Planet Travel offers trips to Bhutan, the 'last Shangri-la'
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The Punakha Dzong - or Palace of Great Happiness - was built in 1637-38. The town of the same name was the national capital until 1955. |
The country has been named "the happiest nation in the world" by Business Week magazine in the US. A survey in 2005 showed that 97 percent of the locals were "very happy".
In addition to the breathtaking scenery, foreign tourists are also impressed by the pure smiles on faces of all ages ranging from children to seniors.
Archery is the national sport and children start to learn the skill at the age of 10. Competitions are held regularly nationwide. Neighbors get together for archery as recreation on weekends.
Participants are usually divided into two teams and try to hit the target with arrows shot from 250 meters. Whoever hits the bull's eye gets a cheer and loud clapping. No one seems to care deeply about results.
Famous attraction
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Bhutan is Dochula Pass on the road from the capital city of Thimphu to Punakha town.
At 3,100 meters above sea level, the pass provides a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range.
The scenic spot also has 108 stupas built in 2005 to honor the Bhutanese soldiers killed during a war against Indian rebels in 2003. The stupas are surrounded with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Planet Travel says one of the must-see events in the country is Tshechus, a religious festival held all over Bhutan for Buddhists to worship Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
