Moet bezoeken: Bhutan

If Lonely Planet recommends it, then we are definitely packing our bags for departure. This week, the travel gurus published ten countries that you must visit at least once in your life must visit, we ourselves ranked a not too shabby (if I may say so) seventh place. But at number one is Bhutan, and suddenly I want to go there, and maybe you do too. Of course, you want to know what you need to know about the country and what you should do and what you want to eat. Are you still following me? Here it comes.

1. Bhutan, pronounced as Bhoetan, is located between China and India and is somewhat wedged by the Himalayas. I immediately understand why we must go according to Lonely Planet, although I do think I need to develop hiking skills.

2. Taktshang is a mountain monastery, it has seven temples and hangs 700 meters above the Paro Valley. You can only reach it on foot (see!) or by donkey. Taktshang means ‘tiger's nest’ and it got this name because the legend says that Padmasambhava flew to this place on the back of a tiger.

3. In Bhutan, you eat momo's, which I would want to try just for the name alone. They are a kind of dough pockets, which you often encounter in Asian cuisine, filled with all sorts of goodies. Think of Tibetan cheese, a mix of vegetables or meat mixed with onion, shallot, garlic, and coriander. In the more touristy places, you might even find them filled with Snickers or Mars.

4. Bhutan remained well preserved for a long time because you could only reach it on foot via Tibet. The residents live according to GNH, Gross National Happiness, and not Gross National Product. Being happy is the highest attainable; they live and work according to this Buddhist principle.

5. In the capital Thimphu, you won't find traffic lights or stop lines; everything is managed by traffic officers who guide everything with gestures.

6. If you want to go to Bhutan, the months of May, September, and October are the most suitable due to the temperature. Do keep in mind that temperatures in the country can vary: it cools down quickly when the sun disappears behind the mountains. Avoid going from June to August, as you will encounter the monsoon.

7. In Bhutan, it is forbidden to smoke (!) and plastic bags are not allowed, in order to protect nature. You really cannot smoke in public: you could even get a fine.

8. The Bhutanese cuisine is simple, think of potatoes, vegetables, rice, and chili peppers. The traditional dish consists of spicy peppers mixed with a cheese sauce. Sounds like heaven to me. On Tuesdays, people in Bhutan do not drink, as it is Dry Day. Although it seems you don't really notice that in practice.

Source: Columbus and Pangea Travel