What are the interesting facts about Bhutan?

Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan remained elusive for a really A long time and curiosity amongst people regarding the nation is not surprising. In 1974 A.D the mystical kingdom of Bhutan opened to tourists. Are you wondering, ‘What are the interesting facts about Bhutan?’ let’s unfold some of the interesting facts!

Bhutan is called ‘Druk Yul’ locally, which means “Land of Thunder Dragon.” It gets the name after the violent thunderstorm that the country receives. According to Bhutanese mythology, Druk is a Thunder Dragon and the lighting of thunderbolts is said to be the dragon’s red fire. You will also find a dragon in the Bhutanese flag.

Bhutan practices ‘High Value and Low Impact tourism’ and you need to pay a daily tariff for your stay in Bhutan. The high season attracts a tariff of $250 per person per day while low season attracts a tariff of $200 per person per day. March through May and September through November is called high season and remaining are low season. The tariff includes accommodation, meals, transportation, driver and guide fees along with development fund to the Bhutanese government.

The former king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck introduced the concept of Gross National Happiness Index back in 1972. It is a country that gives preference to happiness and promotes a more holistic approach to perpetual growth.

Don’t be surprised to see greenery everywhere in Bhutan as 72% of the country is covered with forest. Moreover, the country’s constitution requires 60% of the country to be covered by trees.

Bhutan is the first country to be a carbon-negative country. It means it absorbs more carbon than it produces. The country produces approx. 1.5 million tonnes of carbon annually but absorbs 6 million tonnes of carbon yearly.

The highest mountain of Bhutan, Gangkhar Puensum remains unclimbed which is 7570 meters high. Climbing mountains which are higher than 6000 meters is banned in Bhutan since 1994. Mountains of Bhutan become unapproachable; either due to religious believes calling it sacred or geographical isolation or political instability. 

In the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu you won’t find traffic lights. It’s not that traffic lights weren’t installed, they were. The public outcry made it impossible to continue the use of traffic light. So, you will see two men with gloves directing the flow of traffic.

Bhutan lifted the ban on television and internet access only in 1999. It is among the last countries to adopt television in the world.

Bhutan is the first country to impose a ban on the production and sale of tobacco products in 2010. However, you can bring cigarettes but will be imposed a tax of 200% at customs. Smoking in public areas is illegal too; finding a corner to light up a smoke will be a task.

Bhutan is immune to the international chain of fast-food restaurants. Take it as an opportunity to taste the local food and don’t forget to try popular ‘Ema Datshi’ a chilly and cheese dish.  Try their red rice which is good from a nutrition point of view. Red rice contains antioxidants, fibers more than brown rice.

You will find phallus imagery painted on roofs and above the doors in a village of Punakha. Yes, you heard it right! The imagery is believed to ward off evil spirits. Temple of Fertility or Chimi Lhakhang of Punakha is dedicated to Buddhist leader, ‘Drupa Kunley’ famous as ‘Divine Madman.’ He had an unconventional way of spreading Buddhist teachings via song, comedy as well as shocking sexual connotations. The monks of the temple use wooden phalluses to bless a woman seeking a child. Also, many bring their new-born baby to the temple for blessings.