Shrouded in mystery and magic, the Himalayan Kingdom has always been attractive to me, but I could never include it as a side trip in any of my previous global forays, as I feel that a special, exclusive visit to the destination is required if I am to truly enjoy it. In the meantime, I have been trying to gather more information about it to see what’s in store for me.
The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the ridges of the Himalayas, bordered by Tibet in the northwest and India in the southeast. It is known for its beautiful monasteries and fortresses.
The Himalayan mountain range has isolated the country from the rest of the world for decades, and the Bhutanese people have enjoyed preserving their rich culture and fascinating history, choosing to remain shrouded in deeply guarded isolation. Being shielded from the problems and atrocities affecting other countries, Bhutan, for the longest time, earned the honor of being “The Happiest Country in the World.”
The country has a population of only a little more than 700,000, 85 percent of whom still live in small villages sparsely scattered over rugged mountain land. The remaining 15 percent live in the capital city of Thimphu. Bhutan is perched atop the Himalayas and is approximately 23,000 feet above sea level, which is why the country is also referred to as “the rooftop of the world.”
Last year, the country earned recognition as “The Most Peaceful Country in South Asia” and, at the same time, ranked first in “Economic Freedom, Ease of Doing Business, and Lack of Corruption,” while ranking third in the “Human Development Index,” after Sri Lanka and the Maldives, in that order. Although the snow-capped Himalayas give the country one of the largest water reserves in the world, the melting glaciers caused by climate change also pose a problem.
What is there to see in Bhutan? The most popular attraction is the Paro Taktsang, a sacred Buddhist monastery located on the cliffside of the upper Paro Valley. It is one of the thirteen Tiger’s Nest caves in adjoining Tibet. The building consists of four main temples and residential shelters ideally designed to adapt to the granite ledges, caves, and rocky terrain of the mountainside.
How does one get there? Bhutan’s international airport is located in the Paro Valley, and there are many flights going there from Delhi, Calcutta, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Dhaka. From the airport, one can take a taxi to Paro town, then hike for 2 to 3 hours from the base of the mountain up to the monastery, an elevation of 1,700 feet. The last part of the trek involves climbing 700 stairs.
I can now see that this “adventure” will not be for the faint-hearted—literally—because trekking upward for 2 to 3 hours, then climbing 700 steps, would be something for the supremely fit. But then again, it would be a good way to test one’s physical condition. Anyway, there is a rest stop midway where one can use the toilet facilities, relax, and enjoy the amazing view.
There are many other interesting attractions the country offers. For one, the Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel is set in a massive garden of flowers and trees in the Paro Valley, positioning itself as a tranquil sanctuary and peaceful retreat amidst nature. The building showcases the country’s rich architectural traditions, from its intricately carved woodwork and traditional stonework to hand-painted murals and Bhutanese motifs.
The very colorful Tshechu Festival is a must when visiting Bhutan. Usually held in the spring or fall, this culturally significant national festival commemorates the birth and teachings of important historical figures and features masked dances, religious ceremonies, and colorful performances that embody the fascinating core of Bhutanese values.
I’m sure there are many more attractions in this country “high up in the sky,” and I’d like to know more about its people, since they have lived in the “happiest country in the world” for so many decades. Does that mean a longer lifespan for them compared to ours? Well, let’s find out. See you soon, Bhutan!
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com