THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATION TODAY BECKONS: On the roof of the world, nestled on the Eastern Himalayas, is Bhutan or the kingdom of the thunder Dragon. Here, centuries old ways of life, culture and tradition blend harmonies with modern times to create a fairytale realm like no other. Bhutan has never been colonized and the Bhutanese are fiercely protective about their independent. After centuries of self-imposed isolation, Bhutan has emerged strongly from the shrouds of myth as a nation exemplified for choosing all the right paths. The Television and internet found their way to Bhutan only in 1999. Bhutan is perhaps the only nation in the world where billboards and tobacco are banned. Their absence further heightens the nations intact forest cover of more than 70 percent of its entire land and its prestigious standing among the 10 global hotspots for environmental conservation. Bhutan is also the recipient of the Champions of The Earth Award 2005 from the united Nations Environment Program.
GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS: Underlying all policies of the king through the years of unprecedented development is the Principle of Gross National Happiness (GNH). The approch of people’s happiness over Gross National Product has generated intense study, debate and interests worldwide. In Bhutan, it has always been the interest of the people first for the benevolent Monarch and GNH the ultimate aspiration.
AN UNRIVALLED, CULTURE, TRADITION & ART: Bhutanese language and literature, the arts and crafts, ceremonies and events, and social and cultural values draw their essence from religious teachings. Government policy, royal patronage and the faith of the people have ensured their preservation and promotion. Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. The combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is unparalleled in the massive monastic fortresses to houses and bridges. Music and dance, performed by the clergy and the lay population, play an important role in national, village, or domestic functions and festivals. Bhutan is equally renowned for its handicrafts and its textile tradition has become internationally recognized.
FESTIVALS OF BHUTAN: At various times of the year, Bhutanese in towns and villages congregate to witness masked dance festivals known as Tshechu. These colorful events draw thousands of locals, some of whom have to walk for days. While the underlying purpose is spiritual, the dances are more often like plays where good triumphs over evil or depicts significant historical events, especially about the life of Bhutan’s patron saint, Padmasambhava ( also known as Guru Rimpoche). There is inevitably a great deal of socializing; it is an opportunity for people to relax and forget daily routines, to dress in their finest clothes and jewelry but, more importantly, it is an occasion for prayer and blessings. Tshechus mainly comprise mask dances in addition to some folk dance entertainment. Festivals are not pageants or entertainment events and definitely not held as tourist attractions. They are genuine manifestations of ancient religious traditions, which outsiders are given the privilege to witness.
WAY OF LIFE: More than 80 percent of the Bhutanese live on subsistence farming, scattered in sparsely populated hamlets across the nation. The Bhutanese are fiercely independent, but friendly and hospitable. They are deeply religious and their everyday lives are influenced by the tenets of Buddhism. They enjoy their sports, unique variations of archery, Khuru (darts) and Dego (quoits) and never miss an opportunity to sing and dance.
THE BEST THAT NATURE HAS TO OFFER: Bhutan’s terrain ranges from the sub-tropical foothills in the south, through the temperate zones, to dizzying heights of over 7,300 meters (24,000 feet). Each zone boasts the highest density of rare herbs, flowers, birds and animals. A kaleidoscopic blanket of Rhododendrons on alpine slopes and the national flower, blue poppy, are visual delights across the country. The Blue sheep, the elusive Snow Leopard, the Himalayan Black Bear, the Golden Langur and the national animal, the Takin, roam abundantly. Some valley are also the winter roosting grounds of the endangered Black Necked Crane
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