5 WAYS BHUTAN TOOK US BY A PLEASANT SURPRISE
When we decided to head off to Bhutan earlier this year, all we wanted to do was escape to the mountains. We had no plans, no itineraries chalked out for us, in fact, we just picked up random dates and booked our flights. We expected Bhutan to be, well, under developed and very similar to the Himalayan states of India; the cities crowded and polluted and the interiors raw, rustic and clean. Little did we know that we were in for a pleasant surprise.
Here is how Bhutan took us by surprise:
1. The Border
It is weird to know that an imaginary line is all that is needed to create a striking contrast of chaos and calm. On the Indian side, you have the crowd, the street hawkers, the noise and the crazy traffic;ready to run you down. Step over to the Bhutan side and you will notice the lack of all of the above. It is calm, peaceful, the air is fresh and VEHICLES STOP TO LET YOU CROSS THE ROAD.
2. The capital city, Thimphu
Thimphu took us by surprise. At first glance we regretted out decision of coming here. “Not another populated Himalayan town”, we thought. Well, they say first impressions can be wrong. Thimpu is refreshing, rejuvenating and beautiful. It has all the elements of a modern city while retaining its traditional aspects. It’s green, lush and fresh. We have never enjoyed walking on the streets of a city like the way we did in Thimphu and the truth is, who wouldn’t. Not many capital cities have empty roads, clean air and lush valleys.
3. No traffic signal
Thimphu is one of the few capitals in the world that does not have a single traffic light. Well, it actually did have one, for 24 hours. It was quickly removed to be replaced by a now famous policeman who directs traffic with flamboyant, white-gloved hand movements ( they look pretty funny) from the middle of what is one of the city’s busiest streets (presumed to be. It looked empty to us)
4. Smile please (Gross Happiness Index)
Have you ever heard of a country whose development is measured by how happy their people are? Well now you have. Yes, Bhutan follows the Gross National Happiness Index. (No, serious!) Once you realize this, you can’t help but notice that the locals are always smiling and do look very happy and satisfied with their lives.
5. Early risers, not really
All geared up and excited for our first day in Bhutan, we could hardly sleep in the night and were up early in the morning ready to explore the capital, Thimphu. It took us by surprise to know that at 8:00 am in the morning, NOTHING was open. No eateries, no breakfast place, not even the bus stop. Not a single soul on the streets, we felt that we were suddenly in a haunted city. Bhutanese are laid back and don’t start their business before 9 am. But please, oh please, at least have breakfast places open up before that!
For centuries, Bhutan has attracted people from all over the world for its sustainable living, authentic cuisine, unique culture, divine spirituality and most importantly — responsible tourism. The only nation with negative carbon footprint is majorly covered in diversified flora and fauna.
