Living The Bhutanese Ways During Your Bhutan Trip
Bhutan was relatively isolated until the early 1950s; in the last 70 years, this tiny country has undergone more development than in the previous 400 years.
A Bhutan was relatively isolated until the early 1950s; in the last 70 years, this tiny country has undergone more development than in the previous 400 years.
In spite of modernization and growing outside influences, Bhutan has, up till now, maintained many of its old social systems and actively worked to protect its cultural identity.
Bhutan is one of the happiest places in the world for various reasons, including mind-bending scenery, epic mountain air, and serene spiritual establishments.
Happiness is not a goal for local Bhutanese people but rather a way of life. Many tourists who visit Bhutan are unaware of the places to visit in Bhutan that are still untouched by urban life.
Get ready to learn about the Bhutanese way of life during your trip to Bhutan.
Travel to Bhutan and experience it the way the locals do. Let Norbu Bhutan Travels connect you to Bhutan’s people, traditions, and undiscovered cultures.
1. The Bhutanese Persona
The children’s smiles as they walk to school in the morning light, the laughter heard in the family house and the shy greetings of the women weaving outside their homes.
Bhutanese people are warm and open and quick to smile and laugh. Bhutanese have a good sense of humor and can quickly overcome communication barriers.
These simple acts are spontaneous and give the traveler fond memories and a brief glimpse into Bhutanese generosity on their Bhutan Trip.
2. Dance to Rigsar Beats
Bhutan’s music scene is small, and the most popular local music, Rigsar, is always progressing. Rigsar is usually performed on modern instruments such as an electric piano or a synthesizer.
Risar combines traditional Bhutanese and Tibetan tunes with elements of Indian film music. Popular rigsar male and female performers frequently appear in locally produced films and you can also participate in these cultural dances on your Bhutan trip.
3. Spirit Catcher – Dzoe
You’ll frequently encounter an interesting structure made of twigs, straw, and thread in a rainbow of colors woven into the shape of a spider web.
One can be found near a house or on the side of the road, with flowers and food offerings on your Trip to Bhutan.
A traditional dzoe was intended to protect the sleeping individual from negative dreams while letting positive dreams through.
It is believed that the center of the dream catcher, like a spider web, holds all the nightmares and negativity in it and emits all positive dreams and thoughts through the gliding down feathers to the sleeping person below.
4. Try Doma On Your Bhutan Trip
Doma is an important part of Bhutanese culture. It is a popular gift among Bhutanese people.
The three main ingredients are Doma or areca nut (Areca catechu), Pani or betel leaf (Piper betel), and Tsune or lime (calcium carbonate). It is a must-try treat on your Bhutan trip, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Doma produces a strong scent and leaves red residues.
Locals believe that eating doma increases their energy, and some traditional beliefs hold that it can relieve various ailments, ranging from dry mouth to digestive issues.
5. Driglam Namzha: Bhutanese Etiquette
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Founder of Bhutan) developed a code of etiquette for monastic and government officials. Through the ages, this etiquette method has extended to laypeople.
The code of ethics, known as Driglam Namzha, describes how to behave while visiting the dzong (fort-monastery). The proper way to meet one’s employer and official, and the best way to rest and eat.
Many of the ceremonies held at the beginning of an official event (Chipdrel, Marchang) or an archery match are part of Driglam Namzha.
6. Bhutan’s Silver Screen
Bhutan’s cinema is a small but growing industry that began in the mid-1990s. Bhutan’s film industry is heavily influenced by neighboring India’s Bollywood, with most Bhutanese films being adaptations of Indian films or based on the Bollywood format.
Local filmmakers have advocated for a shift toward originality in Bhutanese cinema in the twenty-first century.
Many films have started to blend Indian cinema with local Buddhist teachings and traditionsand. Bollywood films are now rarely seen in Bhutanese cinema halls after more than a decade.
Note: Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is a 2019 Bhutanese drama film directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji in his feature directorial debut.
The film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. It was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards and is a must-watch movie on your Bhutan Trip.
7. Buddhism in Everyday Life
It could be your first glimpse of the massive Buddha that watches over Thimphu Valley or the way your driver swerves clockwise around a chorten. Stuck in the middle of the road, but as a new visitor, you quickly realize how Buddhism permeates Bhutanese life.
You might have a basic understanding of Buddhism, but Norbu Bhutan will help you experience the Buddhist way of life and deep dive into the Bhutanese beliefs.
A deep respect for the natural environment is considered sacred in Bhutanese beliefs. And respect for the religious practitioner is all fundamental component of the distinctive fusion of Buddhism and traditional non-Buddhism.
8. Try Gho and Kira
Bhutan’s traditional dress is one of the country’s most distinct and visible aspects. All Bhutanese are required to wear national attire in schools, government offices, and formal occasions.
Men, women, and children wear traditional clothing in various colorful designs made from Bhutanese textiles.
Gho, a knee-length robe similar to the Tibetan Chuba, is worn by men. Bhutanese hoist the Gho to the knee and secure it with a woven cloth belt known as the Kera.
The Kira is tightly wrapped around the waist, and the large pouch-shaped above is traditionally used to hold the cup, money, and Doma products. (Also known as the largest pocket in the world)
Concluding Thought
Get ready to immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich cultural traditions. Where visitors are greeted and welcomed with genuine hospitality and friendly smiles with us.
Such tranquil places on your Bhutan trip may appear to be pages from a storybook. But they are all real experiences waiting to be discovered on your Bhutan trip.
So, when planning your trip to Bhutan, take the road less traveled and embark. On a journey full of soul-searching milestones! With Norbu Bhutan Travels, a world of new experiences awaits you in this land of mysteries.
Before planning your Bhutan trip, keep up to date on the latest travel information.
So, what’s stopping you? Contact Norbu Bhutan Travels for one-stop-shop tourism!
Learn more about 5 ways to experience Bhutan like a local with Norbu Bhutan Travels and book your trip now.
