Ethnically Unique

The Brokpas speak Sharchop, a different language to that spoken elsewhere in Bhutan – more noticeable to visitors on Bhutan treks, they dress uniquely. Brokpa people are easily recognised by their woven red jackets, often detailed with stitched animals, and curious black yak hats. These hats have five spidery legs, designed to channel rainwater away from the wearer’s head and body. As befitting the name Brokpa, which can be translated to mean ‘nomad’ or ‘herder’, the people remain semi-nomadic yak herders, relying on the animal for clothing, food and transport. For anyone with an interest in minority ethnic groups and the preservation of traditional ways of living in an increasingly modern, homogenous world, Bhutan treks in Merak and Sakten are a must.

Aum Jono and the King’s Demand

Like many Himalayan peoples, the Brokpa have a story of their origin. They moved to Bhutan many hundreds of years ago – according to them, this is because they once lived in Tibet, until a conflict with a ruler. This king demanded that his people remove the top of a mountain because it blocked the sun, covering his palace in shadow. One woman, Aum Jono, who did not think this ridiculous order should be obeyed, told her people that it was far easier to remove a head than a mountain-top. The Brokpas agreed. After killing the king, Aum Jono led them to safety and prosperity in eastern Bhutan. She is now revered as a protecting deity, with a festival held in her honour.

Brokpas and the Yeti

Anyone planning to go on Bhutan treks will surely have heard of the Yeti. To the Brokpas this creature is called Megay, and yak herders to this day report encountering Megay in high, thickly forested altitudes, typically when they have pursued a straying yak. According to their remarkable tales, the Megay consumes bamboo shrubs, is white or light red in colour, and smells of garlic. The Megay is not a curiosity, as it is to Westerners, but a guardian deity of remote mountainous regions – and the Brokpas accordingly treat it with respect.

Looking for Bhutan treks Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Tshechus

Perhaps the most famous festivals, the Tshechus in Thimpu, Paro and Bumthang attract the greatest number of visitors. However, Tshechus occur all over Bhutan, either in spring or autumn according to the lunar calendar. They are dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and are celebrated for three to five days. Members of the public – or visitors on Bhutan treks and tours – are warmly welcomed.

Tshechus were established during the 17th century and have a religious purpose. Monks and village elders perform a carefully sequenced range of dances and other religious rites, while wearing beautiful, bright ceremonial costumes with elaborate masks – a true highlight of Bhutan treks and tours. These dances are more than entertainment: each has spiritual importance, choreographed to teach visitors about the Buddhist teachings (known as Dharma), freeing them from the evils of life and protecting them from harm. The festivals also serve to exorcise evil spirits, reconcile the gods and ask for a good harvest. They take place in the courtyards of the dzongs, attended by people in their finest clothes who use the days as a social gathering as well as a religious event.

Dromchoes

These festivals are dedicated to the deities that protect each of Bhutan’s districts. The most famous occurs each spring at the Punakha dzong, honouring Punakha’s protecting spirit, Mahakala – but there are many others. Festival performances include war songs, dances, the throwing of firecrackers, and the Marching Ceremony, carried out by the Pazaps, the traditional fighting forces of the region.

Bhutan’s National Day

Taking place on December 17th each year, Bhutan’s National Day commemorates the first king of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, in 1907, and honours the peace and prosperity that he brought to the kingdom. The major procession and festival takes place in Changlimithang National Stadium, in Thimpu, but celebrations occur across the country.

All of the above festivals offer an excellent glimpse into the religious and national character of Bhutan. Treks and tours that coincide with a festival typically build in time for visitors to enjoy the events; scheduling the dates accordingly is highly recommended.

Looking for Bhutan treks ? Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk: the first hereditary monarch

Political unity came to Bhutan for the first time in 1616, under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, but after his death Bhutan became troubled.  Over two centuries later, Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel was the country’s most powerful ruler.  It was his son, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, who ushered in the present era of stability.

Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck became Paro Penlop and later Trongsa Penlop in 1882.  Three years later, he fought a battle at Changlimithang in Thimpu against the dzongpons of Thimpu and Punakha over the election of the Deb Raja – his victory established his supremacy, a turning point in the history of Bhutan.

In 1907 he was crowned as king, having proved himself in the years since the battle as the most able leader of Bhutan.  This resulted in political stability and no further civil war.

