9 Amazing Reasons That Will Force You To Visit Bhutan

Abundant natural beauty, breath-taking landscapes, magnificent monasteries, ancient Buddhist temples, fluttering prayer flags and happy faces is how I would begin to describe Bhutan! I say, begin to describe because there is so much more to say about this tiny landlocked country that one blog would definitely not be enough. But yes, a journey through the magical and breathtaking lands of this country would surely be a good start to get yourself introduced to the happy country!

The serene atmosphere, fresh mountain air, clean roads, zero pollution, zero traffic and a simple yet beautiful culture coupled with warm, inviting Bhutanese locals showed me that the world could be quite different just a few miles north-east of India. This was evident right from the beginning of our journey! We were amazed to notice the stark difference between the super clean roads of Phuentsholing (border town in Bhutan) and the crowded grimy streets of Jaigaon (border town in West Bengal) as we crossed the border from India and entered Bhutan. Even so, Bhutan is a much-loved and pampered younger brother of India who fondly refers to our nation as, ‘Bada Bhai’.

* The Pursuit of Gross National Happiness

Who wouldn’t want to visit one of the happiest countries in the world? Bhutan was one of the first countries in the world to proudly embrace the philosophy of ‘Gross National Happiness’. In a world that is constantly trying to outsmart one another at the cost of its people and resources, Bhutan is one country that lays more prominence on the prosperity and happiness of its populace. This unique philosophy has even been recognized on an international level by the United Nations. Truly, a terrific reason to visit one of the happiest countries in the world!

* There Are No Traffic Lights and No Traffic

Make a note of this right away! Bhutan is one of the least polluted countries in the world today where carbon emissions are negligible and people consciously work towards a clean and green environment. This is a country where there is absolutely no traffic, people do not honk horns on the roads, they follow traffic rules and most of all and because road discipline is so religiously observed, there are no traffic lights on the road (rather there isn’t a need for traffic lights!).

* Welcome to the Land of Culture & Heritage

Bhutan is a country where ancient culture thrives in the best way possible! The Bhutanese have slowly and steadily marched towards progress but they have always been grounded to their beliefs and traditions. For e.g. it is mandatory for a Bhutanese man/woman to wear the traditional Bhutanese attire whenever he visits any official/religious/judicial premises in Bhutan. This not only keeps the tradition alive but also instils a sense of integrity and cultural pride in the people.

* A Spiritual Haven to Discover Inner Peace

Guru Rinpoche founded Buddhism in Bhutan and set course for a simple lifestyle that ensured people were honest, hardworking but also spiritually inclined and grounded to their religious roots. In Bhutan, Buddhism is not a religion, it’s a way of life! People are generally content and peaceful often meditating at the many Buddhist monasteries or contributing their fair share and participating in the traditional festivals. You deserve that much-needed break too, from our busy, chaotic and stress-ridden lives. And what better place than Bhutan to help you achieve that sense of happiness, content and peace of mind?

* Be Amazed by Stunning Natural Beauty

Bhutanese law dictates that atleast 60% of land should be under forest cover at any given time! This bodes well with the country as it currently has about 71% forest cover that helps in maintaining and preserving the natural eco-system of this destination. The hilly landscapes, a variety of flora fauna, lush green valleys, sparkling water bodies along with verdant slopes and mountains provide a unique bio-diversity and balance of nature to the country. Natural beauty is at its best and more importantly, the environment is pure and significantly pollution-free for locals as well as tourists.

* A Wonderful Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

One of the most significant and iconic monasteries of Bhutan! Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Paro Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex perched on a clifftop in Paro Valley. The monastery, built in 1692, is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche or Second Buddha) – the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan. A popular legend states that Guru Rinpoche fled from Tibet on the back of a tigress and flew to this exact location which later came to be known as Taktsang (Tiger’s Lair). The monastery can be reached via a short trek that takes us from the base of the village through steep slopes, hills and bridges towards the monastery on the top. The view from here is one of spectacular wonder, calmness and peace of mind!

* A reason to celebrate, bond together and have fun – Tshechu

The cultural diversity of Bhutan is reflected in the many colourful festivals (Tshechu) celebrated around the country. These are annual social gatherings that are held in every district of Bhutan where the festivities, events and even the month of celebration are unique from one another. The Punakha Tshechu celebrated at the iconic, Punakha Dzong is one of the most popular festivals in the country. The unfurling of the Thongdrol (a large tapestry) usually depicting Guru Padmasambhava surrounded by holy beings is the main attraction of this festival. It is believed that a mere viewing of this tapestry is enough to cleanse the sins of the viewer!

* Visit The Palace of Great Happiness – Pungtang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful monasteries in the country! The Punakha Dzong is a lovely riot of colours, especially in spring, when the purple jacaranda trees bloom in all their glory against the white-washed walls of the monastery and the picture-perfect backdrop of the lush green mountains. A stunning sight you must definitely not miss when you visit Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and the second largest monastery in the country, certainly one having great historical as well as cultural significance. It is lovingly placed on the banks of the confluence of Mo Chhu (Mother) and Po Chhu (Father) Rivers. Whitewater river rafting is a well-known adventure sport along these rivers.

* A Mountain Pass Worth Passing Through

Dochula Pass, on the way between Thimphu and Punakha, is a sight to behold! This lovely mountain pass is where you will find 108 memorial chortens or stupas built in honour of Bhutanese soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the battle against Assamese insurgents in December 2003. Also known as the ‘Druk Wangyal Chortens’, the stupas have been commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk of Bhutan. Another reason why Dochula Pass is a must-visit tourist attraction in Bhutan is the breath-taking 360 degrees panoramic view it offers of the surrounding snow-clad Himalayan ranges. The Dochula Pass is also home to the beautiful Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple and Royal Botanical Park (the very first botanical park of Bhutan).