10 things about Bhutan you may not know
Here are 10 fascinating facts about Bhutan you may not know:
- 1. High Value, Low Impact Tourism Policy: Bhutan adopts a sustainable tourism approach, charging foreign visitors a minimum daily fee of $250 during peak season and $200 during low season, which includes accommodations, food, transportation, and a guide.
- 2. The Last Shangri-La: Bhutan is known for its pristine culture and scenery, earning it the nickname “The Last Shangri-La” due to its remote location and well-preserved traditions.
- 3. Gross National Happiness: Bhutan prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP, focusing on sustainable development, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. The concept of GNH was introduced by the fourth king of Bhutan in 1972.
- 4. Free Healthcare and Education: Bhutan provides free access to basic healthcare and education for its citizens, with a focus on improving literacy rates and life expectancy.
- 5. Carbon Negative: Bhutan is the world’s first carbon-negative country, with over 70% of its land covered in forests. The constitution requires at least 60% of the land to remain forested.
- 6. No Traffic Signals: Bhutan is one of the few countries without traffic signals, relying on police officers to direct traffic in major cities like Thimphu.
- 7. World’s Tallest Unclimbed Mountain: Gangkhar Puensum, located on the border with China, is the world’s tallest unclimbed mountain, with a height of 24,836 feet. The Bhutanese government has prohibited climbing mountains above 19,685 feet due to spiritual beliefs.
- 8. Challenging Airport: Paro Airport is considered one of the world’s most challenging airports to land in, with only eight pilots authorized to fly into the Himalayan valley.
- 9. Phallic Imagery: Phallic symbols are prevalent in Bhutanese culture, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. You’ll find them displayed at homes, schools, and restaurants.
- 10. Unique National Attire: Bhutan has a distinctive national dress, with men wearing a knee-length garment called a gho and women wearing an ankle-length sari-like fabric called a kira. While the dress code is more relaxed now, national attire is still required in certain settings