An era of stability

Many people on Bhutan treks remark on how peaceful and pleasant the country is.  This is in part because of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck and his successors, who have maintained stability since 1907 and been a driving force behind progress in the country.  For instance, the second king, Jigme Wangchcuk, established several schools and hospitals, and undertook large-scale renovations of monasteries.  His successor, Gyalsey Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, initiated the modernisation of Bhutan and the utilisation of its natural resources, enlarged its trade and commerce, and constantly worked to ensure Bhutan’s independent status.

The fourth king, Gyalsey Jigme Singye Wangchuck, transformed Bhutan into a constitutional democratic monarchy and authored the famous Gross National Happiness.  More generally, he continued his predecessors’ work in developing the welfare, economic progress and international standing of his people and their nation.

The current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel, has shown every indication of following in this tradition of stability and growth – a tradition that is firmly a part of the royal heritage celebrated every December by the Bhutanese on their National Day.

Modern celebrations

The hub of Bhutan National Day celebrations today is Changlimithang National Stadium, in Thimpu.  Inhabitants of the capital city are joined by others who have journeyed from cities and towns all over Bhutan.  Treks and tours taking place at that time of year often factor in National Day, so that visitors to the country can enjoy the colourful, exciting events as well.  A procession and other festivities take place in Changlimithang National Stadium, including important announcements like 2010’s inauguration of a photography exhibition titled ‘Through the Lens of Time – Glimpses of the Unseen Images of Bhutanese Monarchs’ by Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck.  This short-running exhibition (Dec 20th 2010 – Jan 14th 2011) showcases rare images of Bhutan’s monarchs at different points in time.  Anyone visiting the country on Bhutan treks or cultural tours during that four-week period will see a unique visual showcase of the monarchy’s history.

Looking for Bhutan treks ? Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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The Divine Madman

It is said that the Lama Drukpa Kunley was a traveller popularly known as the divine madman, which might be a name that makes you thankful he isn’t accompanying you  in Bhutan trekking! He came to Bhutan in the 15th century, to attend a large congregation of devotees that had come together from all over Bhutan to hear another saint speaking. His unorthodox and outrageous manner made him unpopular with the gathering, and they began provoking him and demanding he show them an example of the magical powers he was boasting about.

An Extraordinary Meal

Undisturbed by their reaction, Kunley the Divine Madman was soon to prove exactly how he’d acquired such a colourful moniker. He sat down, and demanded a whole cow and goat for lunch. He relished the meat, and devoured the entire animals, leaving only their bones remaining. It can only be imagined how far he must have travelled through Bhutan trekking to make him so hungry. In some retellings, he finished the meal with a mighty burp of satisfaction. As if this extraordinary appetite wasn’t miraculous enough, he then placed the goats head with the cow’s bones, and snapped his fingers, commanding the beast to rise up and graze on the slopes of the mountains! The strange beast immediately rose up and did as it was bidden, leaving the onlookers shocked and astonished.

The Takin

Although their origins are shrouded in myth and legend, the takin can actually be spotted if you keep  a sharp eye out on your Bhutan trekking adventure. There are more than 1,000 takin living in the Jigme Dorje National Park, and other areas of Bhutan. The takin are sure footed creatures, and will often migrate up to sub-alpine forests and meadows above 3,700m to escape leeches, horseflies, mosquitoes, and other parasites of the monsoon season in the lower valleys. While many takin live at high altitudes, a few of these creatures can also be seen living at the zoo on Sangaygan in Thimphu.

Endangered Species

Luckily, since they are an endangered species, and the National Animal of Bhutan,  the law bans takin from being hunted. Poaching isn’t as great an issue as with other endangered species across the globe, as their body parts don’t have any significant value. While in Bhutan trekking the mountainous regions, keep an eye out – you may just be joined by a takin or two before you settle down to eat a whole cow and goat for your dinner.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan trekking holidays. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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The Tsechus
The tsechus (which means ‘ten’) are held in honour of Guru Rinpoche and can last up to four days, making an ideal, and sometimes welcome, break during your Bhutan treks.  Rinpoche was the guru who introduced the Himalaya to Buddhisim. Padmasambhava, the human form of Guru Rinpoche, visited Bhutan in the 8th and 9th century to teach and spread the word of Buddhisim.  He once aided the ailing King of the Bumthang Valley and in return the King helped to spread his word. The first tsechu was held in Bumthang where the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche were represented in eight forms of dance. The festivals are now held in each dzongkhag (district) on the tenth day of a month in the Tibetan lunar calendar. (The month will depend on the district, so you will need to do some research before go.) The festival is both exciting and mystical with a strong connection formed between dancer and spectator; the audience becomes caught up in the spiritual atmosphere emanating from the dancers, who are dressed in masks and costumes.  It is said to be a blessing to watch these dancers and singers perform the rituals, and many believe it can affect the spectator in some fundamental way; so if you are able to participate in one on your Bhutan treks, you can consider yourself very fortunate. Bhutanese families will come to celebrate garbed in their finest clothes, so make sure that you also attend dressed for the occasion, as failure to do so can be seen as a mark of disrespect.

