Bhutan

Officially known as Bhutanic Kingdom. Located in the eastern Himalayas of South Asia, this magnificent mountainous landlocked country borders; North Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, Sikkim State and West Chumbi Valley, East Aruna Pradesh State, West Bengal and South Assam State. Bhutan has the least population among the countries of South Asia, following the Maldives. Thimpu is Bhutan's capital city, and business center. This territory is best for tourism. Bhutan Tour is one of the best after Nepal with high himalayas.

Bhutan's geography includes tropical plain to alpine mountains of up to 7,000 m in length. Here lies World's Highest Unclimbed Mountain which is also Bhutan's highest peak i.e. Puensum gangkhar (7,570 m).

Bhutan has its deep-rooted heritage and ancient Buddhist history. Most people still follow the same lifestyle as in the past. Because Bhutan is a monarchy country, it has been isolating itself for centuries to protect its culture and natural resources by imposing strict laws.  Bhutan is the first country in the world to have banned sales of cigarettes in their region; the last country to allow internet and television within the country.

Before Bhutan used to restrict the number of tourists for Bhutan Tour but these limits are now gone. Flying to Bhutan is expensive but the experience really is worth it after flying. Bhutan is very popular for adventure activities such as camping and biking among them Jomolhari Base Camp Trek, Snowman Trek, and Masagang trek. 

People of Bhutan

According to the 2016 census Bhutan has a total population of 797,765. In Bhutan people are usually divided into two classes i.e. Bhutanese of the West and of the East. Western Bhutan people are called Ngalops while East is called Sharchops. Sharchops is higher in terms of population than Ngalops but they dominate Bhutan's political and economic market. Ngalops belongs to most of the King, Minister, and well-known people.

The first species to settle on Bhutan is the Ngalops. They were of Tibetan descent and were in charge of spreading Tibetan and Buddhism to Bhutan. Ngalop's speak Dzongkha which is also Bhutan's national language. This language has strong Tibetan language and cultural influences.

Sharchops are the Tibetan, South Asian and Southeast Asian mixed tribes. They speak Tshangla, a language mixed between Tibet and Burma. They mostly live in Bhutan's eastern part.

Besides that, there is a Lhotshampa group that includes the Nepalese ancestral Bhutanese people. They are the ones who introduce Bhutan to both Hindu and Buddhist faith and the Nepali language. Still you can see people in Southern Bhutan speaking Nepalese language.

Bhutanese people are fond of consuming red rice, also known as Buckwheat, which is mostly eaten in Bumthang. In the hilly Bhutan region, people love eating chicken, yak meat, dried beef, pork, pork fat, and lamb during the cold season. Food, beans, ferns, lentils, soups and stews, and dried vegetables.

Bhutan's national dish is Ema datshi, a spicy dish made with a cheese sauce and made from green peppers.

Religion of Bhutan

Bhutan practices the Vajrayana Buddhism as to official religion. Therefore Buddhism plays a vital role in the life and culture of the Bhutanese people because Bhutan is a Buddhist nation. Approximately 75 percent of Bhutanese people follow Buddhism while 25 per cent follow Hinduism. 

As for Buddhism

Citizens of Ngalops follow the Vajrayana Buddhism while Sharchops practice Buddhism along with other aspects of Bon.

As for Hinduism

In addition to Buddhism, Hinduism is Bhutan's second most populated religion making up 23 percent of the total population. Lhotshampa is the Bhutanese community of Nepalese people who mostly practice Hinduism in southern Bhutan. In 2012 Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of Bhutan, founded the first Hindu temple.

There is a Bon method, or faith, along with Buddhism and Hinduism. Bon was the original Bhutanese religion during the 8th century before Buddhism.  This religion is a mixture of Tibetan and Indian culture. 

Prior to the advent of Buddhism, Bhutan followed various forms of animistic religions including Bon. In some parts of the country, minority groups still follow these customs and rituals.

Ever since Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, Bhutan has been home to many sages and saints. Some of the key figures of Bhutanese Buddhism include Kuenkhen Longchen Ramjam, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, Pema Lingpa, Drukpa Kuenley, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. The official state religion is Drukpa Kagyu, a branch of the Tantric Mahayana Buddhism. Although similar to Tibetan Buddhism, it does have its own set of unique beliefs and practices.

Religious institutions in Bhutan continue to play a significant part. Monks tend to play a significant role in the everyday lives of individuals. We hold religious ceremonies and maintain traditional scholarships and encourage them.

Culture of Bhutan

The history of Bhutan and the power of Buddhism go hand in hand.  We can see different types of cultures during Bhutan Tour. Religion's presence in everyday life is highly visible and is a major reason for the spiritual and cultural heritage of Bhutan. The hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institutions, flags of prayer and wheels of prayer make Buddhism a faith that is still very alive in the kingdom today and probably always remains the same. Bhutan people wear traditional woven clothing, possess sophisticated architecture, and observe Buddhism-influenced splendid cultural festivals. That all combines to make Bhutan a unique cultural environment.

A religious festival was held once a year, hosted by reputed Bhutan villages. People from neighboring districts are gathering for this festival to celebrate and participate. They sell the monastery deities and monks fruits, shoes, sweets etc. People perform religious mask dances in large courtyards during the festival. It takes several hours to complete this dance, which entertains people along with providing information about Tantric Buddhism.

Best Places to Bhutan Tour

  1. Rinpung Dzong
  2. Chele La Pass
  3. Punakha Dzong
  4. Buddha Dordenma Statue
  5. Dochula Pass
  6. Tiger’s Nest
  7. Chomolhari
  8. Tashichho Dzong

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