Land of the Thunder Dragon: Discover the Kingdom of Bhutan
Because it remained relatively isolated from the rest of the world for so many centuries, Bhutan is still a country shrouded in mystery and legend. It officially opened to international tourism only fairly recently, in 1974. And even then, only a few hundred tourists were welcomed, reflecting the country’s commitment to a “high value, low volume” approach to tourism.
Tourism remains carefully managed, as Bhutan is home to some of the Himalayas’ most extensive forests and remarkably rich biodiversity. Although the country faces environmental challenges, including climate change and development pressures, the government and local communities are committed to protecting its natural heritage.
The restrictions on tourism and the protection of natural resources have helped Bhutan preserve not only its Himalayan landscapes and wildlife but also its ancient traditions and cultural identity. The remote Kingdom of Bhutan, also known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” has a rich Buddhist culture. It became famous for measuring its progress as a country not solely in terms of economic growth but through “Gross National Happiness.” This approach considers the well-being of its environment, communities and culture, as well as health, education and quality of life.
What’s in a Name?
“Land of the Thunder Dragon” is no casual name to slap on a country. So, where did it come from?
The moniker comes from Druk Yul, Bhutan’s name in Dzongkha, which means “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” According to tradition, the sound of thunder was associated with the roar of a dragon. Just like the United States has the bald eagle, which symbolizes freedom, the dragon in Bhutan symbolizes the country’s identity and its Buddhist heritage. Because the dragon is revered as an important symbol, it’s common to see this emblem everywhere you turn in the country, from the national flag to paintings on office buildings and even on the fronts of homes.
Bhutan is a small country that stretches roughly 110 miles from north to south and 200 miles from east to west, with a population of approximately 800,000 people. It’s often overlooked, as it lies between two giants: China and India. However, Bhutan’s strength as a nation is never to be underestimated. The fact that the national sport is archery is telling; this is a country that has a clear target and a well-planned aim when it comes to protecting its heritage and natural resources. Its conservation goals are backed by laws and policies, not just promises.
Since the country prioritizes the health of Bhutanese citizens, tobacco use and sales are regulated, although the former ban on tobacco sales was lifted in 2021. Wildlife conservation, opens in new tab is also highly important, so hunting is heavily restricted, and fishing is regulated through permits and conservation rules. The protection of Bhutan’s cultural identity is also prioritized, so the national dress of the knee-length wraparound gho for men and the ankle-length dress known as the kira for women is required in many formal, official and institutional settings.
These measures may seem strict to foreigners, but they reflect the importance Bhutan places on preserving its cultural and natural heritage.
Modernization in Moderation
This is not to say that Bhutan is fully against modernization. On the contrary, its leaders and citizens have shown that they are open to modernization, but on their own terms, with an emphasis on protecting the country’s environment and culture.
Motor vehicles began arriving in Bhutan during the 1960s, and today, many visitors notice the modern SUVs on the roads there. On a trip to Bhutan, your guide may be able to share fascinating stories of how modernization was initially received. One story tells of villagers standing beside the first cars with handfuls of grass as offerings, trying to “feed the beast.”
Even today, Bhutan has some unusual distinctions. For example, Thimphu is famous for managing traffic without conventional traffic lights. Instead, traffic police direct vehicles at busy intersections, including from a decorative traffic booth in the capital. The human touch is still very much present, even as transportation and infrastructure continue to develop.
Television and the Internet were introduced in 1999, bringing dramatic changes to communication and daily life. Today, hundreds of thousands of Bhutanese use the Internet, mobile phones and social media. Digital technology has become an important part of modern Bhutan, even as many communities continue to maintain traditional ways of life.
Slow, rural life is still celebrated here. A substantial portion of the population lives in rural communities, where farming and livestock raising remain important livelihoods. Traditional medicine also plays a role in Bhutanese health care, drawing on the country’s rich diversity of medicinal plants. Because so many communities depend on the health of the land, protecting the environment is a national priority. Bhutanese citizens are even constitutionally bound to contribute to environmental protection. More than 70% of the country remains under forest cover, and the constitution requires that at least 60% of Bhutan’s total land area remain forested for all time.
A Carbon-Negative Country
As Bhutan’s former prime minister Tshering Tobgay explained in a 2016 TED Talk:
“Our entire country generates 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide, but our forests sequester more than three times that amount, so we are a net carbon sink for more than four million tons of carbon dioxide each year. We export most of the renewable electricity we generate from our fast-flowing rivers. So today, the clean energy we export offsets about six million tons of carbon dioxide. And if we were to harness even half our hydropower potential, the energy we export would offset something like 50 million tons of carbon dioxide a year. That is more CO2 than the entire city of New York generates in one year.”
Yep, that’s correct. Bhutan has long been recognized for its carbon-negative status! Its extensive forests absorb more carbon dioxide than the country emits, while hydropower provides much of its electricity and generates renewable energy for export. Although emissions and forest carbon absorption change over time, Bhutan’s commitment to maintaining its forests remains central to its environmental policies.
Experience Eco-Friendly Bhutan
It’s hard not to fall in love with this enterprising country that places such importance on the environment, its culture and the happiness of its citizens.
On our Wild & Ancient Himalaya: Nepal & Bhutan adventure, we travel to Bhutan and see up close the benefits of this conscientious care. We explore Himalayan landscapes, river valleys and villages where traditional farming practices remain part of daily life. We visit Buddhist monasteries and temples adorned with colorful prayer flags, including Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built for the well-being of the kingdom, and, of course, the world-famous Tiger’s Nest, a 17th-century monastery complex that clings to the side of a precipitous cliff nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley floor.
We also feast on traditional Bhutanese cuisine. While it has been influenced by neighboring culinary traditions in Tibet, India and China, the local cuisine—like the country itself—has maintained its unique character. Chilies feature prominently in many dishes, often paired with cheese, vegetables and locally grown grains. A must-try is ema datshi (chilies and cheese), one of Bhutan’s best-known dishes. It’s often eaten with red rice and made with green, yellow or red chilies, cheese produced from cow’s or yak’s milk and sometimes onions and tomatoes—perfect for helping you warm up after a chilly day exploring the mountainsides of this charming country that’s sure to grab hold of your heart.
Nothing sums up the spirit of Bhutan’s environmental commitment quite like this sentiment from Tshering Tobgay: “We’re here to dream together, to work together, to fight climate change together, and to protect our planet together. Because the reality is we are in it together.”
