Welcome to Cool Stopovers!
In my first blog entry, I just wanted to share with you that I feel blessed that I was able to travel to Bhutan. It is not a common destination for people and in fact some people even ask - Why go there?
I remember that in the book "Geography of Bliss" by Erik Weiner, it was mentioned that Bhutan is truly one of the Happiest places in the world. Because of my curiosity to discover what makes it a happy place I took a trip to Bhutan.
Bhutan : A Country Filled with Happiness
Bhutan is a country that measures progress not by Gross Domestic Product but by
“Gross National Happiness”. Their
King believes in the importance of prosperity and happiness.
The King and the state takes care of the welfare of
Bhutanese people and traditional culture is preserved since people of all ages wear the traditional clothing.
Once you arrive at Paro International Airport in Bhutan you
will see a photo of their beloved King
and Queen.
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| King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck(the Fifth King of Bhutan) and Queen Jetsun Pema |
Bhutan’s International airport in Paro is not as big as
international airports in other countries. Tourists from other countries may go
to Bhutan by taking a flight from Thailand and taking Druk Air(their National
airline).
In Paro City, there are small neighborhood stores
that offer various snacks, toys and grocery items.
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and it is where you can
find a big Buddha (with a height of more than 100 feet) located at their highest
viewing point also called by locals as Buddha point. Our guide said the people in Thimphu get to see the Buddha sitting on top of the mountain when they peek through their windows during day time.
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| Thimphu city view from Buddha point |
Thimphu city is where there are no traffic lights but traffic is directed by a police man via
a dance like movement.
The architecture in Bhutan is also quite unique as most of
the buildings make use of colorful blocks and artistically painted façades.
Bhutanese people love spicy food as chili is one of their
staples in their dishes.
Archery is
their national sport and it is common to see that traditional clothing is also
worn during competitions.
Bhutanese are also into arts, crafts and culture.
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| Sculpture making at the National Institute for Arts & Culture |
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| Weaving |
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| Dancing at festivities |
Takin is Bhutan’s national animal. It looks like a cow from the back and a goat
from the front.
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| Takin at Takin Sanctuary, Thimphu |
Bhutan is a spiritual place where you can visit temples and
monasteries. Lots of walking and hiking are done when visiting these places. Majority (more than 75% ) of the people in Bhutan are Buddhists.
Bhutanese believe in peace and a chorten with 108 structures
overlooking the Himalayan mountains have been built to honor and bring peace
to Bhutanese soldiers who have died in the Duar War of 2003.
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| Druk Wangyel Chortens at Dochula |
One of Bhutan’s well-known Dzong’s or fortress is the
Punakha Dzong which means “Palace of Great Happiness” located on the confluence
of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in Punakha. According to the guide the rivers are male and female.
It was the place of coronation of the
first King of Bhutan, King Ugyen Wangchuck.
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| Punakha Dzong |
Tiger’s Nest which is also known as Taktsang monastery, is
the most known monastery in Bhutan. It is located on the face of a 900m cliff
in Paro. Visitors reach Tiger’s
Nest by hiking and some also opt to take a combination of hiking and a horse/pony
ride(note that the horse ride can only be done going up). The monastery has several
shrines and some monks also reside there.
The view from the monastery is spectacular. Tiger’s Nest is a place where many great spiritual masters
have been to for profound meditation.
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| Tiger's Nest monastery |
Bhutan is certainly a place where you can see strong culture,
spirituality and happiness.
In fact, when you ask the tour guides if they are happy they definitely answer with an enthusiastic "Yes!" and smile!
