There are a lot of books on Bhutan, written by Bhutanese and non-Bhutanese alike. And while some books capture the Bhutanese way of life in bits and pieces, somehow, they don’t do justice to a kingdom that has but only recently come out of its self imposed isolation. Below is our list of books...Read More
The national dress for women in Bhutan is the kira. It is a rectangular piece of cloth (hand-woven or readymade) that is wrapped around the body and pinned at each shoulder by clasps or brooches called komas. An inner blouse called the wonju and an outer jacket called the tego is worn to complete the...Read More
The current government formed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by a landslide victory in 2013, is keeping good on their word. In the build up to the election, during the campaign period, the PDP had pledged to purchase two helicopters to make life easier for cut-off communities in regard to medical evacuations besides fire...Read More
A knee-length robe or the gho – tied at the waist by a hand woven cloth belt known as the kera – is the national dress for men in Bhutan. It was introduced in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has ever since been a distinctive feature for the Bhutanese. But, while it...Read More
Paro is undoubtedly one among the most developed dzongkhags in the country. Situated in perhaps the widest valley in the kingdom, it is covered in fertile rice fields, and the charming town itself lies on the banks of the Paro Chhu meandering down the picturesque region. The main town street – built and paved only...Read More
Whoever said the game of archery is boring, should think again. In Bhutan, under the surface and away from the archery match, there’s plenty happening. From divine interventions and coercions to casting spells and witty barbs, everything is permissible. The national sport of Bhutan is culturally distinctive because it is a martial sport and echoes...Read More
Bhutan is a country that is soaked in customs and traditions. While most customs and traditions don’t raise eyebrows, there is one that is a little unorthodox. Yes, you guessed it right; we’re talking about Night-hunting. Night-hunting or the traditional culture of nightly courtship and romance that is practiced mostly in eastern Bhutan can be...Read More
The people of Kudra, Phumzur, Jangbi and Wangling who live inside the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, in central Bhutan are called Monpas, believed by some to be the first inhabitants of Bhutan. A close-knit people, they live in one-and two-roomed bamboo walled thatch huts and larger traditional homes. Although the Monpas are considered to...Read More
It wasn’t until the first few seconds prior to boarding the raft that I felt the first tinge of fear, of panic, of terror. I’ve always been terrified of water ever since I was a little boy. I get queasy every time I have to get into it, and here I was on a raft...Read More
Last Month on May 21, the Bhutanese people received a gift in the form of a beautiful garden from Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Kesang Choeden Wangchuck on her 85th birth anniversary. Spread across 8.35 acres in the heart of the scenic Thimphu valley, the Ludrong Memorial Garden sits between the 15th century Tashichhodzong and...Read More
