Bhutan Spreads its Happiness Ideals to the UN

[Guest fountainhall]

For decades, one of the guiding principles of the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan has been its concentration not on GDP - Gross Domestic Product

[Guest thaiworthy]

In a 10-day trip to the extraordinarily beautiful country of Bhutan in 2007, I saw the results of the policy

[TotallyOz]

I agree Fountainhall. You have led a fascinating life and the depth of knowledge of little know places to me always keeps me in awe!

 

The photos are great and I loved reading about it. Thank you Sir!

[Guest fountainhall]

Thank, guys. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Here are a few more.

 

One of the great things about travelling to places like Bhutan is they are so scenic and so much is so new to the traveller that photos tend to take themselves. When I was there, tourism was still relatively new

[Guest thaiworthy]

Fountainhall, you might consider slightly watermarking any future photographs you post. An unscrupulous person could just grab them and use them for their own needs. This is magazine-caliber photography and they're high-resolution-- some images are nearly 1300 pixels wide. Just a thought.

[Guest]

Another excellent set of photos, so thank you for posting them.

I need to visit Bhutan.

 

I don't see the need for watermarking. As you're probably not trying to make money out of photos, what does it matter if other people want to use them & enjoy them?

[Guest fountainhall]

Fountainhall, you might consider slightly watermarking any future photographs you post. An unscrupulous person could just grab them and use them for their own needs.

I don't really mind if others use them. I reduce the original size from 2MB - 3MB to 180 - 200 KB or thereabouts which may be OK for internet use but not for publications. Besides, I don't know how to insert watermarks!! But thanks for the suggestions.

 

Because Bhutan's tourism infrastructure is still developing, the government slapped on quite a hefty daily charge. When I went, it was around US$240 for a single traveller - $200 in a group. That may sound a lot, but it covered everything from airport pick-up, all transport, the services of an excellent guide and driver who both travel everywhere with you, all hotels/guest-houses, all meals, all temple and museum entrances, and so so. There has been discussion that this will be reduced, but I am not sure if it has of yet.

 

I did not notice much sign of gay life. On the other hand, through a mutual friend I met a foreigner who had lived there for more than 10 years and who, I was assured, had a boyfriend in every village!

[stijntje]

Anyone been to Bhutan recently? I'm considering it in my 2018/2019 travel plans.

[vinapu]

thank you for resurrecting this thread with beautiful pictures

[reader]

Fountain's photography always seems to capture the grandeur of wherever he visits.  He recently posted a trip report to Iran on Gaybutton's board that lives up his billing.

[fedssocr]

Not "recently". I was there about the same time as fountainhall apparently.

 

I will put in a plug for Purple Dragon's Bhutan arm called Better Bhutan (www.betterbhutan.com) I am pretty sure the daily tariff is still about the same. But BB uses better hotels at a bit of a higher price. If I were to go back I would definitely check them out.

 

I spent almost 3 weeks and went all the way from west to east and back again. It was a lot of riding in the car. There's one "highway" across the country that is basically a road that's 1.5 cars wide. Lots of big trucks, some minibuses, and other traffic to deal with. And the ever-present threat of landslides and rock falls. It is a spectacular place. I never adjusted to the altitude so it didn't take much exertion to wear me out. The country essentially consists of a series of mountain valleys so you have to go up over a lot of mountain passes so it takes a while to get anywhere.

 

I am happy to try and answer questions.

 

Here's a trip report I did for FlyerTalk with lots of photos

[DivineMadman]

i've been there several times (most recently a couple of years ago) and second all the favorable comments by those who have been there.  It's my favorite place on earth.  I'm planning on going for another trek next year.  I think there is a trip for all physical abilities, but if you can and have any interest, trekking is spectacular and really a great way to get to see the country and meet people.  For birders, there is an exquisite valley where the black cranes winter.  Even for the non-trekker "cultural tourists" there is a lot to see and do.

 

It's been a wild ride to be a semi-regular visitor there.  When I first went they didn't have TV yet.  Now you can talk with them about the latest episode of the Walking Dead.

 

As in Tibet, historically property passed by the female line and polyandry is common, although less so in the more urban areas.  It's very common to come across families where the woman married two or more brothers.  All I can say is, it's interesting.
 

The gay scene is very much on the DL, so I would strongly discourage anyone going there with the goal of hooking up, but I can confirm first hand that there is a scene and it can/does happen.  It's sort of like the old line about bars in Venice -- Every bar is a gay bar if you know where to look.  I can also confirm first hand that some monasteries are very active, but that's another story (and not for this board). 

 

If you go and have some input on your itinerary, of course try to go to see one of the festivals, but also try to spend some time ahead of the actual festival when the monks and locals are rehearsing.  It's a fun relaxed and interesting thing to do.

 

I had a guide on '04 who swore to me up and down that gay marriage was practiced in the monasteries and there were 2-3 guys who were selected for their particular beauty who "married" the abbott (and presumably other senior-most monks).  These special beauties could be identified by their unique costumes during the festivals.  I don't doubt his sincerity but take it with a grain of salt.  Presumably it has something to do with tantra and I am of the general view that so much of tantra is secret much gets confused to/by outsiders and should not be considered 100% reliable.

 

The people are wonderful.  Often the food is terrible.  Tell them you won't get sick and you want local food.  It's must tastier than tourist food.  The nicer hotels are more expensive, but can be a nice indulgence if you can afford it.

 

Some pics just to add to Fountainhall's and fedssobr's contributions.

 

I went back 4 years later and the old man had passed away and his grandson was off at school.  

 

 

To the east (past Mongar) there is a local tradition when you are leaving a village (after staying there over night) where the ladies of the village ply you with local liquor and then sing to you to entice you to stay.  If you do go to the east, tell your guide you want to go "night hunting."  Enjoy the reaction.

 

School assembly

 

Normally, the words "native dance" are among the two most terrifying in the english language, but the religious festivals (tsechus) are fun and not to be missed.

 

The [alleged] monastery beauties.

 

 

Rehearsing for upcoming tsechu.

 

I hesitate to post this picture, but, still, wow.

 

If you spend time there, I think you will agree that Bhutan can now claim the Land of Smiles title.

 

[stijntje]

Thank you all for your replies!