Throngdoel

Make sure you take a detour, if necessary, on your Bhutan treks to visit a festival where they unfold a special thangka (silk tapestry), called a throngdel.  This is composed of two silk layers – the painting of the Buddhist saint and the yellow cover that protects it. The word throngdoel means ‘liberation on sight’. They are displayed only once a year, so for a unique opportunity to view these artworks check when they occur before you book your Bhutan treks. The painting cannot be exposed to direct sunlight so they unfurl the silk at around 3am and it is rolled back before the sun rises. Local people queue in the hopes of touching their heads to the bottom of the throndoel and receive a blessing.

Ache Lhamo Dances

Specific to the village of Ura in the region of Bumthang, the Ache Lhamo Dances are a very beautiful ritual to witness.  The festival takes place in the seventh month of the Bhutanese calendar and concerns only the girls in the village.  A trip is taken up the mountain by the young females of the villages and they will make offerings and dance all day long.  When the sun sets, the girls will return to the temple, bringing beautiful flower offerings with them, then perform the Ache Lhamo Dances.  This is definitely one to put on you Bhutan treks’ calendar.

Looking for Bhutan treks ? Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Character

It could be said that there’s no better way of finding out a little more about your character than to experience the unfamiliar culture on your Bhutan treks. Remember, “The stripes of a tiger are on the outside, but the stripes of a person are on the inside.” However, perhaps one shouldn’t be solely looking inwards on a Bhutan trek; even the smallest acts can sometimes have a greater effect than we think. “To give happiness to another person gives such a great merit it cannot even be carried by a horse.” Of course, if we begin to get carried away with our compliments, we must remember that “flattering words will not be spoken from the mouth of an affectionate person.”

Relationships

Sometimes, Bhutan treks are best undertaken with other people, in order to share the wonderful experiences that you will enjoy while visiting the country, but on the other hand, “Whatever joy you seek, it can be achieved by yourself; whatever misery you seek, it can be found by yourself.” But either way it’s always a good idea to think carefully when addressing travelling companions, as one saying goes – “Never reveal all that you know to others: they might become shrewder than you!” However, a great deal of importance is placed on honest communication and family in Bhutanese proverbs – “If they don’t exchange a few words, father and son will never know one another.”

Wisdom

You may find yourself closer to enlightenment than you think in Bhutan, whether it’s through solitary contemplation, or the wisdom of the country’s proverbs.  One famous proverb refers to the national sport of archery, which might be observed on your Bhutan treks. “The arrow of the accomplished master will not be seen when it is released; only when it hits the target,” meaning you may not see the process, but results are always apparent. The same could be said for many a Bhutan trek when you return home! Archery is a popular topic for Bhutanese proverbs, including one about the importance of understanding. “The way the arrow hits the target is more essential than the way it is shot; the way you listen is more essential than the way you talk.”

Walking

While there are many proverbs that could prove relevant to Bhutan treks, a few are definitely inspired by walking in the magnificent scenery and environment of Bhutan. “Walking slowly, even the donkey will reach Lhasa” is a fitting saying for those determined to complete a trek, and this final proverb is one that sums up the attitude of many travellers. “In my homeland I possess one hundred horses, yet if I go, I go on foot.”

Looking for Bhutan treks? Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Michael began this episode of his epic Himalaya journey near the Tibetan border on the north-western extreme of Bhutan. Tours running through this region can include various trekking routes, perhaps via the hot springs near Gasa, or the impressive Drukgyel Dzong near Paro or the isolated mountain village of Laya – home to ancient tribespeople. All these trekking routes are dominated by the majestic Himalaya range, from which Michael trekked to the green valleys of Bhutan, heading ultimately to the flatlands of the Bay of Bengal 600 km to the South.

