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What’s the name of a country the size of Switzerland, landlocked too, with a constitutional monarchy, located in South Asia and only recently connected to the internet, where the king insists on measuring Gross National Happiness each year? Oh yes, and visited by the Cambridges in April 2016, with great success.
It really was pretty closed for centuries and has only recently encouraged tourism, although numbers are somewhat controlled. This is, in part, because the number of pilots licensed to land at Paro airport, Bhutan’s only international airport, was just eight, for some time. Flying in from Kathmandu is recommended as you can see Mount Everest if you sit on the left hand side of the plane. And wherever you come in from, Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore or Bangkok, the landing is almost vertical, after an approach through deep valleys, with towering mountains above.
You can only visit as part of a group with a designated local guide, and there’s a daily fee for tourists, so it’s not the place for free-wheeling backpackers. Tourist infrastructure is rudimentary as it’s a new-ish development, so signs are not in English and trails not always well-marked when trekking. Guides take charge and add much to the visitor experience. One of the most popular expeditions is to hike in the central region, through the Himalayan foothills, taking a trip for 3 or 4 days, sleeping in tents, passing through traditional villages and immersing yourself in the pristine natural environment.
This is a country that rewards the visitor time and again: it has been compared to Shangri-La, the mythical utopia of James Hilton’s 1933 book, Lost Horizon.
What is striking about the people in Bhutan is their love for the king, who they truly revere, the Buddhism that defines them and their general joy in life. The current King’s father, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, was responsible for introducing the measurement of Gross National Happiness, which considers the individual and society in many ways – economic, religious, communal and cultural. It is an intrinsic part of Bhutan, which gives rise to a unique people, whose principles include no harming others and intense reflection.
In each town and city centre is the dzong, a fortress-like buildings that acts as a monastery and administrative centre.  It is seen as a symbol of the community and very much part of daily life. They are splendid buildings, said to have been created by llamas, without formal plans, or use of iton or cement. Even the airport terminal is built in this style.
The climate in the south is sub-tropical, leading to abundant and lush vegetation, poinsettias grow almost as tall as an adult, whereas in the north it is decidedly chillier, almost polar in fact. This gives rise to real contrasts when travelling around.
And just a world about the food, it is not all vegetarian, with chilli cheese (Ema Datshi) being a real favourite locally. Should you choose a home-stay with a Bhutanese family, which is a popular tourist option, red rice will be frequently eaten too!
There are 4 clear seasons here.  Spring is magical for wildlife and acres of mountain flowers, including the famous blue poppy which is the country’s symbol.
The best time to visit is October to April, which is the dry season. The Tourism Board is keen to encourage visitors from December to February when, whilst cooler, days are bright and sunny, and there are fewer visitors. From June to September, there is rain for 2 or 3 hours a day, and conditions can feel almost like a monsoon.
The Tourism Council recommends Bhutan for everyone who wants a unique experience, beautiful nature, geography and people with perhaps a few spiritual insights along the way. In fact, it employs the phrase ‘Happiness is a place’ to describe the country. Can there be any better recommendation?
With many thanks to Amit Verma of Cox & Kings and Damcho Rinzin of the Tourism Council of Bhuta.
Cox & Kings offer group and private tours to Bhutan. Visit www.coxandkings.co.uk.
For reviews on this wonderful country, visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com, and type Bhutan into the search box.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Cox & Kings
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Silver Travel Advisor Creative and Communication Director, member of BGTW
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