Bhutan is a tiny country that has gained international fame after they declared that the prosperity of their nation is counted within the gross national happiness of their country. Where other countries count their prosperity from the gross national income, this little country also known as the “last Shangri-la” is exceptionally a happy and prosperous one with its green margin and its rich cultures and tradition.
Bhutan is currently leading the way, for every other country in the world. It may be a little expensive for travellers, but there’s good reason for it! Bhutan has been a country that is still a little untouched by tourism and commerciality. It is the only carbon-negative country in the world and the last standing Buddhist kingdom.
It is surrounded by larger countries such as India, China and Nepal. Now one of the many things that may be common amongst all these countries is the beautiful trekking trails you can visit. Trekking in Nepal is a great option as it offers packages that may serve the purpose of so many kinds of trekking enthusiasts. But trekking holidays in Bhutan are a class apart, as the aesthetics to each trekking trail there is in Bhutan, is absolutely astounding and brings peace.
So what do you do when on a holiday to Bhutan?
There is so much to do in Bhutan that you will realise this the moment you step onto its land. You’ll be surrounded by a world apart. With people walking down in traditional clothes that are so beautiful to watch you’ll want to wear one too just to feel one with the surroundings.
The food and cuisine that are authentic to Bhutan serve dishes that are so wholesome to the body you’ll not have enough of the Gyathuks and the dumplings.
Have you heard of the animal called Takin? Well, you will hear and see it here in Bhutan as it is the national animal of Bhutan. This is an animal with the face of a moose, the body of a goat and the horns of a yak.
Here are a few things that you must not miss on your holidays in Bhutan:
The Takstang monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery):
This monastery claimed fame with its location. The ancient monastery looks as though a small home that is hanging onto a cliff and is on the edge and it may be a scary vision to behold but it has been sturdy and there since the 7th century A.D. The holy teacher Guru Rinpoche, who is the second most revered holy teacher of the Buddhists, is known to have meditated in the caves of this monastery for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours to subside the demons within its premises. He is known to have reached this monastery riding on the back of a tigress and since the tigress rested in the monastery, it is known as the tiger’s nest monastery as well. The trek to this monastery may be a thrilling experience as the path itself is carved out on a cliff.
The rural villages and establishments:
When in Bhutan do not miss the chance of walking down the lanes of a rural village. This is where you may find people living in ways that are different to our own, not for money but alive and thriving in the peace of their culture and tradition. Bhutan is known to host some of the most primitive tribes that are still allowed to thrive peacefully in their nomadic ways. Make sure you walk down some alleys to see how many different ways people can live in, without the onset of zombie-fying technologies and junk foods.
Check out the night life of Thimpu:
The capital city of Bhutan, Thimpu, will hold repose for your mind after you are flushed with all the traditional and cultural information. The local bars and pubs sell some of the finest whiskeys and ale’s you will taste. Starting for rates as cheap as $5 the best whiskeys are a local favourite and is enjoyed on all corners of Bhutan. There are many options for beers as well. The most famous being the Druk Beer and it is a strong one. There are also craft beers and other dry beers to suit your tastes.
When one thinks of Bhutan, from an Indian perspective, all the north-eastern states in India wish their culture was left alone and not invaded with the Indian politics that changes so much in the north-eastern people’s lifestyles, their beliefs and customs.
