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Imagine a land hidden from the world for centuries, a pristine
natural environment free of pollution and crime, guided by an
official policy known as Gross National Happiness.
Welcome to Bhutan, known to its people as Druk
Yul - Land of the Thunder Dragon. Situated in the remote
Himalayan mountains, with India and China its only neighbours,
Bhutan is one of 10 biodiversity hotspots and the only remaining
Mahayana Buddhist kingdom.
The scenic majesty of its soaring mountains and pristine
valleys, coupled with the vibrancy of its cultural life, makes
Bhutan one of the last undiscovered destinations; an adventure to
feed the soul and enrich the senses.
Bhutan's iconic sight is Tiger's Nest Monastery, built into a
cliff face 2,950 feet (900m) above the ground near the city of
Paro. Another key attraction is Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home
of the royal family. Trekking and mountain biking are popular
attractions too, as are the many Buddhist festivals that bring out
the extroverted side of these famously friendly people.
It is at times a wonderfully strange place: the walls of many
buildings are emblazoned with drawings of giant penises - an
invocation of good luck and fertility. All new structures must
follow the ancient style and people are obliged by law to wear
traditional dress in public. Monks have broadband access, and
cigarette sales are illegal. And, uniquely, 70 percent of the land
is owned by women as inheritance is matrilineal.
Bhutan remained closed to the outside world until the 1960s when
its borders slowly began opening. Tourism is based on a high value,
low volume principle in a bid to avoid the destructive effects of
mass tourism suffered by Nepal and India. Visitors must spend a
minimum of USD200 per day on a pre-determined itinerary, a strong
deterrence for budget travellers. Therefore, visiting Bhutan is
much easier through a registered tour operator.
Under the guidance of the current monarch, the splendidly named
King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, Bhutan is slowly changing as
its economy matures and its fledgling government engages more with
the world. Improved communications and widespread internet access
is affecting the younger generation and exposing them to the
exciting though uncertain world beyond the borders of this, the
last Shangri-La.