Bhutan is perhaps the most mysterious country in the world. It is located between China and India, in the Himalayas. Why is it mysterious? By all means, the royal authorities protect the country from tourists: you can get here only as part of a tourist group, and it is forbidden to move around Bhutan without a guide.
General information
- The capital is Thimphu, the largest cities are Mongar, Domka, Thunkar, Punakha
- Population - 660 thousand people, 30% of them live in cities
- Major peoples - Bhutanese, Tibetans, Sharshop, Kengka, Indian peoples
- Language - Tibetan, official documents are published in English
- State system - democratic constitutional monarchy
- The head of state is the king.
The inhabitants call their kingdom "the land of the thunder dragon", and the king - the Thunder dragon. Bhutan is the only state in the world whose official religion is Tantric Buddhism. The king is a Buddhist monk, his residence is the monastery-fortress Tashizo-dzong.
The Kingdom of Bhutan, located in the Himalayan mountains, was completely closed until 1974. Despite the fact that there is no crime, beggars and hunger, Bhutan is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. People do not seem to think about poverty: they are friendly and sweet - all in the best Buddhist tradition.
Despite the outward softness, there are strict prohibitions in the country:
- Smoking, hiking and mountaineering
- For chemical fertilizers and enterprises that harm the environment
- Until the beginning of the 21st century, television was banned
- You can go to work only in national dress
- Prohibition of corruption and advocacy. With the decree of the king: "People who can make black white and white black should not be allowed into the courtroom".
It is noteworthy that the standard of living in Bhutan is determined not by the GDP, but by ... the index of happiness and smiles. Even a corresponding body was created - the Ministry of Happiness!
Bhutan is a large nature reserve: it is forbidden to harm the environment, all products are 100% natural, only separate waste collection is allowed.
Attractions and architecture
The architecture in Bhutan is rather unusual: all city houses are built in a similar style, decorated with painting from curlicues and the image of ... male genitals, which, according to the stories of local residents, protects their homes from evil spirits - this tradition went from the monk Drukpa Kunley, who lived in the 15th century ...
The main attractions of the kingdom:
- A large number of dzongs (fortress monasteries)
- The most famous are Tashikho-Dzong (royal residence), Jakar-dzong, Drugyal-dzong, Semtoha-Dzong
- Thimphu Chorten Monastery and Great Stupa, built in the 16th century to commemorate the third king of Bhutan
- A giant Buddha statue called the Diamond Lightning Strike. Inside the statue there is a temple containing 25 thousand statues of Buddha of various sizes - from 20 to 30 cm. All of them are made of bronze and covered with gold plating.
- Rock Monastery "Tiger's Nest".
How to visit?
- You can get to Bhutan only as part of a tourist group. There is a life hack: in order not to adapt to travel packages, you can create your own group by obtaining permission through a local accredited travel agency.
- Bhutanese companies offer more favorable conditions: all you need to do is send the data of all group members and pay for the tour in full
- The entry permit comes to the post office, and the visa is put directly at the airport upon presentation of this permit.
Bhutan is a land of contrasts that should definitely be visited by anyone who dreams of gaining the coveted status of an avid traveler.
