According to Countryaah.com, the small isolated kingdom called “Land of the Thunderdragon” is sandwiched between the giants India and China. Until the mid-70s, the country was closed to visitors and for centuries, people have lived their lives in the same way as today. Instead of GDP, GNH “Gross National Happines” are measured here to make sure that they are the happiest people on earth. Buddhism permeates everyday life and what is said to have happened in many other destinations a long time ago still happens here and as a visitor you get to experience “history in the present”. Short for BT by AbbreviationFinder.org, Bhutan offers a lot of culture but also fantastic natural scenery with views of the Himalayas and in the tropical cloud forest there are exciting inhabitants who, among other things. red panda and collar bear.
Himalayas
The roof of the world! It’s high here. When traveling between two places, you can very well harvest almost as many altitude meters as length meters. The mountain range has some of the world’s highest peaks with Mt Everest as the obvious Queen. However, the area has more to offer than persistent attempts to reach its peak. In Bhutan, located in the eastern part of the mountain range, there is a well-preserved kingdom with many ancient traditions and cultural expressions.
Thimpu and Paro
The country’s capital Thimpu does not have its own airport! Instead, you land about 50 km west in the city of Paro. There is one of the world’s most talked about runways. It is said that there are only 7 pilots who are certified to land here. The approach goes through a valley and is just an experience of great proportions.
In Thimpu, there is a market every Saturday, a market that attracts people from all corners of the country to sell their products as well as those who are buyers. The Cheri Goemba temple is located at the far end of the valley, where a dizzying climb provides a rich reward in the form of mighty views of the landscape. The city also has a school for education in traditional crafts that is well worth a visit.
Not only is Paro the only airport in the country, but it also has important Buddhist temples. One of them is Rinpung Dzong which is located on a hillside overlooking the entire valley. Further into the valley is one of the most mythical temples on the globe – Taktsang Lhankhang or better known as Tiger’s Nest. You have seen the pictures, now it’s time to visit it!
Punakha, Gangtey and Trongsa
A journey along the Wangdue Valley offers well-known sights. The flora changes from mountain forest to dwarf bamboo, from rhododendron to pine forest. Gangtey is home to the 9th reincarnation of Terton, Pema Lingpas. In Trongsa, where the royal family descends, is Ta Dzong, who once guarded Trongsa’s fort against rebels. In Punakha you walk to Khamsum Yuelle Namgyel Chorten, a beautiful stupa that the Queen Mother had built to bring world peace. Such a small country with so much to do and see.
AMAN
Combine Aman, Sanskrit word for “peace”, with Kora, Dzongkha’s (Bhutanese) words for “circular pilgrimage” and you get Amankora – a series of lodges in Bhutan’s central and western valleys. Amankora’s Lodges offer the traveler the opportunity to comfortably experience Bhutan’s remarkable landscapes and rich cultural heritage on a voyage of discovery under the soaring peaks of the Himalayas.
Aman opens doors to experiences in exceptional places, both remote and in big cities. Meticulously designed to fit in with its natural environment, Aman’s facilities are known for their space and privacy. Each facility welcomes guests as if it were the home of a close friend. It is a strategy that has changed a bit since 1988 when Adrian Zecha built a retreat on Phuket’s west coast. He named it Amanpuri, which means “place of peace”, and Aman was born. Today, 31 resorts, hotels and private residences in 20 countries are included, and Aman continues to search for transformative experiences and impressive locations around the world.
BHUTAN
Bhutan is a small kingdom sandwiched between the two giants India and China in the eastern Himalayas. It rises from plains in the south to the Tibetan plateau in the north. Geographically, Bhutan is reminiscent of Switzerland; it is about the same size, has a similar shape, lacks a coast and consists largely of high mountains.
Climate
The climate in Bhutan varies greatly between the different regions and the altitude. However, the variations are large in all regions, sometimes from one valley to another.
Visa
Yes –
Bhutan – issued by the Tourist Department of Bhutan. The application must be sent to Bhutan at least two and a half months before departure. The traveler then receives the visa on arrival, valid for 15 days, at a cost. The traveler must bring 2 color photos.
India – Apply for a visa at the embassy and get it granted before departure.
Currency
Bhutans Ngultrum BTN
100 BTN = 12.80 SEK
Language
Dzongkha is the official language, otherwise English and Nepali are spoken.
Vaccinations
Mandatory – The yellow fever vaccination is required if you arrive from certain countries in Africa or South America. Recommended – Malaria prophylaxis. Check with your vaccination center for personal needs.
