Bhutan is a kingdom that covers 46,500 square kilometers and lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is surrounded by two of the largest nations: China in the north and India on the western and southern borders. Bhutan's topography and climate offers its visitors an exciting change. Tropical lowlands are to the south, lush valleys, temperate forests, and finally, the mountain peaks and glaciers to the north.
Outside the cities, or even along the forests, nature offers a clarity that can be found especially along the mountains. Here the fresh mountain air meets the authenticity of rural life.
The mighty Himalayas - sacred to the locals and the roof of the world - is said to house many deities. Twenty of the mountain peaks are over 7000 meters high. Bhutan's exclusive location has made the landscape of the kingdom so unique that Bhutan is one of the ten worldwide hotspots. The lush ecosystem is one of its biggest attractions. Especially his Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan, helped to preserve and enrich the environment. Much of the environmental awareness comes from the traditional Buddhist belief as well: that all forms of life are sacred and interrelated.
Bhutan is a natural paradise. With over 60 percent of intact forest land, Bhutan currently has one of the largest areas of protected land. Nine percent of the country is referred to as a biological area where nature reserves and nature reserves protect thousands of animal and plant species. The country has four national parks to offer.
It also houses a wide variety of plants, including medicinal plants, orchids, rhododendrons and other plants such as the Blue Poppy - the national flower of Bhutan. In addition to the flora there is a comprehensive wildlife. These include internationally endangered species such as the golden langur, the blue sheep, takin, the hornbill and the black-necked crane. The latter has a place in the heart of all Bhutanese and is an inspiration for music and dances.
Outside the cities, or even along the forests, nature offers a clarity that can be found especially along the mountains. Here the fresh mountain air meets the authenticity of rural life.
The mighty Himalayas - sacred to the locals and the roof of the world - is said to house many deities. Twenty of the mountain peaks are over 7000 meters high. Bhutan's exclusive location has made the landscape of the kingdom so unique that Bhutan is one of the ten worldwide hotspots. The lush ecosystem is one of its biggest attractions. Especially his Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan, helped to preserve and enrich the environment. Much of the environmental awareness comes from the traditional Buddhist belief as well: that all forms of life are sacred and interrelated.
Bhutan is a natural paradise. With over 60 percent of intact forest land, Bhutan currently has one of the largest areas of protected land. Nine percent of the country is referred to as a biological area where nature reserves and nature reserves protect thousands of animal and plant species. The country has four national parks to offer.
It also houses a wide variety of plants, including medicinal plants, orchids, rhododendrons and other plants such as the Blue Poppy - the national flower of Bhutan. In addition to the flora there is a comprehensive wildlife. These include internationally endangered species such as the golden langur, the blue sheep, takin, the hornbill and the black-necked crane. The latter has a place in the heart of all Bhutanese and is an inspiration for music and dances.
Culture, Religion and Tradition
Bhutan is a country full of traditional culture - also in everyday life. Every trip to this unique kingdom will be unforgettable.
As a predominantly Buddhist kingdom, religion and culture are closely linked. Religion plays a fundamental role in the lives of the inhabitants, but especially in the arts, which keeps the Buddhist teachings and values alive.
Bhutan is the only nation practicing Mahayana Bhuddism in its tantric form. Festivals not only give you the opportunity to practice culture and legends that are reflected in music and dance. They also convey important Buddhist values and moral teachings. These are often manifested in stories of the struggle of good over evil.
The deep spirituality of the Bhutanese is a source of great strength. Prayers that most Bhutanese routinely recite and belief in a next life are among the Buddhist principles of the charismatic universe.
During the so-called Tsechus, special celebrations that take place once a year, the Bhutanese dress themselves in their most beautiful robes and meet with their families and friends.
The famous drumming dance of Dramatse, a dance invented five centuries ago, is one of the most popular events. In 2005 he was named one of the masterpieces of human heritage by UNESCO for his energetic visualization.
For the viewer Tsechus leave fantastic sensory impressions with their great dances, songs and colorful costumes. The dancers bless the audience for a better life.
As a predominantly Buddhist kingdom, religion and culture are closely linked. Religion plays a fundamental role in the lives of the inhabitants, but especially in the arts, which keeps the Buddhist teachings and values alive.
Bhutan is the only nation practicing Mahayana Bhuddism in its tantric form. Festivals not only give you the opportunity to practice culture and legends that are reflected in music and dance. They also convey important Buddhist values and moral teachings. These are often manifested in stories of the struggle of good over evil.
The deep spirituality of the Bhutanese is a source of great strength. Prayers that most Bhutanese routinely recite and belief in a next life are among the Buddhist principles of the charismatic universe.
During the so-called Tsechus, special celebrations that take place once a year, the Bhutanese dress themselves in their most beautiful robes and meet with their families and friends.
The famous drumming dance of Dramatse, a dance invented five centuries ago, is one of the most popular events. In 2005 he was named one of the masterpieces of human heritage by UNESCO for his energetic visualization.
For the viewer Tsechus leave fantastic sensory impressions with their great dances, songs and colorful costumes. The dancers bless the audience for a better life.
Worth Seeing Buildings
Almost all Tsechus take place in the courtyard of a fortress, a so-called Dzong, or in front of a monastery. Dzongs are a good example of traditional Bhutanese architecture in its finest form. Chiseled in stone and adorned with wooden ornaments, the construction of a dzong, as well as other traditional buildings, has different meanings and dimensions. You can be considered an heir born of Buddhist tradition.
The construction and placement of dzongs was modeled on the idea of the mandala or the idea of the Buddhist universe, the center of which is a spiritual place. Therefore, these magnificent buildings are erected in sacred places.
