Bhutan, a small country in South Asia always wrapped in mystery, after openinig its access to foreigners, imposed a steep visitor tax to keep travelers away. As a result, Bhutan remained frozen in time, kept its natural beauty untouched and became the first country in the world with negetive carbon emissions. I want to describe Bhutan as marvelous natural beauty, stunning landscapes, ancient temples, spectacular monasteries, and happy faces. Bhutan is also rich in its tradition and culture. There are hundreds of reasons why every traveler should travel Bhutan.
Here are 12 reasons why Bhutan should be on your bucket list.
- The Pursuit of Gross National Happiness
- It’s a Hiker’s Heaven
- There Are No Traffic Lights and No Traffic
- Stunning Natural Beauty
- Bhutanese Hot Cuisine
- Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
- Dzong (Bhutanese Fort)
- Land of Culture & Heritage
- A Spiritual heaven
- Celebration of Tshechu Festivals
- Zorig Chusum- Thirteen unique arts and crafts of Bhutan
- You can create your stamps at the National Post Office
1. The Pursuit of Gross National Happiness
Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a philosophy and measurement tool that aims to gauge a nation’s collective happiness and well-being. Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, first implemented this philosophy. He said, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product.” Since then, people’s happiness has been ensured carefully. They also have a ministry to ensure happiness. It’s a beautiful reason to travel Bhutan the happiest country in the world.
2. It’s a Hiker’s Heaven
As Bhutan’s policy is to minimize the volume and maximize the value of its tourism, as a result it is not crowded with travelers. So its nature remained untouched. Bhutan’s hiking will take you through physical challenges but it will allow you to witness the pristine natural beauty of the Himalayan mountains. There are several of the most beautiful treks of the world which you can find in Bhutan. So hiking is another good reason to travel Bhutan.
3. There Are No Traffic Lights and No Traffic
Bhutan is the least polluted country in the world and currently the only country with a negative carbon emission. People are very conscious of maintaining a clean and green environment. There is not much traffic in the streets, even in its capital, Thimphu. People don’t honk their horns in the street. Everyone in the street follows the traffic rules, which are religiously maintained here. They don’t need any traffic lights here.
4. Stunning Natural Beauty
Bhutan is the most beautiful country in the world, with its raw nature and cultural richness. This country is blessed with lush green valleys, high mountains, sparkling water bodies, and a variety of flora and fauna that provide a unique bio-diversity and balance of nature. According to Bhutanese law, 60% of the land should be covered by forest at any given time, and currently forest covers 70% of its land. So Bhutan visit is a must for enjoying this raw beauty. Isn’t it an excellent reason to travel Bhutan?
5. Bhutanese Hot Cuisine
I think Bhutan is the only country where chili (Ema) is not used as a seasoning but as a vegetable. So, when you think of Bhutanese cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is Ema (chili). Bhutanese cuisine is a wonderful blend of fresh, boiled, dried vegetables and dairy. Their national food is Ema-Datshi, which is a chili and cheese stew served with rice. If you want, you can try it at your own risk
6. Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
Taktsang Goemba, or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is the defining image of Bhutan, just like the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty. When I think about Bhutan, the first image that comes to mind is this Tiger’s Nest, which seems like it really came from a fantasy movie. It is one of the most significant monasteries, and it is located precisely 3,000 meters above Paro Valley. According to the legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to the present location of the Taktsang in Bhutan. In one of the caves here, the Guru then performed meditation and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations), and the place became holy. Subsequently, the place became known as the “Tiger’s Nest. A short trek with stunning views will take you to the monastery.
7. Dzong (Bhutanese Fort)
The Dzong, or fortress-monastery, served as a stronghold against enemies in the past, and now it plays an important role as a combined administrative center and monastery. If you travel Bhutan you will see almost every populated valley has a Dzong, which is usually situated by the river. They were made in the Tibetan style, with thick walls and slopes inward.
8. Land of Culture & Heritage
Bhutan is a country where its people preserve and flourish their culture and tradition. Though Bhutan grew slowly and steadily, its people have always lived according to their beliefs and traditions. In Bhutan, people must wear traditional clothing while visiting any government official or monastery. All the population highly values Bhutan’s unique culture and tradition.
9. A Spiritual Heave
Buddhism is the main religion in Bhutan. You can find Buddhism present in every aspect of their lives. In fact, Buddhism is not only their religion; it is their way of life. The reason why Bhutan is so peaceful is that Buddhism is deeply rooted in their society and mentality. The Bhutan government supports, preserves, and promotes the spiritual practice of Buddhism. The government also supports monasteries, monks, nuns, and shrines that get annual subsidies.
10. Celebration of Tshechu Festivals
The festivals of Bhutan reflect their devotion towards religion. Bhutan has different colorful festivals. Among them, Tshechu is the most important. Tshechu means a religious festival, held on the 10th day of a lunar month. This festival is held in various monasteries and dzongs in Bhutan, but the celebration time differs. This festival celebrates the birthday of the Buddhist leader Guru Padmasambhava, who spread Buddhism in Bhutan. Cham dances, Atsaras (clowns) in wooden masks are important components of Tshechu. It is believed that witnessing this festival cleanses the sin of the viewer.
11. Zorig Chusum- Thirteen unique arts and crafts of Bhutan
Zorig Chusum is a classification of arts, crafts, and technological skills into thirteen different domains, and it is well-known in Bhutan. The thirteen categories include (1) calligraphy, (2) painting, (3) carving, (4) clay sculpture, (5) metal casting, (6) silver and gold smithery, (7) needlework, (8) woodwork/ carpentry, (9) textile production, (10) paper making, (11) bamboo craft or, (12) black smithery, and (13) masonry. All these arts and crafts works are rooted in Buddhist philosophy.
12. You can create your stamps at the National Post Office.
Bhutan’s stamp features the country’s rich culture and traditions, which have been preserved and carried through time by all previous kings. There are stamps with holograms, religious images, and Bhutanese images. Bhutan is the first country to release the world’s first CD-ROM postage stamp for video footage. And the best thing is to have a real stamp with your photo on it, then put it on a postcard and send it home.
In conclusion, Bhutan offers a truly unique travel experience that blends natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a deep sense of spirituality. From its stunning landscapes and serene monasteries to its commitment to Gross National Happiness, Bhutan stands apart as a destination that prioritizes both environmental preservation and human well-being. Whether you’re a hiker seeking adventure, a spiritual seeker looking for peacefulness, or a cultural enthusiast eager to explore ancient traditions, Bhutan provides something for every traveler. These 12 reasons showcase why Bhutan is not just a destination but an unforgettable journey, making it a must-visit on any traveler’s bucket list.
