3. Dzong (Bhutanese Fort)
Punakha Dzong (Fortress).
Dzongs were ancient forts that are used today as the administrative centers.
Dzongs follow typical Bhutanese architecture with a wide base and tapering top.
They are also ornately decorated in various colours and shapes. Dzongs were
built without using a single nail.
4. Gross National Happiness
Bhutanese Children.
Gross National Happiness is Bhutan's development philosophy based on the
Buddhist values that measures the quality of life based on the spiritual and mental
well-being of it's people. It does not reject the conventional method of measuring
development - GDP but GNH is pursued as an alternative development
philosophy.
5. Highest unclimbed mountains
Mount Jomolhari.
Bhutan has some of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world - Mount
Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, etc. The government prohibits mountaineering in the
peaks which the Bhutanese believe are the abode of deities and spirits.
6. Museums & Monuments
Ta Dzong the National Museum of Bhutan.
Museums are the repositories of Bhutanese history starting from the advent of
Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Visitors will have museums within
museum experience while visiting the ubiquitous Dzongs and Ihakhangs which are
distinctly unique to each other.
7. Mountain Trekking
Lake, Trekking camp site.
Bhutan's treks will take you through physically challenging routes that include
crossing high mountain passes and snow. You may also be bothered by leeches
but it is worth all the trouble because of the pristine natural beauty you will
witness. You will also come in close contact with hardy highlanders and farmers
but thankfully there will be ponies to carry your packs!
8. Thirteen unique arts and crafts of Bhutan
Thangka shown during Tsechu Festival.
The 13 Bhutanese Arts and Crafts known as the Zorig Chusum, is symbolic and
rooted in Buddhist philosophy. They are woodwork, stonework, carving, painting,
sculpting, wood turning, black smithy, ornament making, bamboo work, paper
making, tailoring and weaving. Pema Lingpa, a treasure discoverer introduced
these arts and crafts to Bhutan in the 15th century.
9. Hot Cuisine
Red Chillies from Bhutan.
Bhutan is the only country in the world where chilli is not used as a seasoning but
a vegetable! The national dish is "emadatshi" which is a chilli and cheese stew
served with rice. Adventurous tourists may like to sample it at their own risk!
10. A spiritual heaven
Red Chillies from Bhutan.
Bhutan is the only country in the world where chilli is not used as a seasoning but
a vegetable! The national dish is "emadatshi" which is a chilli and cheese stew
served with rice. Adventurous tourists may like to sample it at their own risk!
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