35 FUN & Interesting Facts About Bhutan

Within the coronary heart of the Himalayas lies a kingdom shrouded in mystique and attraction. Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” this small nation has captivated the world with its distinctive mix of custom, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes. As such a novel place, there are many enjoyable information about Bhutan to find out about.

For example, there are not any visitors lights within the nation, simply visitors administrators, and there’s a legendary animal in Bhutan – referred to as the Takin. However maybe one of the fascinating Bhutan information is that it has change into a shining instance of environmental stewardship by declaring itself a carbon-neutral nation! Intrigued but? Let’s dig into extra information about Bhutan then!

Enjoyable Info About Bhutan

Land of the Thunder Dragon

Bhutan has a novel nickname: “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” You’ll be capable of see proof of this nickname across the nation, together with on the nation’s flag! We requested our information, Dago, why the title and apparently it’s because of the highly effective storms that steadily roll in from the Himalayas. That is when all of the Bhutanese can hear the roaring thunder.

Not GDP, however Gross Nationwide Happiness

Bhutan is famend for prioritizing the well-being and happiness of its residents over financial measures. You’ve in all probability heard of Gross home product (GDP) pefore, whish is the usual measure of the worth added created via the manufacturing of products and providers in a rustic. Hwoever you in all probability haven’t heard of Gross Nationwide Happiness, which is exclusive to Bhutan.

GNH was launched within the Nineteen Seventies, and is the guiding philosophy of the Bhutanese authorities that’s designed to evaluate the general happiness and well-being of the inhabitants of Bhutan. GNH focuses on psychological well-being, well being, schooling, and cultural variety. Now this doesn’t imply that everybody is strolling round with an enormous smile on their face in Bhutan (although the Bhutanese are normally fairly smiley), but it surely goals to take care of the happiness of the Bhutanese as a nation.

The King and Queen are Immensely Well-liked

Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy with a King, also referred to as the Dragon King. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan are extremely in style not simply in Bhutan but additionally overseas. Whereas visiting Bhutan we observed that the Royal Household’s photographs had been in every single place, actually. At each resort, at each restaurant, at each gas station – in every single place. The Bhutanese ardor their king and queen!

They Have Very Distinct Structure

Bhutanese structure is characterised by conventional Dzong (fortress) fashion buildings, adorned with intricate woodwork and colourful work. The structure is designed to be earthquake-resistant.

There Are No Site visitors Lights in Bhutan

There are not any visitors lights wherever in Bhutan. Sure, ANYWHERE in your complete nation. Nevertheless, on the busiest intersection within the capital of Thimphu, there’s a stand for visitors police to direct visitors, they usually do a fairly nice job. We had been in a position to watch them with all their superb hand gestures one afternoon.

Apparently, the federal government tried to place a visitors mild on this spot in Thimphu, the Bhutanese simply merely wouldn’t have it and most popular the visitors police!

Archery because the Nationwide Sport!?

Transfer over soccer, there’s one other sport within the sport in Bhutan. Archery holds a particular place in Bhutanese tradition and is the nationwide sport. We had been within the nation for only a quick ten days and noticed quite a few tournaments. Competitions aren’t solely about talent but additionally embrace conventional songs, dances, and rituals.

Restricted Tourism in Bhutan

Bhutan has a coverage of “high-value, low-impact” tourism. Guests are required to pay a each day price, referred to as a Sustainable Growth Payment, and that is along with common journey prices like lodging, meals, transportation, and a sustainable tourism price. Though, this method helps in preserving the nation’s distinctive tradition, atmosphere, and folks, it could make Bhutan a really costly vacation spot to go to.

Bhutanese Costume

The standard Bhutanese apparel is called the “kira” for girls and the “gho” for males. These clothes maintain important cultural and social significance in Bhutan and are worn on formal events, throughout spiritual ceremonies, and even each day apparel. Sure, the Bhutanese put on their conventional garments each day, protecting tradition alive in an more and more trendy world.

All About Tiger’s Nest Monastery

One among Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks is the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, popularly often known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a cliff at an elevation of over 3,000 meters (10,000 toes), this sacred website is related to Guru Rinpoche, who is alleged to have meditated right here.

Ever Heard of a Takin?

The nationwide animal of Bhutan is the takin – ever heard of it? Neither had we till we stepped foot in Bhutan. So what the heck is a takin? It is a particular mammal with a goat/buffalo/wildebeest-like look. Legend has it that the takin was created by the nation’s patron saint, Lama Drukpa Kunley. If you wish to see one for your self head to Motithang Takin Protect simply exterior of Thimphu.

Cultural Festivals

Bhutan hosts quite a few cultural festivals all year long, often known as “tsechus.” These occasions embrace masked dances, conventional music, and spiritual ceremonies, usually attracting each locals and vacationers.

