their king so much that they hang his photos in their shops, homes, and offices. If you are a lucky traveler, you might meet him during your trip to Bhutan. Many people have met him during the festivals and have many positive things to say about his selflessness and down-to-earth nature.
Home to the World’s Most Iconic Monasteries
The beautiful Buddhist Monasteries of Bhutan are one of the reasons why you should visit this place. If you are a Buddhist, you must come here to experience the peaceful living of the country. If you have an interest in exploring the world’s best monasteries, your trip to Bhutan will be more meaningful. The iconic monasteries of the country are worth exploring. Some of the best Buddhist monasteries in the country include Taktsang Monastery, Tango Monastery, Kyichu Lakhang Monastery, etc. Tourists who want to get a memorable experience should explore the monasteries of the country and unravel the mysteries hidden in them.
Bhutanese Culture
The tradition and culture of Bhutan also attract tourists. The country’s Buddhist heritage, its dress, language, and cultural activities make it one of the most unique destinations to explore in the world. Buddhism has a deep impact on the culture of Bhutan as it shapes its ceremonies, arts, and architecture. Traditional music, crafts, and dances play an important role in all ceremonies and festivals of the country. When you are in Bhutan, you will get to see many unique cultural traditions, such as mask dances and other important cultural activities.
Happiest Country
Bhutan is undoubtedly the happiest country in the world. They are focused on gaining GNH, or Gross National Happiness, over their GDP. The country takes good care of the health of its people rather than its GDP. And this is what makes Bhutan unique from other countries. Bhutanese people are extremely satisfied with their lives. Their happiness lies in their satisfaction. People of Bhutan are heavily influenced by Buddhist values. Bhutanese are spiritual people, and they possess a great sense of humor. They are humble and are always ready to help you during your trip.
Compassionate and Friendly People
Bhutanese are extremely friendly and compassionate. The values of kindness and compassion are embedded in their day-to-day lives. The guides you hire here are ready to help you out during your tour. Apart from the valuable information, they will also share rich information about the country’s traditions, family, culture, and food. People are so benevolent that they stop to take care of an injured dog.
Bhutanese Cuisine
You will love Bhutanese food during your Bhutan tour. Due to its distinct flavors, the food in Bhutan is not only liked by the local people but also by the tourists. If you want to enjoy delectable dishes, you must head to this country. The most popular food in Bhutan is Red rice, which is easily available here. This is the staple food of the country and is rich in vitamin B, protein, zinc, magnesium, calcium, etc. Ema datshi is one of the most popular dishes in the country. It is the national dish in Bhutan, which is liked by all. This dish is made with the help of cheese and chili. Another popular dish is kewa datshi, which has potatoes instead of chili. Other famous dishes that you can eat while you are in Bhutan are paksha paa, pork, potatoes, momos, etc.
Carbon-negative Country
Most countries fail to align with the emission reduction targets. However, Bhutan has become the first country to achieve carbon neutrality. This country is 70% covered in the forest, which helps it absorb more carbon than it produces. You will get the cleanest air here. The country has been providing a model for climate governance for many countries. Bhutan is the best place not only for tourists but also for nature lovers.
Local people and communities also contribute to ecotourism by building eco-lodges. The country also promotes carbon negativity among the people by integrating it into the national curriculum. Thus, children, too, are aware of the benefits of environmental conservation efforts from the very beginning of their childhood.
Bhutan is Completely Safe
Solo female travelers often complain about physical harassment during their visit to a country. However, unlike other nations, Bhutan offers them complete safety, which lets them explore the popular attractions easily.
If you are a solo female traveler looking for a safe voyage to this country, you must get a guide and driver with you. One of the best things about Bhutan is that people here give enough personal space to others. However, it is advisable to dress modestly if you are visiting a religious place in Bhutan.
Besides, you must follow the advice of your guide during your Bhutan tour. Recently, the number of female guides has increased, which gives more safety to female travelers. Thus, you should not be stressed at all while exploring the important places in Bhutan. If you are travelling to any place in this country at night, you must take a guide with you. He or she will provide you with valuable information about a specific place and offer you the right instructions. This will help you travel to any place in Bhutan without any difficulty.
