Travel Diaries - Kingdom of Happiness - Bhutan

Bhutan also known as the land of the Thunder Dragon was on my bucket list of places to visit for two very different reasons which somewhere echoes with my views

1. A country which gives a higher importance to Gross National Happiness than GDP
2. A country that cares for nature, grows 100% organic food and is Carbon Negative

Bhu-othan (if in some sense this can be broken - Bhu meaning land and othan/uthan - meaning elevation), this land locked mountain nation sits beneath the lap of the himalayas to the north eastern part of India. A country which barely has a population of 800,000 follows a constitutional monarchy. Being a dominant Bhuddhist country, religion and consititution execution are both unified by the King of Bhutan.

Paro is the main gateway to Bhutan via air and it takes seasoned pilots to land in the world most difficult/scariest airport. Towering cliffs and steap turns along the valleys makes this a bumpy ride into the Paro valley. The fresh burst of clean air and flowing Paro Chuu (Paro river) instantly connects you to this land.

 

Clockwise - Paro airport terminal, runway, inside the terminal, Paro Chhu and Druk Air

Thimpu, capital of Bhutan also boasts of the world tallest Shakyamuni Buddha statue made of bronze sitting at 51.5 meters tall. The view of the valley from the hill can take your breath away.

Clockwise - Parliament and Admin buildings, Shakyamuni Buddha, Stupa at the entrance, Buddha, Thimpu valley below, beautiful statues around the huge courtyard

Nestled between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (rivers), Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and largest dzong in Bhutan. This majestic structure amongst many temples also has the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal aka Zhabdrung Rinpoche (the unifier of Bhutan). Bhutan has many Dzongs located across the country (which are fortress) and this is one of the most beautiful.

On the way to Punakha, one cannot get over the magestic views from the Dochula pass. On a clear day you see 10 tall peaks of the Himalayas (in Bhutan). The pass is located at an elevation of 3,100 metres and has 100 stupas that give the pass an artistic touch.

A few glimpses of the Punakha Dzong

 

Views from Dochula pass, Stupas and a small family of Yaks :)

The travel to Bhutan couldn't have been complete without being to the Taktsang (tiger's nest) Monastery. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a flaming tigress. This place was consecrated to tame the demon. A trek upthe steep cliff from the base location was a daunting task, but the energy and enthusiasm kept us going.

Trek up Taktsang

It is just not possible to capture this mesmerizing place and its warm hospitatlity in a few pictures or words. One needs to be there and experience it.

At the end of the trip, here is what I thought

1. A country which gives a higher importance to Gross National Happiness than GDP
- The country provides free education and healthcare for all. If you need treatment available outside the country, the state has  it covered.
- Crime rate was at its lowest and sporadic issues were rare.
- Electricity and water was available to all households across the width and height of the nation.
- Monarch did not have a lavish castle nor personal jets. The emphasis was to invest the wealth back to the community and country.

The arrow mark is where the Monark stays - a lot to learn

2. A country that cares for nature, grows 100% organic food and is Carbon Negative

- The country generates 100% electricity from hydroelectric power plants.
- Exports electricity and is a huge revenue earner for the country.
- All produce in the country is organically grown. This is a nation-wide movement and they take pride in it.
- Waste recycling and reduction is key for all.
- Flora and fauna is regarded and everyone feels obliged to protect them.

This trip couldn't have been possible without the amazing team from Heavenly Bhutan (http://www.heavenlybhutan.com/). They were truly professional and made us feel at home. Kudos to Rita, Tek and Passang. We cherished each moment spent in your country and look forward to seeing more.

Until next time Tashi Delek :)

For some moments.

Bhutan Diaries - Moments captured