Moreover the most important tsechus, Bhutan celebrates different festivals like Paro Tsechu, Punakha Drubchen, and Haa Summer season Pageant. These occasions showcase the colourful cultural heritage of the nation and for those who occur to be visiting the nation throughout a competition it’s best to undoubtedly make it some extent to attend! Don’t fear – you’ll be welcomed as a foreigner!

Get Ready for the Phallus

Whereas journeying via Bhutan, you might be more likely to encounter an abundance of…er…phalluses, significantly in Punakha, the place the nation reveals a passion for these symbolic representations.

The prevalence of phalluses, additionally known as “Lingam” or “Phallus symbols,” holds significance inside Bhutanese tradition, particularly linked to the protecting deity often known as the “Divine Madman” or “Drukpa Kunley.”

These symbols are revered as sacred, believed to own the facility to push back malevolent spirits whereas ushering in luck and fertility. They’re generally adorned on homes and constructions, and through spiritual ceremonies, picket phalluses function choices. For a deeper understanding, guarantee your tour features a go to to Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha.

Bhutanese Postal Service

Bhutan is thought for its modern and artistic postage stamps, and for those who go to the submit workplace you’ll be able to even print your personal Bhutanese stamps with your personal picture on them! The nation can be well-known for issuing the world’s first 3D postage stamp in 2002.

Tv Who?

In 1999, Bhutan turned the final nation on this planet to activate tv. Sure, you learn that proper, lengthy after Seinfeld and Associates, the Bhutanese obtained their first televisions. Some say this wasn’t precisely for the perfect.

Bhutanese Language

The official language may very well be referred to as Bhutanese, however extra formally it’s referred to as Dzongkha. Nevertheless, English is broadly used, and for those who journey to Bhutan you’ll have no hassle getting round. English is taught from early on at school these days and is usually used for official communication.

A Uncommon and Treasured Chook

The elusive black-necked crane holds sacred significance in Bhutan, and the conservation of those endangered species is a matter of utmost significance. Participating within the act of harming one might even result in a life sentence.

Schooling System

Bhutan locations a robust emphasis on schooling, and it’s even free as much as the tenth grade. The nation has made important progress in bettering literacy charges and academic infrastructure in recent times!

Bhutan Has By no means Been Colonized

Top-of-the-line information about Bhutan is that it has by no means been colonized, sustaining its independence all through historical past. The nation has maintained a coverage of cautious engagement with the surface world to protect its distinctive tradition. Till 1961, Bhutan didn’t set up any diplomatic relations with some other nation. The primary Western guests (for tourism functions) didn’t step foot within the nation till 1974 when Bhutan opened its doorways to tourism.

A Monk Social gathering

There are simply 800,000 individuals in Bhutan, and one of the fascinating information about Bhutan is that over 12,000 of these are monks and 5,000 are nuns! Bhutan boasts greater than eight important monasteries alongside round 200 smaller ones, housing this group.

The Scorching Stone Bathtub

Top-of-the-line issues to do in Bhutan is take pleasure in a scorching stone bathtub. Bhutanese individuals have been having fun with scorching stone baths for hundreds of years as a therapeutic treatment for situations like arthritis, hypertension, joint discomfort, abdomen issues, numerous persistent pains, and greater than 50 pores and skin illnesses. It’s stated immersing oneself in these baths serves as an efficient technique to alleviate stress. We tried one in Bhutan, and whereas it was scorching, it was an incredible and rejuvenating expertise.

The Most Forested Nation

Bhutan is sometimes called the final Shangri La or one of many world’s remaining Edens. On the coronary heart of Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross Nationwide Happiness lie 4 pillars, with a vital emphasis on environmental conservation, recognizing the importance of nature for the well-being of its individuals.

The Bhutanese structure mandates the safety of landscapes, stipulating {that a} minimal of 60 % of the nation’s land have to be forested always—a aim persistently achieved, as reported by WWF. Presently, the forest protection stands at round 70 %. Impressively, greater than 50 % of Bhutan, equal to five million acres, is designated as protected land, marking the best proportion amongst all Asian international locations.

Inside these protected boundaries, endangered species equivalent to royal Bengal tigers, crimson pandas, Musk deer, bears, snow leopards, and elephants thrive. It was stunning to study from many Bhutanese people that encountering tigers is an everyday incidence for them, as if it’s no large deal!

Simply What number of Fortresses?

Bhutan is thought for its quite a few fortresses, additionally referred to as dzongs, and also you’ll see many for those who journey across the nation. What are dzongs precisely? Dzongs, integral to Bhutanese cities, are fortress-like edifices fulfilling roles as each spiritual and administrative hubs. They’re pivotal components of Bhutanese structure and tradition, and there are 20 within the nation to see!

