Himalayas: Bhutan is a little-heard of kingdom nestled in the Himalayas. It was largely cut-off from the world for many years, but now welcomes visitors from around the world, writes SHAMLAL PURI.

There is a special feeling of joy when you enter the tiny land-locked Kingdom of Bhutan, for you have arrived in one of the world’s happiest countries. The prestigious Business Week magazine carried out a global survey in 2006, and rated Bhutan as the happiest country in Asia, and eighth happiest in the world.

Bhutan is the only country where Gross National Happiness (GNH) is measured officially, and facilities provided to maintain contentment.

Another interesting fact is that television was only introduced in 1999. The small screen has changed the life of Bhutanese in the urban areas, but they still revere their traditional culture.

On arrival, the sight of the snow-capped mountains on the eastern end of the Himalayas, the gleaming faces of the Bhutanese, and the flora and fauna and the rich culture of this South Asian country inspire joy in any visitor.

To the north of the 36,000-square-kilometre country is China, and the southern, western and eastern borders are shared with India, the kingdom’s leading trading partner.

Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, is an extraordinary 2,067-square-kilometre city with a population of 104,214 — even smaller than the population of Thika.

Astonishingly, Thimphu is the only capital city in the world with no traffic lights. A few policemen stand in elaborately decorated booths on the major intersections, using hand signals to direct traffic.

Yet, Thimphu is a modern city with lots of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and shops. Its mix of the modern and traditional offers an ideal opportunity to sample the lifestyle of today’s Bhutan.

If you think visiting government offices is boring, with civil servants struggling with piles of files, go down to Tashichho Dzong, a beautiful but imposing dzong (fortress), where King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has his office.

While you are not allowed to enter his office or the throne room, you can see the king at the colourful temple where he presides with the monastic head during major religious ceremonies.

The dzong is also the seat of the central government, and houses the ministries of Home Affairs and Finance.

Tashichho Dzong lies on the western bank of Wang Chu River, and looks amazing when viewed from a distance at night.

Thimphu Chorten or Memorial Chorten (a chorten is a religious structure), with its golden bells and spires, offers a wonderful spiritual experience. Many of the city’s residents make it a point to go round it thrice before going to work, to seek blessings. They follow the same ritual on their way home after work.

Choki Traditional School is a fine example of Bhutan’s cultural and arts scene. Founded by Choki Dorji, a famous Bhutanese tourist guide, the school trains disadvantaged children in traditional art. Their works are sold to provide these youngsters with an income.

A visit to the Bhutan Post Office in Thimphu provides an insight into innovative trends in philately and some world-firsts. Bhutan’s stamps are collectors’ items, and fetch a lot of money in the West. The world’s first 3-D stamp was pioneered in this country. Where else would you find scented postage stamps or stamps on steel foil and silk? They also have stamps that talk! A set of phonographic record self-adhesive postage stamps issued in April 1973 can be played on a record player, providing the listener with aspects of Bhutanese music, culture and language.

Dochula Pass, two hours’ drive from Thimphu on the way to the Punakha Valley, offers magnificent views on a clear day. Here, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan range, with rugged snow-capped mountains forming a regal backdrop. Some 108 chortens grace the mountain pass.

Festivals also play a big part in Bhutanese life. There are more than 30 festivals lined up for 2014.

The biggest religious festival is the three-day long Thimphu Tshechu, which takes place on October 3. Thousands of people travel from neighbouring districts to attend the colourful festivities, which include prayers, rituals and dances performed by lay monks.

The 15-day long Chorten Kora religious festival, scheduled for March 16, in Trashiyangtse Dzong, in eastern Bhutan, is also popular.

The Matsutake Festival to be held on August 23, in Ura, Bumthang Dzong, in central Bhutan, celebrates the start of a new mushroom season. Bhutan-grown matsutake mushrooms are prized delicacies in Japan. This fete is an opportunity to enjoy the fragrant trails of the stunning Ura Valley and sample the coveted mushrooms, while taking in the magnificent Himalayan landscape.

Bhutanese have simple eating habits in the rural areas. Family members sit cross-legged on the floor, and the head of the household is served first.

A short prayer is offered before eating, and a small morsel is placed on the floor as an offering to the spirits and deities. A typical Bhutanese meal consists of the popular ema datshi, made of chillies and cheese, with beef curry, pork or lentils and rice. However, in the urban areas, they prefer to eat with cutlery while seated at a dining table.

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