I discovered Bhutan on a short 18 hr visit in 2002. My cousin and I were on a charity journey for Save The Children (STC) in which we had to travel to every country in the world as fast as possible, asking children at random, 'If any dream could come true, what would it be'? This culminated in a number of books whereby proceeds went to STC. We also received 3 Guinness World Records. Bhutan was visited 3/4 of the way through the 6 months trip. It was a revelation. Never before or since had we set foot in a country with so much cultural integrity and oh-so safe, beautiful and welcoming.
And even better, English was widely spoken and easy to understand. On my return to Australia, we immediately made contact with our Bhutanese tour operator friends, and by the end of 2003 we were in business, with a formal contract to promote Bhutan with our partners Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd (BTCL). Being Bhutan's first-ever inbound tourism operator, BTCL was est in 1974 for the coronation of Bhutan's 4th King. This was the first time overseas dignitaries were ever invited en masse to visit the Kingdom and it paved the way for Bhutan to very slowly open itself up to limited tourism.
Now, in 2023 Bhutan is a recognised 'bucket list' destination and doesn't disappoint, albeit conscious of keeping a lid on tourist numbers to avoid the negatives mass tourism can deliver to a destination. Being a 'negative carbon emmission' nation has elevated Bhutan's global status as a world leader in protecting and nurturing their precious ecology. Furthermore, it is also one of the world's top 10 'Global Diversity Hot Spots'.
Whether you visit Bhutan for cultural interaction, or to trek through the splendid countryside, or to immerse yourself in their wonderful Buddhist spiritualism, a journey to Bhutan is a rare privilege and, in the words of so many of our returning travellers, 'a life-changing experience'.
#1. Ladies of East Bhutan
The Sharchop are an ethnic group living in eastern Bhutan and noted for their unique headdress made from yak hair. Originally a mix of Tibetan, south and south-east Asia groups.
#2. Bhutanese Children in Thimphu
We came across these young ladies near a marketplace in Thimphu some years ago. Taking images of people in Bhutan is surprisingly easy, and no money is expected. Just the courtesy of respecting privacy and requesting permission is all that is required.
#3. The Parliament of Bhutan
One of the world's more colourful parliaments in session.
#4. The National Memorial Chorten
Devout Buddhists circumambulating their revered Chorten in the capital Thimphu. Spinning hand-held prayer wheels and holding prayer beads as they walk clockwise on a daily basis.
#5. Festivals are common in Bhutan
Festivals usually take place before or after a particular cropping season and are often designed to seek the assistance of deities to protect the crops and local people for the season to come. Travellers are welcomed at most festivals. We recommend smaller festivals in central Bhutan as the best for travellers to consider.
