Little About Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a tiny, landlocked nation sandwiched between the People’s Republic of China in the north and the Republic of India in the south. It is situated in the southern foothills of the Himalayan mountain range.

Known as the land of Gross National Happiness, it is a sovereign country with a population of roughly eight lakhs and a total land area of 38,394 square kilometers.

One of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world is considered to be Bhutan. Bhutan is known for its authenticity, remoteness, and well-protected natural and cultural heritage.

Today, the tourist industry is thriving with much room for expansion. To give Bhutan, the appearance of exclusivity and high yield, the Royal Government of Bhutan firmly adheres to “High Value, Low Volume” tourism.

Bhutan’s incredibly diverse climate can be ascribed to two primary things: the country’s enormous altitude variations and the influence of the North Indian monsoon season.

A hot, humid subtropical climate with relatively little seasonal variation prevails in southern Bhutan. The temperature can range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius (59–86 degrees Fahrenheit). The country’s central region, which is covered in temperate and deciduous forests, experiences more seasonal weather, with warm summers and mild, dry winters. However, in the extreme northern areas, the Bhutan season shifts dramatically. Winters bring significantly colder temperatures, with mountain peaks remaining snow-covered due to high elevation. Even the lower regions maintain a chilly climate, contrasting with warmer months.

Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, collectively known as the Bhutanese Weather Phases.

The southern border region of Bhutan is mostly affected by the Indian summer monsoon, which starts in late June and lasts until late September. These rainfalls cause up to 90% of the rainfall in the western region. In different regions of the nation, annual precipitation varies greatly. About 40 millimeters of precipitation—most of it snowfall, in the region along the northern border with Tibet each year. A yearly average of about 1,000 millimeters is more typical in the temperate central parts, and 7,800 millimeters have been measured in some places in the humid, subtropical south, guaranteeing the dense tropical forest, or savanna.

The typically dry spring season in Bhutan starts in early March and extends through mid-April, marking the beginning of the Bhutanese Weather Phases. With sporadic rainfall, summer weather starts in mid-April and lasts until late June. Late June to late September sees the heaviest summer rains, which are more monsoonal along the southwest border.

The wet season is followed by autumn, lasting from late September or early October through late November, another phase of the Bhutan season. This phase is marked by bright, sunny days and occasional early snowfalls at higher elevations.

Winter arrives in late November and lasts until March, with frost covering much of the nation and snowfall occurring often above elevations of 3,000 meters. Bhutan gets its name from the winter northeast monsoon, which produces gale-force winds at the highest elevations across steep mountain passes and gives the country its name, Drukyul, which in Dzongkha means Land of the Thunder Dragon (the native language).

Bhutan is one of the world’s smallest countries, but it has a profoundly rich and diverse cultural heritage.

As a result, a lot of attention is placed on promoting and maintaining its own culture. It is thought that Bhutan’s living culture can assist preserve the country’s sovereignty if it is preserved and supported.

 
Eating Habits

In Bhutan, traditional Bhutan Food Culture prevails, emphasizing simplicity in dining customs. Meals are typically enjoyed with the hands, reflecting the intimate connection between food and culture in Bhutanese Food Customs. It’s customary for the head of the household to be served first, while others sit cross-legged on the wooden floor to partake in the meal.

Bhutanese Food Customs also involves serving meals by women, often the mother figure in the family. Before dining, a brief prayer is offered, and a small portion of food is placed on the ground as an offering to local spirits and deities, highlighting the spiritual significance embedded in Bhutanese Food Customs. However, urbanization has influenced eating habits, leading to the adoption of cutlery and dining at standard tables in urban areas.

While earthenware was traditionally used for cooking, the availability of modern goods has led to the prevalence of pots and pans in Bhutanese kitchens. Yet, the essence of Bhutan’s Food Culture remains deeply rooted. A typical Bhutanese lunch features rice, along with Ema Datshi (a beloved chili and cheese dish), and options of pork, beef curry, or lentils, showcasing the diverse flavors and culinary traditions cherished in Bhutanese Food Customs.

