Travel Inspiration: Bhutan. Inside the Hidden Himalayan Kingdom.
Welcome to the land of Gross National Happiness. Almost completely cut off from the outside world for centuries, the Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas, has now opened its doors. It does so even as it continues to guard its most sacred Buddhist traditions and most precious ancient customs.
Until fairly recently, this was the last remaining independent kingdom of the Himalayas. Good King Jigme Wangchuck abdicated and passed the throne to his son, while giving the Bhutanese people a chance to govern themselves. Come and see the absolute monarchy disappear and a two-party constitutional monarchy step in to take its place.
A must is a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside, feels like a spiritual ascent as much as a physical one. The vibrant dzongs (fortress-monasteries) in Punakha and Thimphu captivate with their intricate architecture and rich histories, while the colorful festivals, or tsechus, bring the kingdom’s traditions to life with masked dances and age-old rituals. Wandering through quiet villages, you’ll find yourself welcomed by the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality and enchanted by a culture deeply rooted in Buddhism.
Would you like to visit Bhutan?
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