This BBC Bhutan tour’s entourage consisted of twenty ponies to carry the camping gear, food and equipment, and half as many guides and porters to set up camp and lead the way. This was necessary as their route was “off-piste” (as Michael called it) taking them through a stunning, mountainous landscape with no roads following trails that mountain men have used as trade routes for centuries, transporting food, clothes, animals over long distances.

Michael was quick to point out how he was privileged to be trekking in Bhutan. Tourists must pay a heavy, daily levy whilst in the country which, together with a limited number of flights into the country, limits the numbers of visitors. Unlike some prohibitive, conservative nations that Michael had visited in the past, he explained that the levy was not intended to keep foreigners away, but merely to manage the effect that they have upon the Bhutanese landscape.

After a three day trek, Michael and his crew arrived at an unbelievably picturesque, grassy spot alongside the Paro River, where they would camp for the night. He took off his boots and soaked his aching feet in the icy glacial meltwater, commenting that it was “perfect relief” for feet that had walked 15km a day or more, and were usually only “used for going up and down stairs.” He also mentioned that he’d slept better during his Bhutan tour than he usually does in London. Where some people struggle to sleep at higher altitudes, he put the depth of his newfound slumber down to the sheer exertion of the trekking experience.

At Paro the next day, Michael joined two thousand pilgrims who had completed Bhutan tours of their own to reach the town in time for the Tsechu Festival, the religious and cultural highlight of the year. He approached the dzong temple through a market thronging with Bhutanese travellers, chanting monks, and stray dogs, before joining the crowds in the temple. They gathered around the staircases and balconies overlooking a sunlit, square courtyard. Within the circle of the audience, the musicians beat upon drums and bells, singing in long tones, while troupes danced elaborate, whirling routines dressed in baggy tunics and flowing fabrics. In a country that has had television for less than a decade and few theatres or cinemas, this was the great entertainment for the crowd, who were clearly enthralled by the show.

Later, the Tsechu Festival allowed Michael some time for some meditation in the Queen Mother’s chapel, and he witnessed the sacred early morning ritual of the unveiling of the great thanka (religious painting) which is as high as a five-storey house and must be covered again before it is touched by the first rays of dawn.

Trekking in the Himalaya clearly had an effect on mister Palin, the perennial traveller. On the highest point of his Bhutan tour, at the Chomolhari base camp – a permanent staging area for trekkers and Bhutanese travellers – Michael was reluctant to leave the last of the great range behind. Looking up at Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m) he said, “Farewell big, monumental, Himalayan peaks. Farewell Chomolhari.”

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have arranged Bhutan Tours for many years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London.

Why Take a Tailor Made Holiday in Bhutan?

Bhutan, a country around the size of Switzerland that only opened its borders to tourism in the 70s, is a wonderful destination for a trekking holiday or cultural tour. Bhutan tours can take in so much, from the memorable festivals, to the breathtaking mountain scenery and the friendly people, the country is really like no other. If you still need convincing, here’s a breakdown of what makes the country so special.

The Unspoilt Nature of the Landscape

The Bhutanese, having only opened their doors to tourism in 1974, have been extremely careful to maintain their traditions and avoid any damage to their country’s beautiful landscapes. There is no domestic air service, no helicopters and not a single line of railway track – the only way around the country is by road or on foot. Simply put, there’s nowhere on Earth that feels this far removed from the stress and strain of modern life – it really is a breath of fresh mountain air!

The Beautiful Sights

This unspoilt nature of Bhutan is directly tied in with the main attraction of the country: its magnificent and unforgettable sights. Whether you’re taking in the amazing views of the Himalaya on a trekking holiday in Bhutan, or enjoying a cultural tour of the fascinating Buddhist monasteries, you can be sure that you’re never far from a stunning sight or an unforgettable image in this traditional paradise.

