BHUTAN LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

KURJEY FESTIVAL JAKAR BUMTHANG

A quote I read while on my recent visit to Bhutan stated that ‘ Bhutan has always held a sense of mystery and mystique for those who know where they are’. For those interested in the Asian destinations they will be aware that the small land locked country is situated at the edge of the Eastern Himalaya Mountains on the border between India to the north and Tibet (China) to the South. Also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon – Bhutan is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. The Royal Government adheres strongly to its policy of high value and low volume tourism.

It is due to this philosophy that the traveller will find Bhutan one of the most laid back places you could ever wish to visit. The first thing that you glimpse upon the decent into the airport at PARO, is the steepness of the heavily treed mountain ranges. Considered to be the fourth on a list of the most difficult runways in the world, it is easy to see why accuracy is essential. We were extremely fortunate though to meet Bhutans first woman pilot.

The country is the only fully organic society in the world so it seems that they have many ‘firsts’ including striving for ecological sustainability. The recommended forest coverage stands at 60% but Bhutan has reached a coverage of 72%. Ultimately the air is amongst the purest in the world.

Our journey begins in the capital Thimphu.  We arrive at week 2 of an auspicious festival at Buddha Point. Here hundreds of Buddhist followers gather to hear the recital of the life of the great Buddha. Ominously we arrive just as the rain passes leaving a strong rainbow that seems to engulf the monks and followers making the moment one of serenity and purpose. It certainly gave us all a moment to pause and reflect on the introduction to this magical land.

From Thimphu we journeyed north to Punakha. As we wind our way through the pines and wandering rivers we feel blessed to be on such an awe inspiring journey. As we glance across the valley with the sun slowly setting –we glimpse the temple of the Divine Madman. There is much mythology surrounding Chimmi Lhakhang  - the fertility temple. They even have a book filled with photos of those who visited for a blessing to become pregnant and as a result have sent pictures of their success. One of our travelling party received the blessing so I will keep you posted on the outcome.

DOCHULA PASS

The Punakha Dzong also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Bhutan. Here we try our hand a rafting through the ‘female ‘ river which is considered to be the gentler of the two converging rivers – the other being the male river – of course. A visit to the ‘Fort’ in Punakha should not be missed.

For this tour I chose a farm stay to enhance my fellow travellers experience. Here in Phobjikha Valley which can only be described as heaven transcending, one night is without a doubt and experience like no other- just be prepared for a day without a shower. Living with a local allowed us to get a true feeling in the day to day life of a Bhutanese farmer. The endangered black neck crane said to be heavenly emissaries or avatars of long lost ancestors comes here to nest. In a scooped out mountain top one can see the nests perched as if defying anyone to invade their territory. 

PUNAKHA DZONG

Paro is the resting place for those attempting to climb to the famous TIGERS NEST or Taktshang Goemba. Precariously perched in the side of a cliff, it is a challenge to complete the 14 kilometre hike to the monastery. It is however one of the most rewarding journeys we have ever made – with one exception – that of Base Camp at Mt Everest.

I could tell you so much more about the incredible journey but the best way to experience Bhutan is with me on one of my tours with ENTICING BHUTAN. The next tour will be June 2018.

www.enticingbhutan.com              TIGERS NEST

Best time to visit: March to May for the cooler months and June to August for the hot summer months. enticingbhutan.com has many great journeys to Bhutan.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN BHUTAN- HAPPINESS IS A PLACE AND THE LAND OF PROMISE

www.enticingbhutan.com.au

www.enticingbhutan.com

Recently I was presented with a book with the title Green Mandala which asks a rhetorical question - What makes Bhutan and environmental paradise. The tiny landlocked kingdom (38,390 sq kms) that lies on the borders of India, China (Tibet) and Nepal in the Eastern Himalayas could be perceived from an outside perspective to not have a lot to offer. I am reminded at this point of an old cliche' saying that great things come in small packages and this is the Land of the Thunderdragon often referred to as the Land of Happiness. In fact there is a government department known as GNH - the official Gross National Happiness initiative. In 2016 the population was around 798,000 and with a GDP of $2.237 billion US I believe that they are managing to show the world that they are doing quite well.

For a country that only entered the world stage in 1974 one is quickly reminded of the importance that isolation played in preserving the many Dzongs and Temples across the vividly green landscape and high rolling hills of the small Himalayan nation. The Buddhist influenced culture is sometimes likened to Shangri La as noted in the Lost Horizon. However some have forgotten that the elusive mountain retreat was in Tibet. There are many wonderful similarities though that can be seen as you travel across the Dochula Pass – mostly when it is snow covered.

I would like to quote from my treasured book something written by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck the Fourth King of Bhutan. His opening remarks brilliantly describe the ethos of his people, ' Throughout the centuries, the Bhutanese people have treasured their natural environment and have looked upon it as the source of life. This traditional reverence for nature has delivered us into the twentieth century with our environment still richly in tact.We wish to continue to live in harmony with nature and to pass this rich heritage to our future generations'.

The constitution of the Kingdom states ' Every Bhutanese is a trustee of the Kingdom's natural resources and environment for the benefit of the present and future generations and it is a fundamental duty of every citizen to contribute to the protection of the natural environment, conservation of the rich bio-diversity of Bhutan. To preserve the nation against all forms of ecological degradation including noise, visual and physical pollution through friendly practices is the responsibility of all.

So where does this wonderfully pragmatic belief come from. Being predominately Buddhist the people believe that all beings are part of their own life and that sustainability is essential to daily accomplishments. The philosophy that we cannot go on exploiting our planet to the detriment of future generations is very strong in Bhutan.

Today the Land of the Thunderdragon is the world's only carbon 'sink'. It absorbs more CO2 than it gives out. More than 75% of the country is covered in rich forests and with the cleanest air to be enjoyed it is no wonder that more and more tourists are now familiar with Bhutan and we here less and less the comment - where and what. Apart from the 900 species of butterfly 300 species of medicinal plants and 369 different orchids, there are over 5000 astonishing plants - all growing on the hillsides and the many valleys in harmony with the landscape.

But to me one of the most important facts and one to close on is the unprecedented sharing of habitat between tigers, leopard and snow leopards in an unbroken landscape of 20,000 sq km. Conservationist hope that one day Bhutan could become a 'nursery' for species that are facing extinction - something that the now King His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Fifth King of Bhutan will see to that the legacy continues.