Bhutan for Beginners

The same man that wrote the lyrics “I’m a lumber jack and I’m okay” introduced me to Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan country the size of Iowa. Comedian Michael Palin of Monty Python fame has gone on to a successful career as a travel presenter for the BBC. The 2004 series “Himalaya with Michael Palin” charted his six-month and 3,000-mile journey through the Himalayan region.

“If you look at a map,” states Palin on his website, palintravels.com.uk, “the Himalaya range resembles a raised eyebrow above India.”

Bhutan, nestled between India and Tibet, is sure to raise eyebrows and open a few eyes to its stunning landscape and cultural richness. Its setting has helped it remain one of the few countries to be independent throughout its history — never conquered, occupied or governed by outside forces, although its Buddhist traditions were brought to the country from Tibet.

Here are a few more facts about the enigmatic Bhutan:

1. The word “Bhutan” translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” It earned the nickname because of the fierce storms that often roll in from the Himalayas.

2. Buddhism was first introduced in the 7th century AD by Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo.

3. In 1999, the government lifted a ban on television and the internet, making Bhutan one of the last countries to adopt the technology.

4. Bhutan is the only country to measure happiness. Gross National Happiness was coined in 1972 to define an indicator that measures the quality of life by means other than gross domestic product. The Bhutanese grounding in Buddhist ideals suggests that beneficial development of human society takes place when material and spiritual development occur side by side to complement and reinforce each other.

5. Bhutan is the only nation in the world where the sale of tobacco is banned.

6. At 24,840 feet, Gangkhar Puensum is the highest point in Bhutan, and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

7. The country’s national sport is archery.

8. In Bhutan, healthcare is free for both residents as well as visitors.

9. Phallus paintings in Bhutan are esoteric symbols, which have their origins near Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. The local monastery was built in honour of a16th century Lama named Drukpa Kunley, who was known as the “Mad Saint” or “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox ways of teaching, which amounted to being bizarre and shocking. These explicit paintings can be seen painted on the walls of houses and buildings throughout Bhutan, particularly in villages. Traditionally symbols of an erect penis in Bhutan have been intended to drive away the evil eye and malicious gossip.

10. Anyone found killing highly endangered and sacred black-necked crane could be sentenced to life in prison.

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For more information about Bhutan, stayed tune to this site, or visit the Tourism Council of Bhutan website.