The Wonderful Festivals

If you are lucky enough to be on a tailor made holiday in Bhutan at the same time as one of the country’s major festivals, you’re in for a memorable treat. Tsechus are the country’s most impressive festivals, and take place in Bhutan’s monasteries and dzongs to celebrate the deeds of Buddha and to honour Guru Rinpoche – who Buddhism to Bhutan. Colourful traditional dress, energetic masked dancing and lively religious plays are some of the highlights of a tsechu, all wrapped up in a sense of spectacular pageantry. Tsechus are also great social occasions and nothing really shows the happy spirit of the Bhutanese locals like attending a festival. So, if you’re taking a trekking holiday in Bhutan during festival season, be sure to make one part of your holiday plans!

The Charming Locals

The term Gross National Happiness was coined by the country’s former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1972 to measure quality of life in Bhutan; a more holistic approach than the traditional economic-focused Gross National Product.  Using this innovative measurement, Bhutan was rated the happiest country in Asia in 2006.  The friendly happy attitude of the local people, who still lead a very traditional way of life, is eagerly extended to foreign visitors. It is in the country’s culture to treat each guest with great hospitality, so you are sure to feel entirely welcome wherever you go in Bhutan.

The Fascinating Culture

If you’re at all interested in the Buddhist way of life, then a tailor made holiday to Bhutan can allow you to wander around the fascinating ancient dzongs and temples taking in the traditions, history, architecture and fascinating culture of the country. They really are extremely beautiful and offer serenity unfamiliar to many of us from a more western way of life. 

Simply put, a tour of Bhutan should be a must on any adventure traveller’s agenda. I’m hard- pushed to think of anywhere in the world further removed from the stress and pace of modern life. A tailor made holiday to Bhutan allows you to relax, unwind and enjoy a cultural mountain Shangri-La, little-changed by the modernising world – and that alone makes it worth any serious traveller’s time and attention.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have arranged tailor made holidays in Bhutan for many years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Bhutan is a country where evil spirits and mythical deities are as much a part of daily life as eating and drinking, and on Bhutan tours you’ll also see the people wearing their national costume at work and home. This is a country that will astonish you with its beauty and enchant your imagination with its ancient culture and beliefs.

National Memorial Chorten

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, a place rather neglected by conventional tourist routes. A popular sight for Bhutan tours is the striking National Memorial Chorten (multi-tiered stone monument) which is shaped like an urn with an angular waist tapering to a golden spire. It was built in dedication to the popular third king, known as the father of modern Bhutan, and has numerous statues and pictures inside representing Buddhist Gods and tales. Outside there are prayer wheels around the walls which are drum-like cylinders on spindles, decorated with Buddhist script and designs and often encased in the archways of a wall. Spinning the wheels helps visualise Tantric prayers, sending the good wishes depicted on the wheel out into the world. They should be rotated in a clockwise direction, and you should also walk around the Chorten in a clockwise direction because walking anti-clockwise around such religious monuments angers the spirits.

Dzongs and Monasteries

From Thimphu, Bhutan tours tend to take you to the former capital at Punakha. Here you’ll find the temple of Punakha Dzong, a pretty white-walled and red-roofed fort. The Dzong is set against the background of rolling hills between the banks of the Mo Chhu and the Pho Chhu Rivers. The windows of the Dzong fortress are set in intricately carved wooden frames that might look at home in the Swiss Alps.

Dzongs and monasteries are characteristic features of Bhutan. These are sprawling and complex buildings traditionally constructed to spiritual specifications rather than architectural design, where a holy man determines the dimensions of the building.

One of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan is the “Tiger’s Nest” Taksang temple close to the large town of Paro. It is perched high on a mountainside shelf, six hundred metres and two hours’ hike up from the valley floor for those on Bhutan tours. The Taksang temple was once a place of meditation for the second Buddha, who was called Padmashambava. Legend has it that Padmashambava was born into the world as a small child, emerging from a lotus blossom. He then travelled to Bhutan, over the Himalaya, on the back of a flying tigress where he defeated five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Myths and Legends

Padmashambava’s story may sound outlandish to western ears, but not as strange as the commemoration to Drukpa Kunley that you may encounter on Bhutan Tours. Drukpa Kunley was a 15th Century Buddhist teacher, later referred to as “The Divine Madman,” who possessed magical powers of exorcism in his genitalia. He used his prowess to defeat demons, and so many houses now display murals or phallic icons (equivalent to gargoyles) which are symbols of fertility and used to scare off evil spirits. This is just one tradition in a remarkable culture that will grab your imagination and make a memorable holiday.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have provided Bhutan tours for over 20 years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.