The Bhutanese prefer it SPICY

I assumed Indian meals was spicy, however as soon as I obtained to Bhutan I spotted I had all of it incorrect. The Bhutanese actually love their spicy meals. Chili peppers are a staple ingredient in Bhutanese cooking, and they’re used so as to add warmth and taste to many dishes. The Bhutanese individuals are recognized for his or her excessive tolerance for spicy meals, and when one thing was burning my mouth off, our Bhutanese information was saying “extra chilis please!”

One of the iconic dishes in Bhutanese delicacies is “Ema Datshi,” which is a spicy chili and cheese stew, and for those who go to there’s no method you gained’t be supplied it.

First Nation to Vaccinate all avenue canines

The abundance of stray canines in Bhutan, significantly in Thimphu, took me unexpectedly. They roam freely, and very similar to the Greeks with their cats, the Bhutanese have adopted these stray avenue canines into their coronary heart. An fascinating tidbit about Bhutan is that they’re the primary nation on this planet to attain 100% canine sterilization and vaccination!

The Most Harmful Airport

A mere 24 pilots are certified to navigate the difficult runway of Paro, often known as one of many world’s most demanding airports. These pilots endure intensive coaching to skillfully navigate the mountainous terrain, executing take-offs and landings on a mere 6,562 toes runway. Because the pilots maneuver via the slim Paro Valley, passengers are handled to breathtaking views of the towering Himalayan peaks, verdant landscapes, and tranquil surroundings. Safe your seatbelts for an unforgettable expertise (we even noticed Mount Everest on out flight!)

One of many Largest Buddhas

There’s a whole lot of large buddhas on this planet, and one of many largest could be present in Bhutan! Buddha Dordenma Statue is simply exterior of Thimphu.

Also called the Buddha Level, it is a large bronze and gilded with gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha positioned in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park.

Measuring roughly 51.5 meters (169 toes) in peak, it’s a tall one. In order for you extra simply head inside as there are stated to be 120,000 smaller Buddha statues, all of that are enshrined inside the primary statue.

Bhutan is the best nation on this planet

When it comes to its common elevation above sea degree, Bhutan is the best nation on this planet. The typical elevation of Bhutan is round 3,280 meters (10,761 toes) above sea degree. The nation’s mountainous terrain contributes to its excessive common elevation, with many peaks exceeding 7,000 meters (23,000 toes).

It’s additionally essentially the most mountainous

98.8% of Bhutan is roofed by mountains, which additionally makes it essentially the most mountainous nation.

There’s Not A lot Mountaineering

In the event you’re a mountaineer you’ll have to go to close by Nepal to get your repair. In Bhutan, mountains over 6000 meters are thought of sacred and it’s prohibited to climb them! Gangkhar Puensum, at 7,570 m, is the best unclimbed mountain on this planet.

Take Your Sneakers Off

When getting into spiritual websites, inside fortresses and dzongs, and monasteries, you could take off your footwear. Throughout our 10 day journey we in all probability placed on and off our footwear a minimum of 15+ instances a day! We advocate touring to Bhutan with simple slip-on footwear due to this!

No photographs!

In the identical nature, it’s forbidden to take photographs or video inside a monastery, and components of dzongs and fortresses. Our information advised us that if you need to take off your footwear, you’ll be able to guess it additionally means no photographs inside!

No One Is aware of Their Birthday

The standard observe to watch birthdays just isn’t widespread in Bhutan and many individuals (particularly the older technology) are literally unaware of their precise delivery dates. After we visited, I requested a number of individuals in the event that they knew their birthday and nobody did! In truth, again within the day, when citizenship playing cards had been issued to the Bhutanese everybody was simply given the delivery date of January 1. Now with trendy instances, many youthful Bhutanese do nevertheless have a good time their birthdays. The Bhutanese imagine dwelling a contented life is extra essential than what number of years you’ve got lived.

A Ban on Cigs

Bhutan was the primary nation on this planet to utterly ban tobacco. Previous to the pandemic, it was unlawful to smoke in public or promote tobacco. Anybody caught violating the foundations may very well be fined the equal of 1 month’s wage. This all modified in 2021, when guidelines modified that allowed for the sale of tobacco merchandise in an effort to stamp out smuggling in the course of the pandemic. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless unlawful to smoke in public in Bhutan.

Carbon…Unfavorable?

Bhutan stands as the only nation that absorbs extra carbon dioxide than it emits. Bhutan’s structure mandates {that a} minimal of two-thirds of its land have to be forest-covered, and with over 70% of the land being forested, the Kingdom is ready to take in extra carbon dioxide than it produces.

One other World

Till the Fifties, Bhutan lacked public hospitals and faculties, and it wasn’t till a number of years later that the nation noticed the introduction of paper foreign money, roads, and electrical energy. I hope these information about Bhutan showcase simply how exceptional a vacation spot this nation is. It really is like moving into one other world, one with a novel tradition that appears caught prior to now, however in one of the best ways potential.