It lies in the middle of China and India, the holy land of Bhutan is a wonderful destination for every type of traveler. Meanwhile, ancient monasteries, virgin wilderness, and mystical mountains are some interesting facts about Bhutan.
In fact, traveling to Bhutan is a primal venture of people interested in climbing and expedition and curious to know Buddhism.
Bhutan is formally ‘secular,’ where Buddhism is the cultural heritage and its majority of people’s identity. And the tradition and lifestyle of Bhutanese people are still unaffected by the outside world.
Meanwhile, when Hollywood’s famous actresses; Cameron Diaz and Eva Mendes visited Bhutan for their show on MTV called Trippi’, they said;
The Bhutanese have carefully opened their doors to the outside world yet they continue to live in harmony with the world around them,’ and, ‘ life moves at a different pace here.
Bhutan is a hiker’s paradise, and the paths of trekking and hiking in Bhutan consists of pristine landscapes, unspoiled natural vegetation, and friendly people. Meanwhile, out of Bhutan’s infinity beauty and pleasures, we have listed 15 interesting facts that could help our readers and travelers to get an overall idea of Bhutan’s mystic land.
15 Interesting Facts Of Bhutan
1. The United Nations recognized Bhutan as a country only in 1974.
2. The word “Bhutan” translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” It has the nickname because of the fierce storms that often roll in from the Himalayas.
3. Bhutan is the first country in the world with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment. Among its requirements: At least 60 percent of the nation must remain under forest cover at all times, making it the world’s only ‘Carbon Sink,’ that is, it absorbs more Carbon dioxide (CO2) than it gives out.
4. Rather than using the GDP as an economic index, Bhutan measures its overall “health” through the four pillars: sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and good governance, which together form the Gross National Happiness or GNH.
5. Thimpu is one of just two capital cities in Asia that does not have a single traffic light. (The other is Pyongyang, North Korea.) There was such public outcry when local officials installed a single signal that it was quickly replaced, and a traffic officer was re-assigned to the intersection.
6. Bhutan is the only nation in the world where the sale of tobacco is banned.
7. At 24,840 feet, Gangkhar Puensum is the highest point in Bhutan—and the highest mountain in the world that does not scale yet.
8. Bhutanese manners dictate that you are to refuse food whenever it’s offered to you. The tradition is to say the words “meshu meshu” and cover your mouth with your hands. You can give in, though, after two or three offers.
9. Anyone found guilty of killing a highly endangered and culturally black-necked crane could be sentenced to life in prison.
10. Bhutan is one of the last countries in the world to introduce television to its people. The government lifted a ban on TV—and the Internet—only 11 years ago.
11. Bhutan is overwhelmingly Buddhist, with a large Hindu minority, but remains deeply superstitious. Traditional homes have carved wooden erect phalluses protruding from the main door lintels to ward off evil spirits. A heavy emphasis is placed on Buddhist teachings, and Bhutanese receive free education from the government.
12. All citizens officially become one year older on New Year’s Day. This way, no one forgets anyone’s birthday!
13. Bhutan’s national sport is a form of archery in which rival teams face each other across a field and fire sharp arrows while each team waves its arms to distract their opponents. Players battle it out wearing national costumes.
14. Bhutan’s national animal is the takin, an animal so unusual it is in a class all of its own, Budorcas taxicolor. Bhutanese believe their most popular saint, known as the divine madman (1455-1529), created it.
15. Bhutan is the happiest country in Asia, and the eighth globally, despite widespread poverty and illiteracy. A survey pointed to the landlocked Himalayan kingdom’s beautiful mountain scenery, isolated culture, and a strong sense of national identity as reasons for its citizens’ contentment.
Nevertheless, Bhutan’s visit brings an understanding of why this beautiful country has remained one of the Himalayas’ deepest mysteries. Additionally, Bhutanese towns got many cultural landmarks and admirable beauty, with fast-flowing rivers, vast valleys, and lush hills. Therefore, to make your trip hassle-free, we offer tailor made trip so that each traveler could explore this phenomenal beauty in their own way.
