New Delhi, Aug 25: The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is one of tourism`s last frontiers. While the world is shrinking and opening up more and more to the adventurous traveller, Bhutan remains (in the words of the old song) "a faraway place with strange-sounding names".
Its three main ethnic groups are the Sharchops, the Ngalops and the Lhotsampas, and their official language is Dzongkha. Alone in the world, their religion is the ancient Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism known as Drukpa Kagyu. The Royal Government of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach towards tourism in an effort "to avoid its negative impacts".
Last year, fewer than 6000 tourists visited Bhutan. All tourists must travel on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour program. Independent travel is not permitted. Visitors without an approved visa (which costs $A29) are not permitted to board their incoming flight (by Bhutan`s only airline Druk Air) from Katmandu, Calcutta or Dhaka.
From Katmandu, the plane flies past the summit of Mt Everest. It is recommended that applications are made 120 days in advance. This year, Australians are being offered a rare chance to visit Bhutan on a 13-day group tour offered by The Imaginative Traveller.
Monasteries are fully functional, and national dress is worn in schools, government offices, dzongs (fort monasteries) and for formal occasions. Controlled visitor numbers mean this is not a cheap Asian destination but the rewards, according to The Imaginative Traveller, are worth every cent.
The itinerary takes in a classic five-day easy Druk Path trek through magnificent Himalayan scenery, a spectacular drive through 2743m-high Dochula Pass with views of the northern peaks and visits to traditional Buddhist gompas (temples) and monasteries.
Trekking is through scenery of dramatic beauty with lofty mountains and deep valleys.
Lifestyles change from the colourful lively pace of Thimphu to the more traditional, simple remote mountain villages only accessible by foot.
The terrain is different from other parts of the Himalayas, ranging from subtropical jungles to the flora of the mountain slopes. The next departures in the 10 annual tours scheduled are between September and December. The price ex-Katmandu, which includes a compulsory daily visitor fee levied by the Bhutan Government, is $4345 a person.
Festivals in Bhutan have reputations for being raucous, joyous affairs, but they are also holy and spiritual events with attendees gaining merit for the next life.
Most popular for tourists are the "tshechus" held in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang, when valley dwellers and townsfolk join in traditional music and dancing.
Also featured at festivals is Bhutan`s national sport of archery – each village has its own archery range and rivalry is intense.
Bureau Report
