10 Reasons To Visit Bhutan: Bhutan is a beautiful country in the eastern Himalaya Mountains. Read this post for 10 reasons to visit Bhutan!
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Rinpung Dzong in Paro, Bhutan
Why you should visit Bhutan
A tiny country nestled deep within the high Himalayas, the “land of the Thunder Dragon” is one of the least visited countries in the world. Mysterious Bhutan is a land where magic and myths are a part of history where there are more monks than soldiers, and where happiness output is measured and considered more important than GDP. A Bhutan tour requires a little more planning and preparation than when visiting most parts of the globe, but it is certainly worth it.
#1 Bhutan is Home to Some of the Best Himalayan Hiking Trails
The iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, looming ominously over the edge of a 3120m high cliff is Bhutan’s most iconic site. Though altitudes make the hike feel a little challenging, the rewarding feeling when you finally reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery complex and look out to Paro valley below more than make up for it. Bhutan is also home to The Snowman Trek – one of the most difficult yet beautiful trails in the entire Himalayan region. Adventure travelers will revel in the opportunity to participate in the Snowman hike and to trek along the Bhutan-Tibet border, over 13 mountain passes and incredible alpine scenery.
Masked monks performing during a festival
#2 Bhutanese Food is Sumptuous and Unique
Taking influences from national local dishes in neighboring Nepal, Tibet and India, Bhutanese cuisine is diverse and unique. Traditionally eaten by hand on wooden kitchenware, Bhutanese food is usually comprised of generous servings of rice, served with curries or hearty stews. The food is traditionally quite spicy, often packed with chilli peppers in order to warm up the body in the cold temperatures. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample ema datshi – Bhutan’s national dish of melted yak’s cheese served with chopped chili peppers.
#3 The People Have a Positive Outlook on Life
Bhutan is the only country in the world where happiness is measured as an output. In Bhutan, happiness is considered as more important than GDP. The King of Bhutan and the country’s government take a lot of care to ensure that their people lead happy, fulfilled lives. Under Bhutanese policy, education and healthcare is free, and initiatives are in place to build various recreational and entertainment areas that the locals can use for free. It is eye-opening to speak with the Bhutanese and hear how their values and priorities differ to the western world where money can often be the main motivator.
#4 It’s as Off the Beaten Path as You Can Go
With less than 70,000 international tourists each year, Bhutan is one of the least visited countries in the world. Word about the Dragon Kingdom has finally started getting out in the last few years, with more and more adventurers moving Bhutan to the top of their bucket-lists. For now though, the masses have not yet discovered Bhutan’s treasures. The major plus side to this is that you can enjoy visiting the various temples, trails and museums in Bhutan and have them virtually all to yourself if you visit during the off season months like December or January. Contact us for Bhutan tour info at: thelandofsnows@gmail.com
#5 Ancient Traditions Are Still Embraced
With the turn of the 21st century and the development of modern technology, most countries have seen significant changes over the past few centuries in terms of the way they lead their daily lives. In Bhutan however, it can feel as though you have been transported back in time. Traditional methods are still used for farming, cooking and other tasks. The locals wear the traditional attire (“gho” for men and “kira” for women) and ancient festivals that have been enjoyed since the 16th century still take place.
The mountains in rural Bhutan
#6 The Dragon Kingdom Has a History Unlike Anywhere Else
Bhutan is a land where myth and magic are a part of fact and reality. Bhutan is a Buddhist country and the religion was spread to the nation from Tibet several centuries ago. The tales behind Buddhism’s introduction here though, and the history of the country in general, are fascinating. Take the Tiger’s Nest Monastery as an example – the temple complex is said to have been built after Tibetan Buddhist Master Guru Rinpoche flew to the location on a magical tigress and fought off evil spirits. Similarly, the nations most famous monk is known as the “divine madman” and is rumored to have fought off evil spirits with a thunderbolt from his magical genitalia.
#7 The Dragon Kingdom is a Green Kingdom
The Bhutanese take their environmental responsibility seriously. Bhutan is the only country in the world that is not just carbon neutral, but carbon negative. This means that the Bhutanese offset more carbon dioxide than they actually create. The government policy states that at least 70% of the country must be kept as forest and as it stands, Bhutan’s current forest cover exceeds that.
For the traveller, that means fresh, crisp mountain air, pollution free skies and stunning greenery that extends as far as the eye can see. Bhutan is arguably one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
Prayer flags on a bridge in western Bhutan
#8 High Value, Low Impact Tourism
One of the reasons that you see far less tourists in Bhutan when compared to the numbers in neighbouring India or Nepal is because Bhutan practices a policy of “high value, low impact” tourism. This is designed to protect the country’s unique cultural heritage and minimize the negative effects of mass-tourism.
Plenty of people have the desire to travel to Bhutan, but then they are put off when they discover that they must pay a minimum daily tariff in order to do so. This tariff is largely misunderstood. Though it indeed ranges between $200-$250 USD per day and certainly does sound expensive, this is all-encompassing and includes the use of a private guide and driver, three meals per day, accommodation at 3 and 4-star hotels, and most admissions fees. The quality of meals and services are typically very good. Travelers are treated like VIP guests in Bhutan.
#9 A Pleasant Climate All Year Around
Though Bhutan does possess four distinctly different seasons, they all present relatively pleasant temperatures and weather conditions making the country accessible and suitable for exploring all year around as per whatever period fits best in your schedule.
The summer months in Bhutan are technically monsoon season, however Bhutan does not see monsoon in the same way as say, India, sees monsoon. A little light rainfall means that after a short drizzle, you can continue on your way. The months of spring and autumn are the most popular times to travel to Bhutan owing to their warm, sunny climate. In the winter, though temperatures can dip into the early minuses at night, they seldom drop below 10 degrees Celsius in the day, meaning that even the coldest time of year is more pleasant than many countries.
#10 The People
The people in Bhutan are some of the friendliest that you can meet anywhere in the world and the Bhutanese love helping travelers uncover the beauty of their country. Locals possess strong, traditional Buddhist beliefs and believe in being kind to others, and that all sentient beings are our relatives from our other stages of reincarnation. As such, travelers can feel rest assured that this small Himalayan nation is a safe and peaceful country, and that the locals will always be willing to help them out with their Bhutan travel experience as much as they can.
Summary of 10 Reasons To Visit Bhutan
Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalaya Mountains and is one of the most fascinating countries to visit. Relatively few travelers go to Bhutan, which requires a full organized tour in order to enter. Most of Bhutan is off the beaten path, but also has some famous places such as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Bhutan cuisine is interesting and almost always features a chili cheese dish. Bhutan has some epic trekking, including the strenuous Snowman Trek.
If you have any questions on these 10 Reasons to Visit Bhutan, or would like to book a Bhutan tour, contact us at: thelandofsnows@gmail.com