THE LAST KINGDOM
Deep in the Himalayas, on the border between China and India, lies the Kingdom of Bhutan, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments, as it has pledged to remain carbon neutral for all time. This country's mission is to put happiness before economic growth and set a world standard for environmental preservation.
Suket Dedhia
Economists the world over have argued that the key to happiness is obtaining and enjoying material development. Bhutan however, adheres to a very different belief and advocates that amassing material wealth does not necessarily lead to happiness.
Bhutan is now trying to measure progress not by the popular idea of Gross Domestic Product but by through Gross National Happiness.
The Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable approach to tourism in line with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. However this comes at a cost to foreign visitors who have to spend a minimum per day of US$250 which is all-inclusive of your stay, food, transport and an official guide. A portion of your daily fee (US$65) also goes to provide free education, healthcare environment conservation.
So why come here? The main attraction of visiting one of the worlds most photographed temples, The Tigers Nest set in the amazing Himalayan landscape, with snowy peaks that rise out of the lush green forests and beautiful traditional villages which surround pristine mountain lakes. It’s also swiftly developing a reputation as a premier destination for adventure sports but if peace is what your looking for you, it has many activities available for those seeking a place of solace, rest and recuperation.
There are also colourful festivals held in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country. Bhutan is also a treasure trove with an richness of flora and fauna.
Dmitry Romanovsky
Anjali Mehta
Suket Dedhia
Lightscape
Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it.
In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip would be complete without this visit.
“Bhutan however, adheres to a very different belief and advocates that amassing material wealth does not necessarily lead to happiness. ”
Whether it’s a session of peaceful, contemplative meditation, a relaxing soak in a mineral hot spring bath or the all-natural remedies of the traditional medicine, Bhutan has just what you need to revive and rejuvenate your body and spirit. The many meditation and mediation retreats will provide you with places of respite from the cares and stress of everyday life. Many visitors from Thailand and other Buddhist countries go to Bhutan specifically for meditation and retreats. Some itineraries include serious meditation programs that last for days while others offer solitary retreats for few hours in the high hills and temples where the serenity and beauty of nature can be appreciated in undisturbed silence. Also, most hotels provide yoga sessions and meditation facilities.
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Vasu Kibelavadi
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Prateek Katyal
“in the high hills and temples where the serenity and beauty of nature can be appreciated in undisturbed silence”
Due to the varied climatic conditions present, this gives wonderful array of flora and fauna. This fragile ecosystem has remained unspoiled due to the conservation efforts of the Bhutanese people and government. Today 60% of the kingdom’s total area has been designated as protected nature preserves.You can experience this through sightseeing tours or by embarking on treks and hikes through beautiful virgin forests, pristine Himalayan Mountains and across sparkling crystal clear rivers fed by ancient mountain glaciers. Roads in Bhutan pass through the rich forests so travellers can experience its majestic beauty.
The kingdom is also home to a wide variety of animals. At higher altitudes you will come across snow leopards, blue sheep, red pandas, takin, marmots and musk deer. Leopards, gray langurs, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, sambars, wild pigs and barking deer are found in the temperate zones. The tropical forests in the south are a haven for clouded leopards, elephants, one horned Rhinoceros, water buffalos, golden langurs, gaurs, swamp deer, hog deer, horn bills and many other species. Bhutan is home to the highest altitude inhabiting Tigers in the world and they are commonly found throughout the country.
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Bhutan is the most truly magical and unique place on earth not only for pristine landscapes and picturesque beauty, its approach to protecting its country and was awarded a Sustainable Destinations' Earth Award but also how it measures success, in Happiness, it’s not just a feeling but a way of life! https://www.bhutan.travel
“embarking on treks and hikes through beautiful virgin forests, pristine Himalayan Mountains and across sparkling crystal clear rivers”