A Spiritually Rich Country
Bhutan is a heaven for those who want to achieve spiritual growth. You will find spiritual essence in every single region of the country. You will find a number of Buddhist monasteries here. One of the iconic monasteries that provides inner solace to travelers is the Tiger’s Nest. You will experience tranquility while visiting the ancient temples of the country. Here you will find spinning prayer wheels, colorful flags, and chanting monks that will offer you the spiritual growth you are looking for. Thus, if you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you can take a trip to Bhutan and immerse yourself in its spirituality.
Stunning Natural Beauty
The beauty of Bhutan is another reason why people from distant countries visit this place. The breathtaking scenes of Bhutan will leave you awe-struck. Most of them are hardly explored by anyone. Once you are in Bhutan, you will see beauty spread everywhere. The lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise rivers make your Bhutan trip a rewarding one. The country surprises you at each turn with its beauty. Bhutan is also home to 770 species of birds and 5400 species of plants, which also makes it worth visiting. This makes Bhutan a paradise for nature lovers as well as photographers. Thus, if you want to explore the raw beauty, visit Bhutan once in your lifetime.
No Traffic Lights
One of the most surprising things in Bhutan is that the country has no traffic lights. Thimpu is the capital city of Bhutan, and you will also not find a single traffic light here. The vehicles run smoothly in this city without any traffic lights. You will find police officers with white gloves directing most of the traffic. As the number of vehicles is less in Thimpu, the people here never face the traffic congestion problem.
Archery
Bhutanese people love archery. You will find this sport everywhere— in each festival the local people celebrate and in each village of the country. Bhutanese men love to participate in archery. This is the traditional sport of the country. It is so popular that the people in Bhutan have transformed it into a social event. This sport is celebrated with great pomp and show. People sing and dance during an archery sport. The interesting thing about it is that the opponents do their best to distract the archer. The members of the winning team celebrate their victory in the grand style. If you like archery, you will love being a part of this sport.
Colorful Festivals
Bhutan is also popular for its colorful festivals. They are held throughout the year at various places across the country, such as at monasteries and dzongs. These festivals are organized for multiple days. What makes these festivals special is the masked dance, which is performed by monks and the local people. They wear colorful dresses as well as masks and perform beautiful dances. These dances showcase the rich cultural tradition of Bhutan. Each dance that is performed tells a particular story. Some of the famous festivals of the country include Thimpu Tshechu and Paro Tshechu. People from distant parts of the country and the world visit Bhutan during these festivals.
Most Dangerous Airport
If you are a thrill seeker, you must head to Bhutan straightaway. Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only airport that promises you an adrenaline rush. It is one of the most challenging landing strips in the world. The airport is situated in a deep valley which is surrounded by high mountains. The most surprising thing is that only a few pilots are certified to land here. Flights at this airport only operate during the day to avoid any incidents.
Traditional Textiles
The usage of traditional clothing makes Bhutan different from other countries. The textile production in Bhutan started in its eastern and central areas. Later, the local artisans came up with their own techniques, such as silk-on-silk kushthara or Radhi’s bura. The materials they used for making these textiles were also different. While the people of the northern region still rely on sheep and yak wool, others use cotton and nettle.
Artisans also developed a natural dyeing process. The younger people were into reinventing the national dress, named gho and kira. Over the years, Bhutan has witnessed a fashion revolution. Still, the clothing plays a major role in showcasing the culture of Bhutan. The vibrant colors and symbolic designs make Bhutanese clothing highly sought after among people across the world. The local people exchange these fabrics as gifts during festivals, weddings, and celebrations.
Reasons to Explore Bhutan: Conclusion
Bhutan has no dearth of beautiful dzongs, monasteries, and other places that amaze tourists. If you are on a Bhutan tour, you should not forget to visit them. Apart from the architectural marvels, the natural beauty and festivals also attract tourists from around the world. If you are looking for a rewarding trip to Bhutan, do not waste your time and book a Bhutan tour package after contacting the reputed Bhutan travel operators.