Bhutan is certainly a wonderful place to visit in the entire Asian subcontinent, the main reason lies in its impeccable location and the religious ambiance that cocoons the entire country.
Nestled in the laps of the Himalayan Mountains, the country offers some best opportunities for you to savor your experience in this Asian country. But that’s not all.
When you are visiting Bhutan, there are certain things that you need to take care of. Certain facts about Bhutan are mostly myths because Bhutan is quite different than what you perceive on the interiors.
So, let’s have a look at some of the things you definitely need to be aware of to avoid any further embarrassments or uneasiness when you will be visiting the country.
Bhutan is a country of high religious beliefs
Ask your tour and travel service provider to give you an insight about the various religious beliefs of Bhutan. All across the country, Buddhism is widely followed. You will see numerous monasteries and temples scattered all across different Bhutanese towns. This proves the divine nature of the Bhutanese inhabitants. In fact, the guide who will attain you from the moment you will land in Bhutan will be wearing the traditional clothes, both the males and the females.
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Smoking is legally banned and prohibited in public places
Yes, Bhutan is the only country in the entire Asian continent where tobacco is legally banned. People are prohibited from smoking in public places. Bans are imposed on the tobacco consumption. So, if you are a smoker, then you need to ask your guide about places where you are allowed to do so. Most of the hotels accommodating tourists allow them to smoke tobacco. You cannot buy the cigarettes or any other tobacco product from the market since the local shopkeepers usually themselves from getting them from the market.
Get to know the real taste of the chilies
The Bhutanese strongly believe that the real taste of food can never be understood without having the hotness of the chilies in the dishes. This serves the purpose of having a chili dish as the national food of the country. Ema Datse, a food prepared by frying the chilies in oil and preparing a curry by dipping them in the cheese. This dish is often served with rice, which usually looks red due to the presence of chili powder. If you want more hotness, then you can try the hottest Asian chili, the dole.
The Royals are the supreme power in the country
Bhutan is a democratic country but still, the monarchy sits on the top of the constitutional regime. In fact, the local inhabitants of the country pay the utmost respect to the royal family and the crown. If you really want to learn more about the history of Bhutan, either do a bit of your research or you can ask your guide for the details.
Visit mini Switzerland for more cheese
Most of the Bhutan tour packages include a visit to the land of cheese or the Mini Switzerland of Asia- Bumthang. Here you can have the exquisite taste of the European cheese, the Swiss cheese, pancakes made from buckwheat, raw honey, and so many other farm products.
Get some relief from the Himalayan harshness in the hot stone bath
Bhutan can experience some really harsh climatic conditions, especially if you are visiting the country during the winters. The westerlies and the Northern winds might cause discomfort. Under such conditions, the only relief is the presence of the Dotsho. Here, the river stones are heated to high temperature and then they are dropped in the bathing tub. The heat is enough to warm the water and release essential minerals in the tub. The Bhutanese use this bathtub to get rid of pains, soothe inflammations and also to improve their circulatory system.