The Kingdom of Bhutan: your next travel destination

The Kingdom of Bhutan: your next travel destination - Bhutan manages to retain its roots and traditional values in a world becoming increasingly modernized and urbanized. If you're searching for a bit of peace and tranquility without sacrificing adventure, you'll want to head to Bhutan for your next vacation.

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Kingdom of Bhutan - The remote Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan continues to retain much of its traditional cultural heritage and is a hidden treasure for anyone willing to step off the beaten path and explore its beauty and dramatic landscapes.

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Gross National Happiness - The country is well-known for ranking its prosperity by GNH (Gross National Happiness) rather than GDP.

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Gross National Happiness Index - The Gross National Happiness Index uses measures such as the quality of governance, sustainable socioeconomic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation.

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Value of nature - The country's constitution mandates that at least 60% of the region remain covered in forest.

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Buddhism - Regardless of personal belief and faith, it's hard not to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of Buddhism while in Bhutan.

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Buddhism - Temples, spiritual centers, and statues dot the cities and countryside, featuring Dzong-style architecture.

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Traveling - Bhutan may not be a budget destination, but it's for good reason. Tourists must pay an all-inclusive daily fee to visit the country, but travelers get their money's worth and also get the chance to travel responsibly.

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Traveling - The tourist fee ensures that the country is never flooded with visitors and that its cultural integrity is preserved.

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Traveling - Tourists are required to have a guide, which cuts down on illegal or irresponsible activities that harm the environment or locals.

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Traveling - Your money will also be going towards governmental programs, including healthcare, education, and nature conservation, meaning that you can feel good about giving back to the community you are visiting and learning about.

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Traveling - The Bhutanese place high value on spirituality and wellness, making it a haven for people looking to escape the hecticness of modern-day life. Meditation retreats are sprawled across the country for those looking for spiritual rejuvenation.

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Clothing - Traditional dress worn by men are knee-length robes, called Gho. Women wear ankle-length dresses, known as Kira, with a light outer jacket, called Tego.

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Thimphu - Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and is the largest city in the country. It has only about 100,000 inhabitants and is known for its incredible Buddhist sites and shrines.

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Language - Many languages are spoken in the country, but the official language is Dzongkha.

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Marijuana - Marijuana plants grow naturally all over the country. The plant has many traditional uses and the locals call it "the plant of happiness."

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Cigarettes - Bhutan is the only country in the world where the sale and production of tobacco is illegal.

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Current king - Bhutan has a constitutional monarchy and the current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, became the youngest king in the world to be crowned at just 28 years old.

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Size - Bhutan is a relatively small nation with a total area of 38,394 sq km. Switzerland is only slightly bigger, in comparison.

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Festivals - Bhutan does not lack for colorful and lively festivals. Celebrations typically honor Bhutanese culture, sports, and religion.

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Treks - The country's location next to the Himalayas provides the opportunity for exhilarating treks and hikes.

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Traditional arts and crafts - As part of conserving cultural heritage, you will be able to see locals engaging in traditional arts and crafts, such as textile weaving and paper making.

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Traditional arts and crafts - There are 13 traditional arts and crafts rooted in Buddhism that are an integral part of Bhutanese culture.

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Traditional arts and crafts - They include painting, sculpture, carving (wood, stone, and slate), calligraphy, paper-making, casting, tailoring (stitching clothes, embroidery, and boot-making), weaving, carpentry, masonry, bamboo and cane weaving, gold and silversmithing, and blacksmithing.

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Hospitality - Bhutanese culture places a huge emphasis on hospitality and reciprocity. Many locals invite travelers into their homes during their stay, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the culture firsthand.

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Weather - The country provides the opportunity to experience many different climactic conditions and seasons depending on the time of year and region you visit. Bhutan has four seasons—summer, autumn, winter, and spring—and certain regions experience monsoons in the summer months between June and August.

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Phobjikha Valley - Unique for its endless fields of bamboo and glorious mountains, this valley is famous for being home to the black-necked crane (one of the rarest species of crane in the world).

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Black-necked crane - The crane received the nickname "bird of heaven" as it is said to be drawn to holy places. Interestingly, they are seen flying clockwise three times around the local Gangteng Monastery when they arrive and before they leave on their seasonal migration, which is akin to kora, a Buddhist practice used to get rid of negative energy.

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Chili love - Traditional Bhutanese food has a heavy focus on chilies. Seasoning tends to be hot and spicy and the national dish is ema datshi, made with chilies and cheese.

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National sport - You'll want to try out the national sport, dha—archery. Bhutan is home to some of the world's best archers. In addition to archery, you can participate in other activities, including cycling, kayaking, and experience the popular hot stone baths.

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Breath of fresh air -

Colorful prayer flags, lush landscapes, gold-gilded Buddhas looking out across the countryside, and a general atmosphere of peace can be found throughout the humble nation. You won't find Wi-Fi everywhere you go and will be forced to disconnect and get back in touch with the simple side of life.

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