Bhutan People & Culture
The country has about 650,000 inhabitants. The largest ethnic group is the Drukpas (or dragon people), who generally live the northern and western part of the country. Ethnically and culturally, they are related to Tibetans and practice a form of Buddhism that was influence by
Another ethnic group, the Sharchop, tends to live in eastern
Other large ethnic groups are Nepalese (probably up to 28% of the population) and Tibetan refugees. However, many Nepalese are not regarded as legal residents. The government has been trying to expel illegal Nepalese residents and limit entry of more Tibetan refugees.
Most of the people engage in agriculture and raising of live-stock.
Last edited Jan 9, 09 10:33 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Thimpu, Western Bhutan, Bhutan
The peaceful capital city of Bhutan where progress is measured not by GDP but by a Happiness Index ... though NGO and UN workers of the more traditional sort are quite visible ... especially if you go to the expat bars ... not many independent Western tourists here as tourism is pricey by policy (with specified hotels, per day minimum, organised tours and compulsory guides) though the same rules don't apply to Indians and they can enter and travel freely without a visa (India is Bhutan's main donor and technical provider) ... but get here if you can ... the scenery is stunning and you will be moved by the simplicity of people... when an old woman with blotched red teeth (from too much chewing of the stuff almost every Bhutanese chews) smiles at you ... do visit the Tashi Chho dzong that doubles up as the royal government quarters and do try the fiery emma datshi (a dish of cheese and chillies!) ... taxis are relatively inexpensive and worth it ... and it is certainly a different sort of country altogether ...
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Thimpu, Western Bhutan, Bhutan
The peaceful capital city of Bhutan where progress is measured not by GDP but by a Happiness Index ... though NGO and UN workers of the more traditional sort are quite visible ... especially if you go to the expat bars ... not many independent Western tourists here as tourism is pricey by policy (with specified hotels, per day minimum, organised tours and compulsory guides) though Indians have an edge in that the same rules don't apply to them and they can enter independently and travel freely, without a visa (India is Bhutan's main donor and technical provider) ... but get here if you can ... the scenery is stunning and you will be moved by the simplicity of people, when an old woman with blotched red teeth (from too much chewing of the stuff almost every Bhutanese chews) smiles at you ... do visit the Tashi Chho dzong that doubles up as the royal government quarter and do try the fiery Emma Datshi (a dish of cheese and chillies!) ... taxis are relatively inexpensive and worth it ... and it is certainly a different sort of country altogether ...
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Bhutan
Always be respectful when travelling and meeting Bhutanese people
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The ethnic Drupkas and Sharchops generally practice Buddhism, whereas the Nepalese practice Hinduism.
Last edited Jan 9, 09 10:34 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Bhutanese food is generally uncomplicated, but also generally hot and spicy. The national dish of Bhutan, ema datshi comprises spicy chillies mixed with a cheese sauce. Chillies are used like vegetables in Bhutan, not seasoning - you've been warned! :)
Vegetables are a daily staple of the local diet, and red and white rices are served at every meal. Rice is often flavoured with saffron. Meats, poultry and fish can now be found on menus, along with Tibetan momos and noodle dishes.
Restaurants are relatively scarce, and most tourists will eat at hotels, where the meals are often served buffet style. Chinese, Indian and Continental foods are also available.
The most popular drinks in Bhutan are souza a Bhutanese tea, and Ara, a spirit that has been distilled from rice, wheat or corn.
Last edited Nov 10, 07 12:06 PM. Contributors:
Tashi Chho Dzong, Bhutan
We've found on a number of occasions, specifically in Trashigang Bhutan and also in some more remote South American towns that some of the "basic" accommodation leaves a little to be desired in terms of bed hygiene. If you have a compact sleeping bag, fine - take it with you. But otherwise, sew up a bedsheet into a "personal" sleeping bag and carry it in your luggage - it can also of course be laundered and dried pretty quickly. Either option means you don't have to endure the "ughhhh" factor of a dodgy bed sheet!
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Pajo, Bhutan
Pajo / Paro Airport in the SkyParo is the only airport in Bhutan which is located in a deep valley at an elevation of 7300 ft above sea level. The surrounding hills are high as 16,000 ft and approach into Paro airport is entirely by visual flight rules. Druk-Air is the only airline that serves Paro. So all visitors to Bhutan are initiated into the kingdom in its care. The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular in the world. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta or Dhaka, each flight is mesmerising aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the kingdom.If you plan to travel to Bhutan, visit http://www.drukair.com.bt
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Thimpu, Western Bhutan, Bhutan
The peaceful capital city of Bhutan where progress is measured not by GDP but by a Happiness Index ... though NGO and UN workers of the more traditional sort are quite visible ... especially if you go to the expat bars ... not many independent Western tourists here as tourism is pricey by policy (with specified hotels, per day minimum, organised tours and compulsory guides) though the same rules don't apply to Indians and they can enter and travel freely without a visa (India is Bhutan's main donor and technical provider) ... but get here if you can ... the scenery is stunning and you will be moved by the simplicity of people... when an old woman with blotched red teeth (from too much chewing of the stuff almost every Bhutanese chews) smiles at you ... do visit the Tashi Chho dzong that doubles up as the royal government quarters and do try the fiery emma datshi (a dish of cheese and chillies!) ... taxis are relatively inexpensive and worth it ... and it is certainly a different sort of country altogether ...
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Pajo, Bhutan
Pajo, or Paro, the other main city in Bhutan after Thimphu... though its still a dot compared to 'big' cities of the world ... relax, its a small place actually and take long refreshing walks watching simple folk go about their lives... easily reached by taxi...
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Last edited Jan 9, 09 10:34 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Thimpu, Western Bhutan, Bhutan
The peaceful capital city of Bhutan where progress is measured not by GDP but by a Happiness Index ... though NGO and UN workers of the more traditional sort are quite visible ... especially if you go to the expat bars ... not many independent Western tourists here as tourism is pricey by policy (with specified hotels, per day minimum, organised tours and compulsory guides) though the same rules don't apply to Indians and they can enter and travel freely without a visa (India is Bhutan's main donor and technical provider) ... but get here if you can ... the scenery is stunning and you will be moved by the simplicity of people... when an old woman with blotched red teeth (from too much chewing of the stuff almost every Bhutanese chews) smiles at you ... do visit the Tashi Chho dzong that doubles up as the royal government quarters and do try the fiery emma datshi (a dish of cheese and chillies!) ... taxis are relatively inexpensive and worth it ... and it is certainly a different sort of country altogether ...
Good tip?
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Thimpu, Western Bhutan, Bhutan
The peaceful capital city of Bhutan where progress is measured not by GDP but by a Happiness Index ... though NGO and UN workers of the more traditional sort are quite visible ... especially if you go to the expat bars ... not many independent Western tourists here as tourism is pricey by policy (with specified hotels, per day minimum, organised tours and compulsory guides) though Indians have an edge in that the same rules don't apply to them and they can enter independently and travel freely, without a visa (India is Bhutan's main donor and technical provider) ... but get here if you can ... the scenery is stunning and you will be moved by the simplicity of people, when an old woman with blotched red teeth (from too much chewing of the stuff almost every Bhutanese chews) smiles at you ... do visit the Tashi Chho dzong that doubles up as the royal government quarter and do try the fiery Emma Datshi (a dish of cheese and chillies!) ... taxis are relatively inexpensive and worth it ... and it is certainly a different sort of country altogether ...
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