Bhutanese Dress 

The traditional clothing, recognized as the Bhutan National Dress, worn by Bhutanese people, which has evolved over thousands of years, stands as one of their most defining cultural costumes. Men adorn themselves in the distinguished Gho, a knee-length robe reminiscent of a kimono, fastened at the waist with a traditional belt called a Kera. Originally, a pouch at the front accommodated tiny daggers and food bowls, but today, it commonly holds items like wallets, smartphones, and Doma (beetle nut).

Women elegantly attire themselves in the Kira, a graceful ankle-length dress, complemented by a lightweight outer cloth known as Tego and an inner layer termed Wonju. Additionally, ethnically distinct attire, notably worn by tribal and semi-nomadic groups such as the Bramis and Brokpas in eastern Bhutan, showcases garments crafted from yak or sheep hair.

Moreover, when visiting Dzongs and other administrative buildings, they drape themselves in long scarves, a significant part of the Bhutanese Cultural Costume. The color of these scarves, whether referred to as Kabney for men or Rachus for women, varies based on the wearer’s status or rank, symbolizing their societal position and cultural heritage.

Festivals 

Bhutan has a diverse population, and the several intricate and vibrant religious festivals that are observed there only serve to highlight this diversity. Every hamlet has a distinctive event, but the yearly Tshechu, a religious festival, is the most well-known.

The villagers and the public dress in their finest attire and gather at their neighborhood temples and monasteries, where these events are held as the Tshechu begins. Tshechus are typically occasions to commemorate significant occurrences in the life of the Indian/Pakistani Tantric master known as Guru Rinpoche or the Precious Master, the second Buddha. For an average of three days, various mask dances are presented alongside music and dances.

Red rice, spicy pork, Ema Datshi, and Momos (pork/beef dumplings) are common foods shared during these festive religious gatherings, along with the potent native rice wine known as Ara. These events give the villagers a break from the hard work of their daily existence and give the community a chance to reconnect with friends and relatives.

Environment

Bhutan is one of the last surviving biodiversity hotspots in the world because of its location and distinctive geographic and climatic changes.

The natural environment of Bhutan, which features steep, Rocky Mountains and deep valleys, supports a variety of habitats. Given the significance of the environment, one of the government’s development paradigms is the preservation of its rich biodiversity.

According to a regulation passed by the government, the country must always have at least 60% of its land covered in forests. More than 70% of Bhutan’s land area is now covered in forest, And of that, 51.40 percent (16,396.4 sq. km) is in protected areas, which include 10 national parks and sanctuaries (State of the Environment Report 2016, National Environment Commission).

Bhutan’s ground-breaking environmental protection and climate change laws are now held up as models by the rest of the globe. To prioritize environmental management and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and pollution, the country’s 11th Five-Year Plan (2013–2018) was established on the notion of a “green” plan. Bhutan is one of the few nations in the world whose constitution explicitly mentions environmental preservation. At the 15th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Bhutan committed to continue being carbon-neutral (State of the Environment Report 2016, National Environment Commission). At present, the nation absorbs more carbon than it emits, making it not just carbon-neutral but also carbon-negative.

National Flag

The national flag is split into two equal parts along a diagonal.

The lower Saffron-orange half represents Buddhism as practiced in the tradition of Drukpa Kagyu, while the upper yellow half represents the king’s secular power and authority. The dragon represents the nation’s name and purity, while the gems in its jeweled claws represent the nation’s wealth and perfection.

National Sport

In Bhutan, archery, known as Dha, is the revered “Bhutan National Sport.” The bow and arrow hold deep cultural significance, are featured prominently in myths, and are depicted as auspicious symbols carried by deities. Designated as the national sport in 1971, archery signifies Bhutan’s identity upon joining the UN. With an Olympic squad representing the country, archery tournaments are widespread, blending religious and secular festivities like tsechu. It extends beyond leisure, permeating public ministries and departments, embodying Bhutan’s rich heritage. As the Bhutan National Sport, archery unites the nation, reflecting its spirit and cultural legacy.

National Emblem

Bhutan’s national emblem is a circle with a thunderbolt with two double diamonds over a lotus.

Every side has a jewel, while the vertical sides have two dragons. The lotus represents purity, while the thunderbolts stand for the harmony of secular and religious force. The two dragons (a male and a female) stand in for the name of the nation, DrukYul, or the Land of the Dragon, while the diamond represents royal power.

