What I noticed in Bhutan

Bhutan is free entry country for residents of India, Bangladesh and Maldives but new entry policies are anticipated in the future because of overcrowding of regional tourists which is supposedly a threat to Bhutanese environmental standards and cleanliness. Moreover, incidents of insensitive behaviour of Indian tourists towards local customs and values have also been reported. In one such incident that happened in 2019, an Indian tourist climbed a ‘Chorten’ to click a selfie which is anathema to the locals, who view these constructions as having religious significance.

Bhutan will soon follow a ‘high value, low volume’ tourism policy. In other words, the Himalayan nation aims to attract only a few tourists each year while ensuring that they are high spending and other ecological aspects are maintained.

Indian vehicles are permitted to enter Bhutan without any hindrance, but there have been instances of Indian drivers, who were not used to mountain roads, meeting with serious accidents.

Surprising, there are no traffic lights in Bhutan. The drivers are all polite and drive their vehicles slowly. And stop and offer you to cross the roads first. The police also look impressive in their outfits.

You will find many prayer flags on the roads and atop hills mostly made out of five colors. Each color represents the five elements on a physical level, the building blocks of both our bodies and the environment .It is believed that when the wind moves prayer flags, even with the slightest breeze, these prayers and blessings become activated, and then are carried through the air in a spiritual vibration across the vicinity.

Bhutan says no, to tobacco, plastics and smoking in public places. You will find local alcohol pretty cheap and of good quality.

The main architectural style of the buildings here is that of the Tibetan Buddhist style. Iron bars and iron nails are strictly not used in the construction, which makes the architecture of Bhutan different from the rest of the world. There is unity in construction and design of houses and establishments and these aspects gives the scenic cities of Bhutan an unique view, just like the glorious landscapes.

Presently, Bhutan’s currency, Ngultrum is equal to 1 Indian Rupee.

1

You will find mostly women who head the families and run businesses and establishments.

Uncommon breeds of stray dogs with furry coats are a common feature on the Bhutan Roads and are often seen lying lazily in the sun.

The king is loved and respected by the people. It is interesting to note that during passing of King’s cavalcade on the roads, every other car stops as a respect.

Archery is the national sport and you will find archery games at tourist spots.

You cannot wear short dress or pants inside monasteries and temples. You should follow the dress code.

Bhutanese like their food spicy and they add lots of chillies to their food, thus, check before you order. Thukpa the famous Tibetan noodle soup is also regularly eaten in Bhutan.

Apart from the hiking and trekking to the temples and monasteries, visitors can also have adventurous activity of white water rafting, lake side camping and barbeques, bird watching and studying the history of the country.

Education and medical facilities is free for all the citizens. Even tourists are entitled for health care, in case of their health issues in their length of stay.

Paan eating is the favourite pass time of Bhutanese and you will find many large spittoons in crowded places.

For shopaholics, Paro town and Timphu local market is best place for buy authentic Bhutanese products.