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NDTV
21-05-2025
- NDTV
5 Reasons Why Bhutan Should Be Next On Your Travel List
Hidden deep in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan remains one of Asia's most underrated gems. This small, landlocked kingdom blends age-old traditions with jaw-dropping scenery — and yes, happiness is an actual national priority here. While much of the world races toward rapid development, Bhutan has taken a different path, choosing cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and mindful living. With its peaceful monasteries, lush forests, and fiercely protected identity, it offers something far richer than your average holiday. If you're craving meaningful travel that leaves a lasting impression, Bhutan deserves a top spot on your bucket list. Here are five reasons why. 1. Happiness Isn't Just a Slogan — It's Policy Bhutan is famous for measuring success through Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of GDP. It's not just a feel-good phrase — GNH is a framework that guides everything from government decisions to education and business development. You can feel it in the way locals engage with you, in the absence of overwhelming crowds, and in the country's slower pace of life. Bhutan's unique take on wellbeing makes it one of the most peaceful and grounded places you'll ever visit. 2. The Culture Is Completely Intact — And That's By Design Bhutan isn't interested in becoming the next tourist hotspot. It caps the number of visitors by imposing a daily Sustainable Development Fee (currently around $100-$200 USD depending on the season and length of stay), which supports local infrastructure, healthcare, and education. What does that mean for travellers? You're not elbowing your way through selfie sticks or watching sacred rituals turned into Insta moments. Instead, you get an authentic glimpse of a country that's fiercely protective of its identity — from its architecture (no high-rises allowed) to national dress codes that are still worn with pride. 3. You Can Visit One Of The World's Most Iconic Monasteries Paro Taktsang — better known as the Tiger's Nest — is the crown jewel of Bhutanese landmarks. Perched on a cliffside at 3,120 metres, it looks like it was plucked straight out of a fantasy film. But the climb up is very real-and so worth it. The hike takes about two to three hours each way, passing pine forests and fluttering prayer flags. Built in the 17th century, the monastery is believed to be where Guru Rinpoche, the man credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan, meditated for three years. It's not just a tourist attraction — it's a pilgrimage site that locals deeply revere. 4. It's The Only Carbon-Negative Country In The World That's right-Bhutan doesn't just talk sustainability; it lives it. While most countries are scrambling to offset their carbon emissions, Bhutan is setting the global gold standard. Over 70% of the country is covered in forest, helping it absorb more carbon than it produces. Hydropower, generated from glacial rivers, provides clean energy, and environmental protection is even baked into its constitution. Travelling here means you're contributing to a country that genuinely values its natural environment. Bonus: The air is some of the cleanest you'll ever breathe. 5. The Food Packs A Punch Bhutanese cuisine doesn't hold back on flavour-or spice. The national dish, ema datshi, is a fiery mix of chillies and cheese, and it's served with just about everything. Don't be surprised if you see dried red chillies hanging from balconies — they're as essential to daily life as rice. Meat lovers and vegetarians alike will find something to rave about, from hearty pork stews to momos (dumplings) and red rice grown in the highlands. And while you're at it, try a glass of ara, a traditional rice-based spirit that's often homemade and occasionally potent.
Trade Arabia
03-04-2025
- Trade Arabia
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers Paro Tshechu Festival package
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, set high up in the Neyphu Valley, nestled among pine trees and rugged cliffs, is inviting guests to immerse themselves in culture and celebrate the local Paro Tshechu Festival from April 7 – 14. The sanctuary is the first and only five-star wellness-inclusive luxury resort in Paro. The Paro festival always falls in the spring, just as the blossoms and magnolias start to bloom and follows the 10th day of the second month of the Bhutanese calendar. Regarded as one of the most famous Bhutanese festivals, with its origins dating back to the mid-17th century, the colourful festivities include dance, folksongs and musical performances by locals and monks alike. The festival spans five days of vibrant spectacle that unites Bhutanese people from around the globe to honour the enlightened Guru Rinpoche (lotus-born teacher) who established Buddhism in Tantric. Flights from Dubai Druk Air Royal Bhutan Airlines has recently launched new flights connecting Dubai and Bhutan, making it easier than ever to experience the Land of the Thunder Dragon. With flights from Dubai to Bhutan on Thursdays and Saturdays, and return flights on Mondays and Fridays, journeys to this breathtaking destination are now more convenient. The airline is also offering a 20% discount on all Dubai–Bhutan flights in 2025. Plus, members of their Happiness Miles Program receive an additional 10% off. Land of Thunder Dragon Bhutan is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon and is rich in cultural history, natural surroundings, wellness offerings and spirituality. The destination offers an experience like no other, from ceremonies with monks to hiking high above the clouds to the Tigers' Nest monastery. Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers a unique retreat to discover Bhutan in all its unspoiled glory. Step back in time as you walk through the grand front entrance to a peaceful inner courtyard. Throughout their stay guests are offered a wellness-inclusive journey based on Traditional Bhutanese Medicine and all treatments are 100% herbal based. Each stay includes a complimentary consultation with a TBM doctor and one wellness treatment per paid night. Dining at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary literally takes you to another level, as guests dine with spectacular mountain views as your backdrop and farm-to-table concepts using seasonal and local produce served in a variety of Bhutanese, Asian and Western dishes. Included in the stay is a daily four-course lunch and six-course dinner as part of the overall sojourn. The unique Paro Tshechu Festival experience's 7-day/6-night packages are from $2,800++ per person with wellness inclusions, special culinary surprises and all-inclusive activities. Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is also part of the Small Luxury Hotels Collection - Considerate Collection and Mr & Mrs Smith Luxury Hotels. -TradeArabia News Service
