"BHUTAN - the last true illusion of the Himalaya" Top 5 Page for this destination Bhutan by tremendopunto

Bhutan Travel Guide: 215 reviews and 802 photos

Bhutan or Drukyul - land of the "Thunderdragon"

Bhutan is the place that comes closest to my illusion about the Himalaya. This country seems to offer the untouched, true culture which has not yet been influenced (spoiled or ruined) by masstourism.....
This country is very traditional and conservative, trying to protect its cultural roots from foreign influences. That does not mean that the country stands still or is way back in time. No, but they try a soft modernization, avoiding mistakes of other regions (like Thamel;-)....
It is the last Kingdom of the Himalaya states, though the council of ministers gets elected by the people and for 2008 the King announced to put the power into the hand of the people by complete elections.

Here is a very very short summary as a sneak preview short summary clip

young monks

a popular housewall decoration in Bhutan

Now I guess I do have to explain a little bit about this pic. No, it is no cheap porn graffitti! It is a housewall decoration you can find everywhere in Bhutan - it is part of the religious belief! A Bhutanese explained it to me like this (if I got him right - I have to read some about it):

One scholar of Buddha went into a little different direction, emphasizing that through sex you find the enlightment! So he slept with many women to free their souls..... Sounds easier than meditation, doesnt it :-) Ok, no jokes about that.
That is what Ive been told. I have to check on that.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The true, untouched Himalaya, youll find that nowhere else anymore!
Cons:Quite expensive dayrates! But that is the price of preserving this beautiful country and its culture!
In a nutshell:Bhutan is the only place that fullfills my Illusions of the Himalaya. Nowhere else can you find that anymore!

Last visit to Bhutan: Jul 2006
Intro Updated May 11, 2007
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Reviews (19)

The King of Bhutan Local Customs (2)

later more travel advice

Nice Lodge on the long way to the... Restaurants (1)

On the way of the long and steep climb up to the Taktshang Monestery - or Tiger`s Nest - there is a nice lodge where you... more travel advice

Traditional Dancing Nightlife (1)

My visit was during the off-season, so I was the only "foreign soul" in my hotel at this time. But at one night, there... more travel advice

Go for the GHO! Shopping (1)

Timphu is the place to do the shopping. And one of the local specialties are the traditional clothes. I just had to buy... more travel advice

Things to Do (13)
See All Phelchey Toenkhyim

Warnings and Dangers (1)
DOGS!

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (67)

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zamlingnelam May 29, 2010 at 6:48 PM

hi, i'm from Bhuta and thank you for such a wonderful views. I just wanted to correct abt the "sign" (pron)..sorry i can't give you the detail here coz of word limit..send me ur email id.mine is pdorji@une.edu.au.
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hindu1936 May 22, 2009 at 4:41 AM

wonderfully helpful info. We debated about going there, but think that it would be a shame to be in Nepal and not go to Bhutan. thanks for the advice.
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Lhenne1 Apr 1, 2009 at 4:35 PM

Thank you for sharing such great info. It's very helpful. I'm planning a trip to Bhutan in 2010. You mentioned you were there in the off season, what is considered the off season?
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jumpingnorman Feb 16, 2009 at 8:51 AM

Hehehe..I like the housewall decoration in Bhutan - did u get one yourself? Norman :)
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besal Jan 25, 2009 at 6:00 AM

Really of the beaten path. Excellent tips on this beautiful kingdom. Amir
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alexandria08 Oct 25, 2008 at 5:31 AM

Great pictures and immense information! one of the best I've read so far!
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chennaismartguy Jul 12, 2008 at 2:34 AM

Excellent tips/info. Hope to go there one day. Happy travelling!
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hunterV Jan 27, 2008 at 10:25 AM

great page, Vielen Dank!
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starship Dec 4, 2007 at 10:05 AM

Lots of interesting information on this page! Especially like your photos on the world's highest mountains, and my favorite pictures are those of the field of prayer flags.
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Jim_Eliason Nov 30, 2007 at 6:28 AM

great page!