Inside the Himalayan Kingdom of Happiness | Bhutan

Summary

In this immersive travel video, a family ventures into Bhutan, one of the world's most isolated countries, nestled in the Himalayas. Their journey takes them to remote villages, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking mountain trails, offering a rare glimpse into Bhutanese culture and daily life. From navigating dangerous mountain roads to interacting with locals and participating in unique traditions, the family experiences both the challenges and beauty of life in one of the world's least visited places. The adventure highlights the warmth and resilience of the Bhutanese people, as well as the family's deep connection to this enchanting country.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bhutan is a remote and isolated country, only open to foreigners since the late 20th century, with a limited number of visitors allowed each year.
• 😀 The journey to Bhutan begins with a thrilling arrival at Paro International Airport, often considered the world's most dangerous airport due to its proximity to the surrounding mountains.
• 😀 Bhutan’s unique culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, as shown through the presence of prayer wheels, Dzongs (fortified monasteries), and sacred ceremonies like the offering of ceremonial scarves.
• 😀 The landscape of Bhutan is breathtaking, with the travelers trekking through the snow-covered Himalayas to visit one of the least visited tribes in the world, the Layaps.
• 😀 Bhutanese traditions include the giving of prayer flags for deceased people, and the practice of sharing meals with the local community in temples.
• 😀 The travelers met with the nomadic yak herders, learning about their difficult and resilient lifestyle in harsh mountain conditions.
• 😀 Despite the challenging conditions, the travelers were warmly welcomed by the Layap tribe, experiencing the heartfelt hospitality and kindness of the people.
• 😀 The people of Bhutan hold strong community values, as illustrated in the parable of four animals (elephant, monkey, rabbit, and bird), showing how different strengths come together for the common good.
• 😀 The children in Bhutan are introduced to foreign visitors with excitement, and the travelers even participated in a school visit, where they donated pencils and toothbrushes.
• 😀 The national sport of Bhutan is archery, and the travelers took part in a fun and culturally significant activity of learning to shoot bows and arrows.
• 😀 Bhutan's natural beauty, wildlife, and tranquility made a lasting impression on the travelers, with a deep sense of connection to the land and its people by the end of the trip.

Q & A

Why did the narrator initially hesitate to make the video?

The narrator was initially hesitant to make the video due to the fear that sharing the experience might change Bhutan, a country that is relatively untouched by outside influences.

What is significant about Bhutan's openness to foreigners?

Bhutan has only been open to foreigners since the late 20th century, and it limits the number of visitors allowed each year, preserving its unique culture and environment.

What challenges did the travelers face when arriving in Bhutan?

One challenge was landing at Paro International Airport, which is known as one of the world's most dangerous airports due to its proximity to the Himalayas and the challenging terrain.

What role do prayer flags play in Bhutanese culture?

Prayer flags are put up for deceased individuals, with a specific number (usually 108) being placed to honor the dead, symbolizing the spread of blessings and prayers across the land.

What is a Dzong, and what role does it play in Bhutan?

A Dzong is a massive fortified monastery, often likened to an ancient Buddhist castle. It serves as a center for spiritual practice, governance, and cultural preservation.

How did the narrator describe the local tribe of the Layaps?

The Layaps are one of the least visited and most isolated tribes in the world, living deep in the snow-covered Himalayas. The journey to their village involved long, difficult treks.

What is the significance of the story told by the guest house owner?

The story of the four animals (elephant, monkey, rabbit, and bird) symbolizes cooperation and friendship despite differences, emphasizing how collective effort can bring about great results.

How did the children in Laya react to meeting the travelers?

The children in Laya were excited to meet the travelers, especially the first child visitors, and were impressed by their foreignness, with one child commenting that Liv’s eyes looked like the ocean.

What is the cultural significance of the Layap women's hats?

The traditional cone-shaped hats worn by Layap women are an iconic part of their culture. There are very few remaining hat makers in Bhutan, and the tradition is at risk of disappearing.

What was the unique feature of the prayer wheel mentioned in the video?

The prayer wheel in the video was powered by a waterfall, creating a unique form of 'hydropower' that simultaneously turned the wheel and symbolically sent prayers out into the world.