Why every one loves Bhutan

 WHY VERY ONE LOVES BHUTAN

Bhutan has been having a moment in recent years. One of the core things surprising and fascinating all of us around the world is the country's philosophy and national policy of Gross National Happiness. Linked to this policy is a preoccupation with protecting the nation's natural resources and conserving Bhutanese culture and traditions. This focus on gross national happiness is one of the key reasons why everyone loves Bhutan.

One of the dozen offering goddesses surrounding the Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu

It's unsurprising, given Bhutan's unique trajectory, that seemingly everyone wants to visit this small mountain kingdom! We can all certainly learn something from the Bhutanese and how they choose to navigate the twenty-first century.

         Bhutan is having a well-deserved moment, and we are here for it!

A traditional homestead in the district of Punakha

So let's talk Bhutan ..

Bhutan map and flag

Bhutan is a landlocked country in Asia, and it is the smallest state located entirely within the Himalaya mountain range. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it is bordered by China (in the north) and India (in the south). Bhutan is geopolitically in South Asia and is the region's second least populous nation after the Maldives. Thimphu is its capital and largest city, while Phuntsholing is its financial centre.

Bhutan map

The map below should help you to understand the geography of Bhutan.

            

Must-see cities, towns and landmarks

The three cities and towns in Bhutan that we encourage every traveller to visit are all in the west, the most easily accessible half of the country. We suggest visiting:

• The capital, Thimphu, which lies in a valley and is surrounded by tall mountains and beautiful farmland.
• The riverside town of Paro, which you fly into, and which has many sacred sites and historic buildings, including the impressive Rinpung Dzong (a monastic fortress).
• The small town (and previous capital of Bhutan) Punakha, whose enormous and beautifully preserved seventeenth-century Palace of Great Happiness sits at the confluence of two rivers.