4 Stunning Facts About Happiest Bhutan Country I Norbu Bhutan Travel I
Bhutan is a tiny landlocked Himalayan kingdom wrapped in mystery and enchantment, sandwiched between China and India, two of the world’s oldest and most fascinating civilizations. This intriguing kingdom is full of secrets that you won’t know about unless you visit. Here are ten astonishing facts about Bhutan Country that will make you want to travel there.
# 1. The “Last Shangri-La”
This Himalayan Bhutan country has only been accessible to the outside world since the 1970s, and tourists are amazed by its untouched culture and natural beauty. It’s like a utopia gone wrong. There’s a sense of purity and mystery in this place. As soon as you get off the plane, you can take in some fresh air and witness pleasant folks with smiles on their cheeks. Majestic snow-capped peaks and lush wooded valleys will take your breath away. This postcard-perfect environment is a stunning background to the fortress-like dzongs and monasteries where the colorful tsechus (dance festival) is held each year. The festivalgoers are still dressed in medieval garb, with men wearing gho (knee-length robes knotted at the waist) and women wearing kiras (an ankle-length sari-like garment).
# 2. National Happiness Is Measured
Bhutan country places a high value on happiness. Despite Bhutan being one of Asia’s least developed countries, the government promotes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP), recognizing that being wealthy does not imply being happier. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan’s fourth monarch, invented the term GNH in 1972 to build the country’s economy sustainably. As opposed to GDP, GNH emphasizes the significance of living in harmony with the environment and traditional values. It is built on four pillars: fair and sustainable socio-economic development, environmental protection, cultural preservation and promotion, and good governance.
# 3. Free Education And Healthcare
Despite its poverty, Bhutan provides free basic education and healthcare to all its residents. Education is seen as a fundamental right for its citizens and is critical to accomplishing the nation’s social, cultural, and economic objectives. The government does not collect tuition and even distributes free stationery and textbooks to rural students. Literacy rates have risen dramatically during the last few decades. English is taught in the majority of schools. Bhutanese people also have access to basic healthcare through hospitals or health clinics. As a result, infant mortality has fallen, and life expectancy has risen in recent years. Bhutan’s life expectancy in 2016 was 70.20 years, greater than India’s (68.56 years).
# 4. Home To The Tallest Unclimbed Peak
Bhutan is home to the tallest peak globally that has never been climbed. Gangkhar Puensum, located on the border with China, has an elevation of 24,836 feet / 7,570 meters and is the world’s 40th highest mountain.
Mountaineers attempted to climb the peak in the 1980s but failed due to frostbite and high winds; in 1985, a British climbing team attempted but had to abandon due to sickness; and the following year, an Austrian team attempted but failed due to hazardous monsoon weather. The Bhutanese government outlawed climbing any mountain higher than 19,685 feet / 6,000 meters in 1994, which was bad for mountaineers but beneficial for the mountains. The Bhutanese believe that tall mountains are the homes of spirits (Gangkhar Puensum translates to “White Peak of the Three Spiritual Brothers.”) and should not be disturbed. In 1999, a Japanese team obtained permission from China to climb Gangkhar Puensum from the Chinese side, but China revoked the authorization when the Bhutanese government persuaded China to do so. Because mountaineering is no longer permitted, Gangkhar Puensum will remain unclimbed indefinitely.
Bhutan offers a plethora of more fascinating facts. The best way to discover is to embark on a voyage to this enigmatic place. Our Bhutan travel agent can assist you if you are considering visiting Bhutan. Please send us your question to receive a free custom itinerary developed specifically for you!