Bhutan : A Country Filled with Happiness

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.

            

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.

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.

Sculpture making at the National Institute for Arts & Culture

Weaving

           

Dancing at festivities

          

Takin is Bhutan’s  national animal. It looks like a cow from the back and a goat from the front.

 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.

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.

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.

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!