1. Bhutan was voted the #1 Green Destination in the world
Bhutan is the leading green destination in the world. It was awarded the “Earth Award” in 2018. Bhutan was selected as the winner amongst the top 100 sustainable destinations. The award recognizes a destination’s effort in promoting responsible tourism. The award ceremony was held on March 7th 2018 in ITB (International Tourism Bourse) in Berlin, Germany.
Bhutan is known for its high mountains and low-deep valleys. The mountains are usually caped with gleaming snow and the valleys are covered in rich vegetation. Royal Government of Bhutan mandates that Bhutan shall have 60% forest coverage at all times. Currently Bhutan has 71% forest coverage of its total land area.
2. A Peep into the Happiness Kingdom
Bhutan has a unique development philosophy. It uses happiness of its people to measure national progress. GDP remains secondary. Education and Health care remains free for its people. Gross National Happiness was first coined by the Fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck. His Majesty strongly believes that the achievement of the collective happiness of its people is fundamental for any nation’s development. Bhutan may not be the richest country in the world but it definitely has the happiest people in the world. A strong sense of community helps farmers in the rural areas to work together and reap bountiful harvest. A sense of trust and friendship allows Bhutanese people to rely on their neighbors and the community members during hardship. In alignment with the Buddhist philosophy, most people are content with what they have. Therefore Bhutan relatively has a relaxed society. The positive happy vibe that the country breathes out makes Bhutan an ideal destination to unwind.
3. Unique Culture
A self imposed isolation from the rest of the world has led to the evolution of a unique culture and traditions that were passed on for generations in Bhutan. The practice of Buddhism has led to the emergence of social behaviors that were passed on for generations which subsequently became the Bhutanese Culture. Therefore Bhutan’s culture remains intertwined with its religion and hence regarded with respect by its people. This respect is manifested into the modern culture through social etiquettes. For instance, men and women wear the traditional attire (Gho for men and Kira for women) while going to work, school and other important Government Institutions and to religious sites. The Member of the Parliament discusses and debates the national agendas at the Parliamentary session in the national language of Bhutan.
Medieval Fortresses are ubiquitous in Bhutan. Their presence across the different region represents unity and recognition in a central authority. The Fortresses were built to house shrines of the guardian deities in the country however the structural designs were predominantly built as a defense fort. It served as the seat of the Government and the state monk body, a tradition that still continues today.
Bhutan’s unique culture and tradition has never failed to intrigue and awe visitors of all sorts. Farm stays can be an opportunity for the visitors to experience Bhutanese culture and lifestyle. Traditional houses are generally two storied structure adorned with Bhutanese architectural aesthetics. Experiences will include sharing local meals, listening to ancient stories and other activities such as playing archery and soaking in a hot stone bath to unwind.
4. Awe-Inspiring Tiger’s Nest
Every Visitor who sets foot in Bhutan does not leave the country without a hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest).The 325-year-old monastery is considered one of the country's most sacred religious sites and the most amazing thing about the site is its architectural accomplishment. The monastery is perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro valley. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava meditated for years inside a cave that lies at the heart of the temple. He is believed to have flown to the cave riding a tigress.
Stunning landscape views are an added treat along with fresh mountain air as the hikers ascend through the pine forests amidst infinite lines of colorful prayer flags and recycled pet bottles fashioned into mini-prayer wheels.
5. Adrenalin-Pumping Adventures
Bhutan being a mountainous country with its rugged terrains provides a multitude of nature based outdoor adventures for adrenalin junkies. Adventures like mountain biking through dirt tails, grueling treks through snow covered mountains and challenging water sports like kayaking and rafting on glacier fed rivers can be experienced. Owing to its rich biodiversity, Bhutan can be an exciting destination for wildlife safari.
6. Fascinating Weather and Nature
Bhutan is gifted with a rich biodiversity due to its significant variance in altitude from the southern foothills to the northern mountains and different climatic conditions in these regions. Its climatic condition ranges from subtropical in the south to alpine region in the north. Visitor’s experience with nature in Bhutan can vary depending on their location and the time of the year. Bhutan is also home to many endangered species.
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bhutan has got the all the gross national happiness Bhutan is pleasant destination to look for.