Bhutan: Get to know the Kingdom of Happiness

While economists around the world claim that the key to happiness lies in obtaining and enjoying material achievements, in this small country nestled in the Himalayas, it is believed that accumulating wealth does not necessarily lead to happiness.

Bhutan has a territory of 38,394 square kilometers and borders India to the south and Tibet to the north. Its highest peak reaches 7541 meters above sea level, and 72.5% of its surface is covered by forests that, by law, cannot be touched. The capital, Thimphu, is home to the majority of its 750,000 inhabitants who speak Dzongkha, the national language, although many people also speak English.

Brave New World: The Kingdom of Bhutan

The Kingdom has some curiosities, such as being the only one where there are no traffic lights and where television first appeared just some decades ago. However, the most outstanding thing is their way of measuring what the Western world knows as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and what they call Gross National Happiness (GNH).

Economists around the world claim that the key to happiness is the attainment and enjoyment of material achievements. In Bhutan, however, they think differently. They believe that accumulating wealth does not necessarily lead to happiness, and in defense of this idea, the country tries to measure development based not on the traditional GDP ix but a GNH index.

His Majesty Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Terce expressed his view on the development success of how to "make people prosperous and happy." With this strong idea in mind, the importance of prosperity and happiness was highlighted in his 1971 speech on joining the United Nations. This vision was further developed by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who declared in the early years of his reign that "our country's policy is to consolidate our sovereignty to achieve economic self-sufficiency, prosperity, and happiness for our country and people."

While the emphasis is on prosperity and happiness, the latter is considered of greater importance. Druk Gyalpo Quarto emphasized that for Bhutan, "Gross National Happiness" is more important than "Gross National Product. Therefore, Gross National Happiness is now being developed by a wide range of practitioners, academics, and agencies around the world.

The Pillars of Happiness of Bhutan

Concerned about the problems afflicting countries that focus solely on economic growth, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck decided to make the nation's priority not its income, but its happiness. He said that the rich are not always happy, while happy people generally consider themselves rich.

Normal models of development focus on economic growth as the ultimate goal, but the concept of "gross national happiness" is based on the idea that true societal development happens when material and spiritual development meet and support each other.

The four main pillars of Gross National Happiness are equitable socio-economic development; preservation and dissemination of cultural and spiritual heritage; environmental conservation; and good governance, which means integration, complementarity, and consistency.

The four pillars, among other things, make Bhutan a special place for the tireless traveler, who seeks to discover places still fresh and free from the pollution of other cultures.

The defense of their way of life for centuries is a challenge for the Bhutanese who encourage the protection of the local architecture, maintain the custom of wearing their traditional costumes permanently, and take care of their temples and natural spaces by protecting them strongly.

To demonstrate this love for their roots, the Bhutanese have as one of their main attractions the cultural festivals, which are a unique opportunity not only to experience the cultural richness of this unknown corner of the Himalayas but also allow the visitor to interact with the local inhabitants who travel, sometimes for hours, to attend them.

Top ten things to do in Bhutan

Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

Taktshang Monastery is located on a high cliff north of Paro. Built-in 1692, it is on the site where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century.

Hiking in the mountains

Bhutan has some of the best trails in the world. There are 23 routes across the country, covering countless locations with a duration from 3 to 25 days. Each tour is led by an experienced guide, and the trekker's luggage transfer service is also provided. The trails are demanding, but the effort is well worth it. There are also numerous excellent day hikes.

Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong was formerly known as the Druk Pungthang Dechen Phrodang or, "the palace of great happiness". It was the second dzong to be built in Bhutan and was the Bhutanese Parliament when Punakha was the capital. The dzong was built in 1637 by the Zhabdrug and has suffered several fires, floods, and earthquakes. It is currently used as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (religious leader).

Wildlife and bird watching

There is a wide variety of animals to see in Bhutan. The country can be divided into 3 geographical regions: the alpine zone (4,000 meters and above), with no vegetation; the temperate zone (2,000 to 4,000 meters), with coniferous and broadleaf vegetation; and the subtropical zone (2,000 meters and below).

The alpine zone is inhabited by animals such as snow leopards and Bengal tigers, while the other areas of Bhutan are inhabited by species such as the red panda, Himalayan black bear, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and golden monkeys, which are unique in the country.

Bhutan is home to more than 670 bird species. It is home to ten bird species that are at risk of extinction including the purple heron. The country is also chosen for the rare black-necked crane that migrates to Bhutan to spend the winter.

Hot Springs

There are many hot spring sites in Bhutan and they have been used for centuries to cure ailments such as arthritis and other aches and pains. When winter arrives it is common for the Bhutanese to visit them. Better known as tshachus, the hot springs at Gasa in western Bhutan are located near the banks of the Mo Chu River and are among the most popular. The hot springs of Gasa are much visited not only by locals but also by wild animals such as the takin (Bhutan's national symbol mammal).

Thimphu weekend market

On Saturdays and Sundays, many of the city and valley dwellers gather at a bustling weekend market in the heart of Thimphu. This market offers tourists the opportunity to mingle among the local people, sample local dishes, buy handicrafts and clothing, prayer flags, and even a trumpet made from a human femur.

Trongsa Dzong

The Trongsa Dzong is located in front of the Mangdecuhhu River right in the center of Bhutan. The first and second kings of Bhutan ruled from here. You can enjoy a labyrinth of narrow corridors leading to several courtyards.

Mountain biking

Cycling is a sport of growing popularity among the Bhutanese. The country's topography is highly valued by mountain biking fans, especially in the central and eastern areas. Trails wind through small towns and villages, as well as some hills. It is best if riders have a certain level of training and endurance, and also some mountain biking experience.

Tshechus

Tshechus are Bhutanese festivals held in monasteries and temples throughout the country. Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on the 10th day of the lunar calendar, coinciding with the birth of Guru Rinpoche. Villagers from nearby villages go to the monastery or temple and celebrate with story-telling dances. It is said that everyone should go to a Tshechu and witness the masked dances at least once in their lives to receive blessings and wash away their sins.

Archery

Archery is the national sport in Bhutan and competitions are organized all over the country throughout the year. There are two types of competitions: one where contestants use traditional bamboo bows and another with carbon fiber bows. The competition is fierce, and when it is the competitors' turn to shoot at the smaller targets, the public tries to distract them by whistling and throwing objects at them.