Experience Bhutan: The Happiest Country in the World

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Experience Bhutan: The Happiest Country in the World

Bhutan, a small nation in South Asia, ranks at the top of the global happiness index. It allures travelers with its ancient Buddhist culture and picturesque natural landscapes.

Experience Bhutan: The Happiest Country in the World

Bhutan is positioned between China and India, operating under a constitutional monarchy with a king and a parliament. It proudly preserves the last-standing traditional Himalayan Buddhist culture globally.

Despite its geographical isolation and mostly highland terrain, Bhutan fascinates visitors as the only place that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over GDP.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. However, the best times to visit are during spring (March-April) and festival season (September-November). In spring, with blossoming flowers and a refreshing atmosphere, the natural scenery is exceptionally enchanting, making it an ideal time to explore.

During the festival season in fall, the landscape is adorned with vibrant flowers like rhododendrons and orchids. This period not only showcases the most significant festivals but also offers a chance to immerse yourself in Bhutan's unique cultural heritage.

Travel Guide to Bhutan

1. Visa Application and Journey to Bhutan

To embark on a Bhutanese adventure, securing a visa is mandatory through Bhutan's designated travel agency, incurring a fee of $40 per person. Consequently, spontaneous travel to Bhutan is not feasible. The Bhutanese monarch restricts the annual influx of tourists to 6,000, aiming to preserve the country's cultural and natural landscapes.

Additionally, before departure, obtaining a visa from the designated agency is essential, with a daily travel fee of approximately $250 during peak seasons. This comprehensive fee covers transportation, accommodation, three meals a day, a guide, and entrance fees to various tourist attractions.

To fly to Bhutan, currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam. You will have to transit in one of three locations: Bangkok, India, or Singapore. It is advisable for travelers to plan well in advance for their Bhutan trip to allow ample preparation time. Due to the limited number of flights to Bhutan, it tends to get crowded during peak seasons.

2. Accommodation and Dining

Due to the longstanding Buddhist culture, Bhutanese people predominantly follow a vegetarian diet. Consequently, the cuisine in this country is relatively simple. Main ingredients include rice and corn, along with fresh and delicious vegetables. The primary seasonings are cheese and chili, resulting in dishes with sweet and spicy flavors.

Unique Bhutanese dishes include Ema Datshi, a combination of cheese and chili. Additionally, the happy kingdom boasts dishes like Shamu Datshi, a cheese-cooked vegetable dish, Ezay, a chili-mixed salad, and Momo, a dumpling similar to Vietnamese banh bao hao cao.

Hotels in Bhutan are primarily concentrated in Paro and Thimphu, offering a range from luxurious to budget-friendly options. A notable choice in Paro is the Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa, a luxurious resort with panoramic views of the stunning surroundings. The interior is predominantly made of wood, featuring a cozy design, with an average nightly rate of around $150.

If you're in Thimphu, consider Ariya Hotel on Olakha Street. The hotel provides excellent amenities, beautiful furnishings, friendly staff, with an average overnight rate of approximately $110.

3. Sightseeing Spots

Trongsa Fortress: Trongsa Fortress has been the residence of Bhutanese kings since 1907, and it is the largest fortress in the country. Situated on a mountain above the Mandge Chu river dam, it was originally built to control trade for centuries. Today, it has transformed into a captivating tourist destination, with the Ta Dzong watchtower serving as a museum.

Kora Stupa: The Kora Stupa, constructed with white stone in 1740, is located in the Karmaling Valley, eastern Bhutan. It is one of the oldest Buddhist architectural marvels in the country, built to ward off evil spirits and preserve Buddhist relics.

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Also known as Tiger's Nest, Taktsang Monastery is one of Bhutan's most sacred and architecturally stunning sites. Built on a cliff in the 17th century, the monastery stands at an elevation of 600 meters above ground. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Bhutanese Buddhism, meditated on the back of a tiger here.

Punakha Fortress: Constructed in 1637, Punakha Fortress served as Bhutan's government headquarters until the mid-20th century. Despite facing natural disasters, the fortress underwent extensive restoration under the Bhutanese monarch. Today, it functions as the administrative center of Punakha and stands as one of Bhutan's most beautiful fortresses.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Situated on a mountain peak in Kabisa Gewong, Punakha, this stupa is a testament to Bhutan's architectural prowess and artistic traditions. Built in 1990 for defense against invasion, it took craftsmen 9 years to complete the stupa.

Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary: Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary is a national park nurturing the wildlife of Bhutan. It is home to rare and endangered species such as Tibetan Takin, snow leopards, blue sheep, tigers, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and over 300 bird species thriving in their natural habitats.

Buddha Dordenma Statue: Located in Thimphu, the Buddha Dordenma Statue is one of the world's largest Buddha statues, standing at 51 meters tall. A unique fact known to few is that inside the Buddha Dordenma Statue, there are 125,000 small Buddha statues, all cast in bronze and gilded with gold, resembling the giant Buddha.

Travel Tips for Bhutan

Due to the high altitude, Bhutan's nights can be quite cold, so it's advisable to pack warm clothing.

Very few people in Bhutan are fluent in foreign languages, so it's essential to always travel with a guide when needed.

Exchange Bhutanese currency at the airport before arrival, as there are limited currency exchange options in Bhutan. Moreover, these places mainly cater to locals. Bhutan's official currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), with an exchange rate of 1 USD = 46 Nu.

Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere. If caught, you may face arrest by the police.

In sensitive locations such as royal palaces and temples, dress modestly and strictly refrain from taking photographs.

Avoid breaking branches, plucking flowers, fishing, hunting, and engaging in activities that harm the environment.

Source: An Ngọc/ Zing News

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour

TravelExplora.comJanuary 11, 2019

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bhutan the happiest country in the world according to global rankings?

Bhutan is ranked as the happiest country in the world due to its unique approach to prioritizing the well-being of its citizens over economic growth. This philosophy is evident in its Gross National Happiness index, which emphasizes sustainable development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation, allowing citizens to enjoy a high quality of life.

What is the best time of year to visit Bhutan for optimal experiences?

The best times to visit Bhutan are during spring, from March to April, and during the festival season, from September to November. Spring showcases beautiful blossoms and pleasant weather, while the fall festival season offers vibrant cultural experiences and stunning natural landscapes, making both periods ideal for travelers.

What are the visa requirements for traveling to Bhutan as a tourist?

To visit Bhutan, tourists must obtain a visa through a designated travel agency, with a fee of $40 per person. This visa is mandatory, as the government restricts the number of visitors to preserve its culture and environment. A daily travel fee of approximately $250 applies during peak seasons, covering various expenses.

What are some traditional Bhutanese dishes that visitors should try?

Visitors to Bhutan should try traditional dishes like Ema Datshi, which combines cheese and chili, and Shamu Datshi, featuring cheese-cooked vegetables. Other notable dishes include Ezay, a chili salad, and Momo, dumplings that resemble Vietnamese bao. These dishes reflect Bhutan's rich culinary heritage and flavorful ingredients.

Which famous landmarks and attractions should tourists visit in Bhutan?

Tourists in Bhutan should not miss landmarks like the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, and the historic Trongsa Fortress. Other significant sites include the Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu and the beautiful Punakha Fortress. These attractions highlight Bhutan's rich history and stunning architecture.

Are there specific travel tips for tourists visiting Bhutan's unique environment?

Yes, tourists should pack warm clothing due to Bhutan's high altitude, which results in cold nights. It's also essential to travel with a guide, as few locals speak foreign languages. Additionally, visitors should be aware of local customs, like dressing modestly in sensitive areas and respecting environmental conservation rules.