In addition to the Dzongs, the architectural landscape of Bhutan is shaped by over 2,000 monasteries. Numerous stupas and chorten, which have a simple to pronounced structure, decorate the landscape.
These buildings are the architectural expression of Buddha's teachings. They remind the inhabitants of compassion and tolerance and offer blessings.
Built in the early 17th century, the magnificent Taktsang Monastery is a perfect example of noteworthy Bhutanese architecture. Legend has it that the monastery was built by a saint who flew to Bhutan on the back of a tiger. After a fire, it was completely reconstructed after the original design and now shines in its original form.
Near each monastery or Chorten are prayer flags. They, too, embody the deep spirituality of the Bhutanese.
The construction and placement of dzongs was modeled on the idea of the mandala or the idea of the Buddhist universe, the center of which is a spiritual place. Therefore, these magnificent buildings are erected in sacred places.
In addition to the Dzongs, the architectural landscape of Bhutan is shaped by over 2,000 monasteries. Numerous stupas and chorten, which have a simple to pronounced structure, decorate the landscape.
These buildings are the architectural expression of Buddha's teachings. They remind the inhabitants of compassion and tolerance and offer blessings.
Built in the early 17th century, the magnificent Taktsang Monastery is a perfect example of noteworthy Bhutanese architecture. Legend has it that the monastery was built by a saint who flew to Bhutan on the back of a tiger. After a fire, it was completely reconstructed after the original design and now shines in its original form.
Near each monastery or Chorten are prayer flags. They, too, embody the deep spirituality of the Bhutanese.
The Art is Everywhere
One of the greatest legacies of Bhutan is the impressive tradition of the arts.
By using the royal government to protect its national heritage, even in modern cities, visitors can see all newly built houses and buildings, which are furnished with the basic elements of traditional architecture and painting. That makes the cities unique.
The National Institute of Zorig Chusum, translated Institute of the Thirteen Arts and Crafts, offers a fascinating insight into the Buddhist artistic traditions. From paintings to sculptures, metalworking, papermaking and weaving, these arts have evolved over the centuries and are now taught by the Institute to provide artists with a secure income.
The tradition of painting - as well as many of the other art forms - often focuses on religious themes. The pictures show powerful manifestations of saints, both peaceful and frightening.
Another focus of Bhutanese art is textile work. People on the street but also at home wear their traditional clothing. The women dress in a long woven costume called Kira. A shorter robe called Gho is worn by the men. Bhutanese are proud of their traditional clothes. They find that these contribute to the unique cultural identity.
By using the royal government to protect its national heritage, even in modern cities, visitors can see all newly built houses and buildings, which are furnished with the basic elements of traditional architecture and painting. That makes the cities unique.
The National Institute of Zorig Chusum, translated Institute of the Thirteen Arts and Crafts, offers a fascinating insight into the Buddhist artistic traditions. From paintings to sculptures, metalworking, papermaking and weaving, these arts have evolved over the centuries and are now taught by the Institute to provide artists with a secure income.
The tradition of painting - as well as many of the other art forms - often focuses on religious themes. The pictures show powerful manifestations of saints, both peaceful and frightening.
Another focus of Bhutanese art is textile work. People on the street but also at home wear their traditional clothing. The women dress in a long woven costume called Kira. A shorter robe called Gho is worn by the men. Bhutanese are proud of their traditional clothes. They find that these contribute to the unique cultural identity.
Especially in the east of the country, the art of weaving was promoted by the government. Visitors who want to know more should visit the Textile Museum in the capital, Thimphu. It shows, among other things, various substances and the skill itself.
Facts about Bhutan
With a total population of less than 800,000, Bhutan has three major ethnic groups: the Sharchops in the east, the Ngalops in the west and central Bhutan, and the Lhotsampas of Nepalese origin in the south.
This ethnic diversity is reflected in the different languages spoken in the Kingdom. Dzongkha is the national language, but also the learning of the English language is very important in the schools, because it is necessary for the contact to the countries outside of Bhutan.
Bhutan is heavily agricultural, with more than 70 percent of people still living in rural areas and earning their income from agriculture.
But whether in the city or in the country: Bhutanese are sports fanatics. The most popular and well-known sport is archery, the national sport. It is executed with either traditional bamboo arches or the more modern carbon arches. Archery is more than a sport. Like a tsechu, every archery event is festive, colorful and accompanied by music, dance and amusement. A truly unforgettable experience!
This ethnic diversity is reflected in the different languages spoken in the Kingdom. Dzongkha is the national language, but also the learning of the English language is very important in the schools, because it is necessary for the contact to the countries outside of Bhutan.
Bhutan is heavily agricultural, with more than 70 percent of people still living in rural areas and earning their income from agriculture.
But whether in the city or in the country: Bhutanese are sports fanatics. The most popular and well-known sport is archery, the national sport. It is executed with either traditional bamboo arches or the more modern carbon arches. Archery is more than a sport. Like a tsechu, every archery event is festive, colorful and accompanied by music, dance and amusement. A truly unforgettable experience!
Culinary Experiences
The food, as well as the culture, is varied. It combines a spicy chillinote with local vegetables and meat. Chillies in all colors and sizes are the undisputed main ingredient of the local cuisine. Often treated as vegetables, chilies are served raw with cheese (Ema Datsi) or processed into other dishes.
Three words rewrite the minds of the Bhutanese: spirituality, generosity and national pride.
Through activities and events throughout the year, each season has something special to offer for visitors. Above all lies the true charm of Bhutan. Make a unique experience that will make this trip the journey of a lifetime.
Three words rewrite the minds of the Bhutanese: spirituality, generosity and national pride.
Through activities and events throughout the year, each season has something special to offer for visitors. Above all lies the true charm of Bhutan. Make a unique experience that will make this trip the journey of a lifetime.
