There’s a reason Bhutan is considered one of the world’s happiest countries. Travel+Leisure India & South Asia delves deeper into its secrets to make your next summer escapade to this Kindgdom enriching.
There’s a lot to love about Bhutan — be it the awe-inspiring valleys and mountains, serene monastries, or even the countless treks to embark upon. But beyond this, the Kingdom also houses many secrets that are itching to be explored. Before you plan your next summer break to this tranquil nation, keep these insider tips handy to make the most of your calming escape.
Visit Bhutan for…
delicious dishes.
Bhutanese food comes packed with its own distinct flavours. Red rice dominates most menus. A staple of Bhutan for centuries, this gluten-free ingredient is rich in ingredients like iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B, potassium, and protein. Ema datshi is one such dish that celebrates this staple to the T.
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Made using chilli and cheese, ema datshi is a popular hearty stew that is often touted as the country’s national dish. A variation, kewa datshi, which switches the chilli for potato is just as loved. Some other popular dishes are paksha paa (stir-fried sliced pork served with red hot chillies) and momos, which can come filled with potato, cabbage, pork, beef, or even ema datshi!
Bear in mind, though, that the flavours of Bhutan are known to tilt towards the spicier side, courtesy of the chillies and Schwan peppers that the country loves. To help balance this heat, the dishes are often made creamy with local cheeses.
soothing hot stone baths.
The people of Bhutan truly enjoy their hot stone baths. In fact, it has been an essential part of the country’s culture for more than 13 centuries! Despite its ancient roots, this wellness tradition is only now turning eyeballs.
This indigenous custom fuses together traditional Bhutanese medicine and Ayurvedic wisdom for a healing and rejuvenating experience second to none. Add to this the mineral-rich rocks that are used to heat medicinal waters or menchu.
Although traditionally this healing technique was used by villagers as part of the day-to-day cleaning rituals, it now finds a spot across wooden baths (or wa) all over the country — be it isolated mountain villages or luxury five-star resorts.
traditional textiles.
Bhutanese textile production first started in the central and eastern areas of the country over a thousand years ago. Then, the local artisans developed their own techniques and traditions — be it Lhuentse’s highly intricate silk-on-silk kushuthara or even the tactility of Radhi’s bura. The materials used to craft these textiles, too, differed from one region to another. While the northen half of the country relies on yak and sheep wool, others use nettle and cotton.
Over the years, natural dyeing processes have also started to hit the looms. Younger audiences are even reinventing the gho and kira, the national dress. Despite this fashion revolution, Bhutan’s fabrics and styles continue to tell tales of the past. Even today, clothing remains an important cultural artefact of the country that carries the values and traditions of its people. The intricate craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and symbolic designs make these textiles highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
This, however, extends well beyond clothing, too. Picture decorative wall hangings, bed covers or even throw cushions in exclusive hotels and simple B&Bs. While some even use them as towels, others wear and exchange them as gifts during weddings, festivals and celebrations. In temples and monasteries across the kingdom, they adorn altars or form ceremonial robes.
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