10 FACTS ABOUT BHUTAN

10 Surprising Facts About Bhutan

 

Bhutan borders India and China and is a predominantly Buddhist country. Rimmed by the Himalayas, its high altitude and inaccessibility has allowed it to remain cut off from the rest of the world (until recently, when it started to allow limited tourism). Here are 10 interesting facts about Bhutan an intoxicating country.

Best places to visit in Bhutan the Trongsa Dzong with clouds gathering above it in the mountains

 

1: LAND OF THUNDER DRAGON

Bhutan is called “The Land of Thunder Dragons” because of the violent and large thunderstorms that whip down through the valleys from the Himalayas. The contrast in temperature from the Indian plains and the high mountains of the Himalayas also creates dramatic cloud-scapes that can be seen as you drive over the high mountain passes.

The landscape of Bhutan with clouds gathering along the hillside
Trashigang to Samdrup Jonkhar 

 

2: CLOSED TO TOURISTS

In 1974, the first international tourists were allowed into Bhutan by invite only. Today it’s fully open for tourism, but at the high cost of $250.00 a day per person. You must arrange all your travel through a government authorized tourist agency, but once you arrive everything is taken care of from food through to your transportation and guide.

People walking away from Druk Air plane in Paro Bhutan after landing
Paro airport & Druk Air

 

3: GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS

Bhutan is the first country to switch from the western ideal of Gross National Product to “Gross National Happiness,” which is achieved through four foundations: good governance, natural environment, sustainable growth, and cultural values.

A group of monks making the peace sign for camera in Bhutan
Friends 

 

4: NO SMOKING

Bhutan is the first country to have outlawed tobacco in 2004. Although, in 2012 the laws were loosened and smuggling now occurs. It is still rare to see people smoking on the streets, but drugs and alcohol have continued to create problems and the government has started a program to educate and deter citizens from abusing or using the smuggled narcotics.

Monk looking out of a window in Bhutan
Monk inside of a Dzong

 

5: THE NATIONAL SPORT

The national sports of Bhutan are archery and darts – I am not sure how darts qualifies as a sport! In the city of Paro I had the opportunity to whiteness an archery competition and was surprised how far they had to shoot. After watching for over forty minutes not one person had hit the bullseye!

A man pulling his arrow for archery in Thimphu Bhutan
Archery in Bhutan 

 

6: NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS

The capital city, Thimphu, has no traffic lights– just white-gloved traffic officers. When the city tried to install some lights there was a public outcry, and they were promptly removed.

The only traffic stop in the town of Thimphu BhutanBhutan
The only traffic stop in Thimphu Bhutan

 

7: STATE RELIGION

Tantric Buddhism is the official religion, followed by Hinduism. Buddhism is state sponsored and the Dzong’s and temples are maintained and supported by the government. There are even trade schools to teach new artisans that work on the paintings and carvings of these holy places.

Dancing in Jakar Bhutan the Kurjey Lhakhang Tsechu or festival with costumes and drums
Jakar Bhutan the Kurjey Lhakhang Tsechu 

 

8: THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

Gangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan and considered so sacred that no one has yet climbed to its peak (at 24,840 feet). The views of the mountains as you drive across the high passes are jaw dropping and the highlight of any journey through Bhutan.

best places to visit in Bhutan the Douchula Pass with it's hundreds of Stuppas
Douchula Pass 

 

9: NO TV OR INTERNET

In 2001 Bhutan lifted its ban on TV and Internet—the last country in the world to do so. But today it is not strange to see computers and cell phones in the hands of teenagers especially in the capital city of Thimphu.

Monks in Bhutan at the kurjey lhakhang tsechu blowing horns
Jakar bhutan, kurjey lhakhang tsechu

 

10: ENVIRONMENTALISTS

Bhutan is one of the only countries in the world where citizens have a constitutional obligation to preserve and protect the environment. You need to visit before it all changes. So you should visit Bhutan before it changes – the western world is slowly creeping in despite the governments best intentions. You can learn more about the country and how to start planning a trip on my Bhutan Country Guide Page.

The mighty Mo Chhu River running through the valley of Bhutan

SOURSE: JOSEPH KIELY

BHUTAN GETS ITS FIRST CHOPPER

heli1-660x330

Bhutan’s first chopper lands

In a historic development for the aviation industry in Bhutan, the country’s first helicopter sporting the country’s national flag, touched down at Paro international airport, yesterday.

The helicopter, an Airbus H130, arrives ahead of a November 4 expected delivery date. The helicopter services are on schedule to be launched on November 5.

The helicopter was assembled, painted and tested in Singapore. It began its journey to Bhutan on October 27. It stopped over in Thailand, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, before reaching Bhutan. Upon entering Bhutanese airspace, the helicopter landed at the Gelephu domestic airport to refuel before heading to Paro airport.

The chairman of the helicopter board, Cabinet Secretary Kinzang Wangdi, was on board the helicopter. He joined the flight crew as a passenger from Dhaka, Bangladesh. The flight crew consisted of two test pilots and one engineer working for Airbus Helicopters. One of the Airbus pilots was the CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

The helicopter can accommodate up to seven passengers, excluding the pilot.

The chairman, who had never flown in a helicopter prior, said that he was initially nervous but that the flight had been “pleasant”, quiet and comfortable. He also pointed out that it was quite an experience given the panoramic view as a result of the large wrap-around windscreen and wide windows.

Kinzang Wangdi said it is  significant that Bhutan is receiving its first helicopter and will be introducing its services on the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

The government plans to use the helicopters for search and rescue, air medical evacuations, fire fighting, moving cargo, transport of VIPs and government officials, and possibly even for tourism, among others.

The helicopter will be undergoing proving flights in the next few days as required by the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority. Flights could occur to other parts of the country.

News of the helicopter’s arrival was welcomed by citizens on social media with many offering their congratulations. Many posted and shared photos of the helicopter.

The helicopter will be based at the old hangar at Paro airport, which is the headquarters of the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Ltd (RBHS). The state-owned company has already recruited a pilot recommended by Airbus, and a helicopter engineer from India. Both have already started working for the company.

The second helicopter is expected to arrive sometime mid-next year.

Source: Kuensel (Gyalsten K Dorji)