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5 Reasons Bhutan Should Be on Your Bucket List
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
Jaw-dropping scenery, deep traditions and warm hospitality: Bhutan deserves a place on every traveller’s bucket list.
From the moment you land at Paro Airport, it’s clear there’s something very special about Bhutan. From soaring Himalayan mountains, crystal-clear rivers and pine-clad valleys to sacred dzongs (fortified monasteries) and homes that dazzle with traditional architecture, a world of wonder awaits in this tiny Buddhist nation.
If you’ve never considered visiting this truly unique country, here are five reasons the Kingdom of Bhutan should be on your bucket list.
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1. It’s home to a famous cliffside monastery
Any Google search of Bhutan is likely to return an image of the picturesque Taktsang Monastery, a collection of interconnected temples and dwellings more famously known as Tiger’s Nest. This historic Buddhist monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside in the upper Paro Valley, sits 3,000 metres above sea level and is accessible only via a three-hour hike through the forest.
Stop at Taktsang Cafeteria, located halfway up the hike, for a bite to eat and to catch a glimpse of the monastery above. As you continue towards the sacred building, the views of the temples and the surrounding wilderness only become more impressive – don’t forget your camera.
Please note that to enter the monastery you will need to book an official tour and guide.
2. The national dish is a delicious stew of chilli and cheese
Cheese lovers (aren’t we all) will find paradise in Bhutan. The national dish, ema datshi, is a spicy stew made of fresh or dried chillies and naturally fermented Bhutanese cheese. You’ll likely be served the dish with most meals during your stay, with varying degrees of spice, alongside other popular dishes like kewa datshi (potatoes and cheese) and shamu datshi (mushrooms and cheese). Other common Bhutanese dishes include sikam paa (dried pork belly fried with chilli and radish), jasha maroo (spicy chicken stew) and puta (stir-fried buckwheat noodles).
3. It’s more than 70 percent forest
Bhutan is one of the world’s most heavily forested nations, with approximately 72% of its land covered by a blend of tropical, subtropical and alpine forests. The country’s constitution mandates that at least 60% of its landscape remains forested, a testament to Bhutan’s commitment to environmental preservation. This law not only ensures the country remains as jaw-droppingly beautiful as possible but has cemented Bhutan’s status as one of the world’s only carbon-negative nations (alongside Panama and Suriname).
4. Traditional cultural customs remain largely intact and untouched
Nestled in the secluded heights of the Himalayas, Bhutan’s culture has remained relatively unchanged for centuries, with the country only opening to tourism in the 1970s. The distinctive national dress is worn proudly by men and women; ancient arts like weaving are still practised; and new buildings are crafted in the traditional architectural style.
Bhutan is also a deeply spiritual place where Buddhism permeates almost every aspect of life – from values and customs to cultural celebrations and art. While visiting monasteries, historic dzongs and sacred stupas (dome-shaped shrines) offers an insight into this deep-rooted spirituality, the best way to really experience the Buddhist faith is by attending one of the country’s many vibrant festivals. From Thimphu Tschechu – the annual national festival – to the Haa Summer Festival, these events offer a first-hand glimpse into the country’s culture and spirituality through music, dance and food.
5. It’s one of the happiest countries on earth
Gross national Happiness, established by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the mid-1970s, is a concept that prioritises wellbeing over purely economic growth, leading to the introduction of policies like free primary and secondary schooling, improved healthcare access and language preservation. The philosophy is reflected in the Bhutanese people’s warm hospitality and strong sense of community.
Five things you didn’t know about Bhutan
- The national sport is archery
- It’s known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’
- The national animal is the takin, a goat-cow hybrid
- There are no traffic lights in the entire country
- It’s a democratic constitutional monarchy with both a king and a prime minister
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