Bhutan

Sep-Oct 2006

Bhutan is also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, or is locally known as "Druk Yul". It is one of those timeless places nestled in the Himalaya between India and Tibet. This country measures its wealth not by GDP, but by GDH (i.e. Gross Domestic Happiness). Poppy plants grow wild on roadside and everywhere...free marijuana to all. In fact, our guide was offering it to us since she has some spares in her handbag. Maybe that's the reason the nation is so happy.

Arriving Paro by Druk Air, one will be greeted by mountains and the Paro Dzong. This is a Buddhist nation and you will expect to see many Tibetan styled monasteries and the constant references to Guru Rinpoche. Guru Rinpoche introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. It is said that he flew in on the back of a tiger and landed on the area where Tiger's Nest is located.

I do not have any photos of the village houses but many have painted and colorful phallus drawn on their exterior walls as a sign of their devotions to Drukpa Kunley, who reputed to attain enlightenment through women and wine.

There are many monasteries or temples worth visiting such as the ones in Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Gantey Gampa. To get to Wangduephodrang, the car will drive through Dochula Pass at 3,100m. There, one will get a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges while sipping butter milk tea. On that site, there are 108 chortens built by the (former) King's mother for the security and well-being of her son. Well, he married 4 sisters, I'm sure his well-being are well taken care of.

The main attraction is the Tshechu Festival in Thimphu, the capital city, although religious festivals are held throughout the country at different times of the year. The Thimphu tshechu is held for 4 days and consisted of various dances performed by monks and laymen dressed in colourful attires and masks.

There are other interesting and unique cultures/practices within Bhutan which I shall not elaborate further. I must add that the chili cheese dish is definitely a winner among the local foods I have tasted during all my travels.

I don't have any good photos in the gallery as I was using a handycam then.