Looking for Happiness? Discover Bhutan!
Regarding happiness, it is well known that Bhutan is an extraordinary destination and a great Himalayan kingdom that uses the GNH to guide the country’s governance. Bhutan is a land deeply entrenched in Buddhist teachings and practices a sustainable tourism approach.
Bhutan is located in the pristine eastern Himalayan landscape, where primaeval forests, dzongs (monasteries or fortresses), unlevelled mountains, lush green fields, and traditional villages can be seen in most parts of the country. 70% of the country remains forested under stringent environmental protection efforts, and it is the only carbon-negative country in the world. Visitors can enjoy unpolluted air, high-altitude trekking trails, and gorgeous flora and fauna at the national parks. Bhutanese are well-educated, friendly, and fun-loving. There are many spectacular tshechus (dance festivals) in the year commemorating Buddhist traditions where locals gather for music and dance and are blessed. Their unique culture is thoroughly translated into their lifestyle, textiles, costumes, and handicrafts. It is a country worth discovering!
There are many exclusive attractions which are uniquely Bhutan for your tours. Here, we showcase just a few of the key highlights for your consideration:
1. Paro Tshechu Festival
Paro Tshechu Festival is one of the most spectacular festivals in Bhutan, which is held in the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong in the Paro district. It is one of the many dance festivals in Bhutan. This Paro Tshechu is a century-old festival that stretches over five days, and the early morning of the last day is the main event with the Throngdroel ceremony. In this ceremony, the 400 years old Thanka or tapestry is unfurled from the top of a building. Locals gathered in their best clothing with family members to be blessed by touching the Thanka with their heads. Monks and laypeople wear silk costumes and perform sacred masked dances amidst music and songs. It is a joyous festival with food for locals and visitors to participate in and indulge in moments of “happiness”.
2. Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Paro Dzong, is one of the finest architectures in Bhutan and the site that holds the vibrant and lively annual festival of Paro Tshechu. It is a large Buddhist monastery and fortress of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school. The dzong has many illustrations portraying the life of the Buddha, and the fortress is exquisitely lit-up in the night. Hiking to the top of the fortress provides a remarkable view of the surrounding valleys. It is listed in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.
3. The National Memorial Chorten
The National Memorial Chorten, or the Thimphu Chorten, is the Memorial Stupa in Thimphu. It is built in honour of the third Druk Gyalpo and is Bhutan’s most visible religious landmark. The stupa is in the southern-central part of the city. The distinct feature of the stupa is its pyramidal-shaped white structure with a golden spire crowning it, while there is a smaller golden spire above the front porch. The chorten houses pictures, mandalas, statues, and a shrine dedicated to the third king and is decorated with images and wooden carvings depicting Buddhist teachings and their protective deities.
4. Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang, also commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site located at the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. It has four main temples and residential shelters uniquely designed by adapting to the rock (granite) ledges, caves and rocky terrain. Its architectural distinctiveness has made it a popular Instagrammable site in Bhutan and a cultural icon of Bhutan.
5. The Punakha Dzong
The Punakha Dzong, or “the palace of great happiness or bliss”, is the administrative centre of Punakha District. This majestic dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Punakha Dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955 and is listed in the Bhutan Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. The Punakha Dromche festival is held at the dzong and is the only festive with a procession that re-enacts the war against Tibet in the 17th century.
6. The Buddha Dordenma
The Buddha Dordenma Statue is a gigantic statue of the Lord Buddha on a hill in the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. It is seated against the backdrop of a mountain casting his compassionate stare at the surrounding. The massive Buddha statue sits at a height of 51.5 meters and is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world, which is the most stunning sight in Bhutan. There is a large meditation hall at the base of the statue, and within its bronze chest are 125,000 miniature Buddhas. One of the prophecies states that the statue is built to bestow the world's blessings, peace, and happiness.
Bhutan has reopened its doors to visitors since September 2022; many travellers want to visit this pristine Himalayan kingdom to experience serenity and peace of mind.
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