National Bird

The raven is the country’s national bird. It is a decoration for the regal crown. One of Bhutan’s principal guardian deities, Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven-headed Mahakala), is represented by the raven.

National Animal

The Takin, officially recognized as the “National animal of Bhutan,” is known for its thick neck and legs, scientifically named Burdorcas taxicolor. Residing above 4000 meters in remote northeast and northwest regions, Takins are social creatures primarily feeding on bamboo. These Characteristics of Bhutan’s national animal make them gregarious, and often seen in groups. Fully grown Takins can weigh over 200 kg, reflecting their impressive size and strength. Their significance extends to history and religion, as they hold a revered status in Bhutanese culture as the official national animal.

National Flower

The Blue Poppies are the national flower (Meconopsis Grandis).

It is a lovely bloom with blue or purple undertones and a white thread. It can reach a height of 1 meter and is located on stony mountain slopes above the tree line (3500–4500 meters). Likewise, It was found in 1933 in a secluded area of Sakteng, in eastern Bhutan, by a British botanist named George Sherriff.

National Tree

The cypress is the country’s national tree (Cupressus torolusa).

There are many cypress trees, and they can be seen close to temples and monasteries. Between 1800 and 3500 m, in the moderate climate zone, is where you may find this tree. It is related to boldness and simplicity for its ability to endure in tough terrain.

Language

With over nineteen dialects being spoken, Bhutan has a diverse linguistic population. The country’s natural setting, which includes deep valleys and high mountain passes, is responsible for the richness of its linguistic diversity. Although they caused the country’s residents to live in isolation, these geographical factors also helped them to survive.

Dzongkha, a language spoken only by the Ngalops in western Bhutan, is the official language. Literally, refers to the language used in the enormous fortresses known as Dzongs, which house monks and function as administrative hubs. The Tshanglakha and the Lhotshamkha are two further important languages. The Tshanglas of eastern Bhutan speak Tshanglakha as their first language, while the southern Bhutanese speak Lhotshamkha.

The Khengpas and Bumthap people of Central Bhutan speak Khengkha and Bumthapkha as well as other dialects. Mangdepkha, a language used by the people of Trongsa, and Cho Cha Nga Chang Kha, a language used by the Kurtoeps. In southern Bhutan, there are also Sherpas, Lepchas, and Tamangs who speak their languages. 

Food

Bhutan Food Culture is renowned for its bold use of spices, which is its most distinctive feature. Among Bhutanese people, a meal lacking in spice would often be deemed incomplete, as chillies are considered an essential component of nearly every cuisine and hold great value in Bhutan Food Culture.

Rice forms the staple of most meals in Bhutan, accompanied by one or two side dishes of meat or vegetables, reflecting the traditional Bhutanese Food Customs. Commonly consumed meats include chicken, beef, and pork, while vegetables such as spinach, turnips, tomatoes, river weed, onions, and green beans are frequently featured. Additionally, depending on the local climate, certain regions of the country also cultivate grains such as rice, buckwheat, and barley, adding diversity to Bhutan Food Culture.

Bhutanese Food Customs boasts a variety of delectable dishes, some of which have gained popularity both locally and internationally. Here are a few examples:

Ema Datshi

This is Bhutan’s national dish, a fiery concoction of peppers and the delectable local cheese called datshi. This dish is a national favorite and a mainstay of almost every meal. Ema Datshi can be modified by adding green beans, ferns, potatoes, mushrooms, or yak cheese in place of the standard cheese.

Momos

These dumplings are made in the Tibetan style and are filled with cheese, cabbage, beef, or pig. These delectable delicacies are a favorite among Bhutanese people and are typically consumed on special occasions.

Phaksha Paa

Red chilies used to fry the pork are hot. Spinach or radishes may also be used in this recipe. One such variant makes use of sun-dried (known as Sicaam). Hoentoe: Spicy buckwheat dumplings packed with spinach, turnip greens, and datshi (cheese).

Jasha Maru

Typically eaten with rice, this dish consists of spicy chopped chicken, tomatoes, and other components.

Red Rice

This rice is highly nourishing and satisfying, and it is similar to brown rice. It becomes soft, slightly sticky, and pale pink after cooking.

Goep (Tripe)

Although tripe consumption has declined in many nations, it is still common in Bhutan. It is prepared, just like most other meat meals.