When you think of Bhutan, with its sky high peaks, ancient monuments, luxuriant woodlands and streams, the phrase ‘happiness is a place’ might spring to mind. After all, it is Bhutan’s tourism tag line. And if it did, did you ever wonder why that is? Read on to find out.

1. Soak up some nature

Did you know that 60 percent of Bhutan is actually protected against development? More than half of the country is actually a natural park! A peaceful environment is known to make people happy, so it’s not really a surprise that it’s such a happy, cheerful place, right? As a tourist, the amount of serenity and nature will have the same effect on you as well!

2. It protects happiness

Bhutan actually has a Gross National Happiness indicator! It creates a culture where the people who live there along with the people who visit are obliged to protect its natural beauty, be friendly and kind and all in all – have a happy, joyful experience here.

3. Getting there is fun!

Image Source: Flickr @schouhansen

This may seem strange, but did you know that the journey could often be as satisfying as the trip itself? If you visit Bhutan through India, you get the opportunity to go past the commonly used Jaigaon - Phuentsholing pass, which is a really great route to travel. So, you can be assured that nirvana seekers are going to have a ball in the country, since getting there itself will make you smile!

4. You will be breathing clean air

No, seriously! The people of Bhutan live in one of the least polluted countries in the world. This makes it easy for you as a tourist to feel happy and healthy, because every breath you take will be crisper, greener and cleaner!

5. The treks help

Trekking is a great way to clear your mind and get in touch with nature – and the endorphins and adrenalin rush you get help make you a happier person. Cradled by Himalayan slopes, this landlocked country has sweet mountain air that is enough to get the hiker in you rejoicing. With the wide range on offer, you can truly challenge yourself with treks that range from the truly difficult to ones that are a walk in the park. From Chele La Nature Trek, Merak and Sakteng trek, Samtengang Nobding trek to Jili Dzong trek and the Druk Path trek, embark on a great trip here.

6. Feast your eyes on a festival

If you time your arrival in Bhutan to that of its major festivals, you have the chance to see it at its most colourful. Festivals in Bhutan are often joyfully and boisterously celebrated. During the Paro festival, the air resounds to the ritual dances of brightly dressed monks as they unfurl a large silken Thangka painting. The Dzongs, all across Bhutan, are gathering places to celebrate the new harvest where locals gather and music and dancing abounds. There are ritual mask and sword dances which tourists are allowed to look upon.

7. A warm place to stay in

Image Source: Flickr @Xiaojun_Deng

Getting bad service at a hotel in Bhutan isn’t really that common. With friendly resorts instead of stiff, high-class chains and a personalised experience that seriously trumps any readymade hotel destination, this is a great place to visit. The hotels and resorts are run by locals, making them much more of a fun and cultural experience.

8. Soak up some culture

For a country that is rapidly developing and coming of age, Bhutan has preserved its ancient heritage beautifully. You can sign up for one of the numerous cultural tours and get a well-rounded and comprehensive guide to Bhutan. From the royal Tashichhodzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress, to visiting local enterprises such as paper factories and weekend markets, the sights and sounds here are enough to put a smile on anyone’s face!

9. A peaceful vacation

Looking for a calm, peaceful vacation? Look no further than Bhutan! People in the country sleep more, work less and are generally much less stressed. The slow pace of the city is great for travellers too, since you will be surrounded by a culture that specialises in taking things easy!

Nicole

A poet with a penchant for prose and the itch to travel, Nicole Reed is an assistant editor and features writer for a daily newspaper, struggling to find a way out of the concrete mess by dreaming of one day living and breathing off words in an idyllic country setting somewhere. Having been editor of her college magazine, written for a number of publications including Shamiana’s short film newsletter and as a current student of Literature from the University of London, Nicole sees writing like travel - an adventure – a journey to find her place, to define and redefine who she is over and over again and to live and learn through the process.

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