The mystical kingdom of Bhutan stands tall and proud, veiled within the folds of the Himalayas. Untouched and refreshingly pure, it is perhaps the closest to utopia that you may find anywhere in the world
As the plane effortlessly glides between tall mountains, to land on one of the toughest landing strips, you gaze out of the window spellbound. The beauty beneath seems unnatural. How could something so pure still exist in today’s world? But exist it does. Albeit under a cloak, partly due to the mountainous terrain and in part due to the kingdom’s decision to remain at arm’s length from the world.
Also called The Last Shangri-La, Bhutan could possibly be the only untouched country left in the world. Away from the gnarly hands of commercialisation, the mountain kingdom revels in its traditions and ancient culture. Mystique hangs heavy in the air. It is the first thing you notice when you disembark from the plane at Paro. The second thing, of course, is the overwhelming beauty all around. Natural beauty that rivals Switzerland, Canada and even New Zealand, Bhutan is picture postcard gorgeous. Tall mountains, abundant rivers, low-rise traditionally decorated buildings and a general sense of contentment.
It is this sense of contentment that sets Bhutanese people apart from anyone else you may meet. There is no rush, no race to be won here. Everyone is happy counting their blessings and trying to earn good karma. It is a way of life often forgotten in the fast-paced cities of today. But here, deep in the Himalayas, it is what drives the people who focus on the country’s Gross National Happiness instead of Gross Domestic Product.
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