Bhutan, which is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, is a land of total wonder with so many stunning natural beautiful sceneries. It is sometimes referred to as the “Land of Thunder and Dragon”. Bhutan is mainly known for its rich culture with very friendly and hospitable inhabitants. The residents have preserved their traditions from generation to generation, while also allowing some civilisation to take place in their land. Travelling to Bhutan will leave you with unforgettable experiences that you will reminisce about for many years to come. In this article, we will mainly focus on the cultural heritage and practical tips that you need before travelling to Bhutan.
Important Cultural Heritage for Bhutan
Being deeply rooted in its old ways and heritage, be sure to keep an eye on the following traditions when travelling to Bhutan:
Festivals:
The Bhutanese festivals are more vibrant and lively than you can imagine. The participants of these festivals wear masks and engage in several activities including music, dances and rituals just as they have been doing from generation to generation. Attending such a festival will provide you with interesting insights about Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
Traditional dress:
Bhutanese have a national dress code, “gho” for men and “kira” for women. They use these dresses daily and as a visitor, you are required to respect this dressing code by putting on the same while visiting their religious grounds. You should ask your tour guide how to acquire such a dress to avoid disrespecting the Bhutanese culture.
Gross national happiness:
Bhutan is a very unique state where progress and success are measured based on how happy its citizens are, known as Gross National Happiness (GNH). In a nutshell, Bhutan sets its policies and laws to ensure that its citizens are happy and quality of life is good in the entire state. Unlike other developed and developing nations where success is measured based on economic growth and politics. It is really interesting to be a resident of Bhutan!
Practical tips for travelling to Bhutan
As you plan your next travel to Bhutan, be sure to check if you meet the following conditions:
Visa and permits:
In as much as Bhutan sounds like a place where you can enter and leave at will, you will require a visa from a tour operator or international partners to visit the place. There are only a few countries whose citizens are allowed to visit the place without a visa. Moreover, there are places inside Bhutan where you cannot enter unless you have a special permit.
Best time to visit:
Be advised that the best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring and autumn seasons, which are between March-May and Sept-Nov respectively. These are months when special occasions and festivals take place in Bhutan. Also, the weather can be forgiving to visitors at these times with clear skies.
Health and safety:
You do not need to worry about criminals in Bhutan because people are hospitable and kind. But what you do need to worry about is high-altitude conditions for those who prefer trekking. You are advised to bring along some medications and adhere to health precautions.
Bhutan is a place to be for tourists with a passion to experience something extraordinary in their lives, with cultural values like festivals, traditional dress, and gross national happiness. While travelling to Bhutan, keep in mind factors like visa and permits, the best time to visit, health and safety. Explore Bhutan travel packages and tours options and start planning for a grand vacation.