Beautiful Bhutan
(Last of Two Parts)

In the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, known to many as the country of Bhutan, this week is the climax of the Bumthang Festival, one of the major tourist attractions in the country, oft-referred to as the “Roof of the World.

Visitors flock to Bumthang, which means “beautiful field”,  also for its most historic sites and ancient temples. Bumthang is located in a valley, known for its buckwheat, dairy and apple produces.

Like many parts of Bhutan, Bumthang Valley offers views of magnificent mountains, lush hills, thick forests and a serene lifestyle and traditions unchanged for centuries.

Even its capital city, Thimpu, life has remained quite and peaceful. Thimphu lies in a wooded valley, sprawling up a hillside on the west bank of the Thimphu River. Its streets, which remind Filipino visitors of downtown Baguio three decades ago, are on sloping roads with traditional shop fronts.

It is said that Thimpu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. 

The seat of government is the Taschididzong, where the King holds office.  The place, built in 1641, is nestled on the foot of the hill, which provides a scenic backdrop to the architectural marvel.

In Bhutan, home and temple walls are also decorated with paintings and tapestries which reflect the diversity of the people’s art and culture. Outside. Prayer flags flap in the wind. They are inscribed with religious messages and wishes which the people believe are being carried to heaven.

For the country that became the most recent democratic country in the world —   in March last year —  when the country shifted from monarchy to democratically elected government – its pristine and traditional character and the simplicity  and warmth of its people have become a rare jewel in a world where people and technology race  in the name of modernization.

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