In a country where people are always smiling, the nature is always
blooming and the culture is forever treasured, it is hard not to believe in
national happiness. For our Western communities, general happiness seems a
utopia, while the Dragon Kingdom has long understood that it is simply a way of
life. For one I believe the Buddhist philosophy has a great deal to do with
this seemingly simple bliss. Like Bhutan, Tibet knew this perfect content
before the storm came. Bhutan has not known such an intrusive invasion; it has
been clinging on to their seclusion for dear life, which has secured their sacredness.
Naturally this treasure is heavily guarded with tourist regulations. As
Bhutan is not a top-10 holiday destination (yet), it does not know the same
amount of facilities to house a large number of tourists. There is not yet a
big range of suitable hotels, guides, … By suitable, I do mean by Western
standards, as most hotels are very much up to scratch. The government is also
working hard to improve all the needed infrastructures to allow a bigger
tourist industry.
Visitors are obligated to pay a tourist taxation of $250 per day, per
person (slightly differing during high or low season). Now, before you decide
this is a ridiculous cost and you most definitely will not be going, I ask you
to sit tightly and hear me out. This is definitely a cost you will be willing
to pay for a little bit of paradise. You simply need to know all the small hacks
if you will, and that is what I am here for.
These $250 includes everything you will need during your stay;
transport, all meals, hotels, a guide, entrance fees, travel arrangements and
an eternal smile. This guide is another requirement by the government, which is
very handy. With such a vast and unique history, you will need someone to guide
you through it.
This all means you’ll be travelling with a travel agency. I advise you
to pick a Bhutanese one, as to get the true feeling, to encourage their local economy
and to be sure that you won’t be over charged. My family and I chose Simply
Bhutan (www.simplybhutan.com), run by a lovely lady named Karma.
The great thing about Karma is that she made an itinerary according to our
needs. If you want your visit to be primarily religious, you’ll be seeing A LOT
of temples. If you want to enjoy the kingdom’s nature, you’ll probably be doing
a lot of hiking. You name it, and she’ll do her best (within the possible) to
make it happen. We had three weeks of temples, culture, a little bit of hiking
and many hours of bumpy bus rides.
Seeing as Bhutan only has one highway, which’ condition is comparable to
an off-road farm path; we travelled from west to east and back again. But even
for this little setback there is a solution, which will cut your travel time in
half. You would enter the country the
conventional way (by airplane in the West), but you would leave the country by
car in the south-east (via Phuentsholing) where you will fly out in
West-Bengal. For further information you can always contact Simply Bhutan, who
can organise this kind of trip.
As for any trip, local food is a very important part. The Bhutanese like
it hot, VERY hot. Their main dish consists of chilli with cheese. But don’t be
fooled by the cheese, because it doesn’t soften the spiciness. The local cooks
will do their utmost best though to cook Western food with local ingredients,
which is much more digestible for our fragile stomachs. The flavours much resemble Indian influences.
One of my personal favourite Bhutanese food rituals is tea with cookies served
everyday in the hotels. However, you should really try their chilli, as it is
their pride and joy.
Finally I would encourage all of you still considering a trip to this
awe-some country, to go during Festival season. These festivals are quite a
unique experience, which is even registered as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Bhutanese love their festivals, so there are
plenty of chances to experience these festivities. The most festivals do occur
at the end of the year (western calendar). So you should definitely ask your
travel agency to plan in a festival. For the full Bhutanese experience you can
even go in traditional attire, which is a big part of the Festival happening.
That was my
introduction to the Beautiful Bhutan. Stay tuned for more on the Dragon Kingdom…
Lots of love,
Tweenie xo
