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 The Haa Valley 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 Himalayan
mountain splendour, 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 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 the 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 USD250 per day on a pre-determined itinerary, a strong
deterrence for budget travellers.
Under the guidance of the current monarch, 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.
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