Bhutan
Bhutan, also known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” is one of the world’s most beautiful and yet a mysterious place. The government of Bhutan mandates to keep 65 % of its area forested with a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. The country stretches from subtropical valleys and plains to snowcapped mountain ranges. This landscape makes it the perfect place to trek through the majestic valleys or steep mountains.
Bhutan is a land of beautiful snow-capped mountains, religious monasteries, fortresses (dzongs) and its culture and traditions are still intact with the rising development taking place. Bhutan has embedded its religion i.e. Buddhism in every aspect of their life, starting from paintings at the fortress, houses and rituals and religious festivals that are celebrated with pomp and glory.
Bhutan is a mystical country and is also popularly known as the most happiest country in Asia.
Bhutan is also the first country in the world to measure progress based on happiness. The term Gross National Happiness is coined by the fourth king of Bhutan and the development of the country is measured interns of the happiness index of the people rather than Gross domestic product. So, Happiness! Really Happiness is more vital than material growth for the kingdom of Bhutan.
The happiness index is broadly divided into nine domains that is Living standards, education, health, cultural diversity and resilience, community vitality, time use, psychological well being, ecological diversity, and good governance.
The Population of Bhutan is around Eight hundred thousand. As of 2015 data, The ratio of male is 111.68 males to 100 females.
History of Bhutan
The name “Bhutan” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Bhotant” meaning “the end of Tibet” or from “Bhu-uttan” meaning “high land”. Though known as Bhutan to the outside world, the Bhutanese themselves refer to their country as Druk Yul or the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
“Druk” meaning “Dragon” and the extending from of the predominant Drukpa school of Tibetan
Buddhism.
The documented history of the Kingdom only begins from 747 A.D. with the arrival of Guru Padsambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche who made his legendary flight from Tibet across the
mountains on the back of a flying tigress. Guru Rinpoche is recognized as the founder of the Nyingmapa religious school and is also considered to be the second Buddha. The Guru began the propagation of the tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism and then in the ensuing centuries, many great Buddhist masters further spread the faith until Buddhism became the predominant religion by the middle-ages. Although sectarian at first, the country was eventually unified under Drukpa
Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism by the saint/administrator Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
in the 17thcentury. Ngawang Namgyal codified a comprehensive system of laws and built Dzongs which guarded each valley during unsettled times.
During the next two centuries civil wars intermittently broke out and the regional Governors
(Dzongpons) became increasingly more powerful. At the end of 19th century, the Trongsa
Dzongpon (Governor of the central region of Bhutan), Jigme Namgyel, overcame all his rivals
and was soon afterwards recognized as the undisputed leader of the then un-unified country. His son, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, was unanimously elected as the first King of Bhutan in 1907 by an
assembly of representatives from the monastic community, civil servants and the people. Thus began the system of hereditary Monarchyin the country and with it an era of peace and stability
ensured.
Capital of Bhutan
The Kingdom’s capital city is home to approximately more than 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary to immerse themselves in the contemporary Bhutanese lifestyle.
Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centres. However, it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization. Thimphu is one of the few towns in Bhutan that have been equipped with ATM banking facilities and is a good place to stock up on some currency.
There are several attractions in Thimphu such as the National Post Office, the Clock Tower Square, the Motithang Takin Preserve, Tango and Chari Monasteries, Buddha Dordenma, National Memorial Chorten, Centenary Farmer’s Market, Semtokha Dzong to name a few. These form the most important tourist attractions in the capital city.
The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in Thimphu in respect of religion, customs, national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, dance, literature and the media. Tshechu is an important festival where mask dances, popularly known as Chams, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu. It is a four-day festival held every year during autumn (September/October), on dates corresponding to the Bhutanese calendar. One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead, a few major intersections have policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions.
Bhutan Language
The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha spoken by all the citizens of Bhutan. Besides Dzongkha, English is also spoken by all the educated citizens of Bhutan and is also the working language.
There are a total of 19 different languages spoken throughout the country. Besides Dzongkha, the other three dominant language is Tshanglakha also known as sharchop spoken in eastern Bhutan, Lhotasmpa also known as Nepali spoken in southern Bhutan and Bumthangpa spoken in eastern Bhutan.
High Value Low volume
The country came up with the policy of High-value Low Volume Tourism, which means Limiting the number of Tourist by imposing a daily tariff. The policy was framed to preserve its culture and environment from the adverse effects of Tourism. 35% of the daily tariff goes to the government, which they use for Free Education and Health. Tourism sector is the second in line to Hydropower in generating revenue for the country.