Welcome to Bhutan: one of the world’s most pristine and exclusive destinations

If you are a true traveller, loving to explore new territory that hasn’t been discovered by the masses yet. If you love encountering gentle people in a breathtaking nature. And if you have an open mind. Then awaits you a paradise called Bhutan.

This last remaining Himalayan kingdom is lovingly called Druk Yul by its' inhabitants: land of the thunder dragon. She’s slowly opening up to the modern world, expressed in traditionally dressed men with a horses’ bridle in one hand and a mobile phone in the other, and with Buddhist monks in their red robes behind the computer, after having performed deeply touching rituals. Yet Bhutan makes every effort to keep her rich identity alive.

Bhutan is the country of a stunning and wide variety of flora and fauna, amazing architecture, ancient traditions, impressive monasteries, a deeply revered king, remarkably friendly people and unique colourful culture. Here Buddhism is a natural way of life and the whole country breathes peace, tranquility, enchantment, joy and age-old wisdom. It’s also the country having introduced Gross National Happiness to the world as an alternative for the economical Gross National Product, thereby inspiring many other countries to look at happiness and development in a different, richer way.

Travel ahead of the masses and let yourself be immersed in a bath of beauty and wonder in the worlds last Shangri-La.

 Photo of ornate architecture inside a Bhutan temple Bhutan temple with ornate architecture

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Newspapers

Kuensel is Bhutan’s national newspaper. It’s published bi-weekly in three languages: Dzongkha, English and Nepali. The newspaper is well written and highly informative. Check it out at www.kuenselonline.com. Bhutan’s newest independent weekly newspapers are the Bhutan Times and Bhutan Observer. You can take a preview via www.Bhutanobserver.bt and www.bhutantimes.comwww.bhutantimes.bt

Television & radio

In 1999 television was introduced to Bhutan’s citizens. Since then, Bhutan Broadcating Service has grown, with good broadcast news and programming for radio and television. Private cable operators throughout the country provide access to several regional and international broadcasts.

Recommended reading / viewing

If you want to know more about life in Bhutan, watch the movie ‘Travellers and Magicians’ (www.travellersandmagicians.com). This first internationally acclaimed feature film showcases life in Bhutan in a beautiful way.

Another very entertaining and informative book is the novel ‘Beyond the Sky and the Earth’. It tells the true story of a young Canadian's experiences while teaching at several Bhutanese schools. Author is Jamie Zeppa.

The Buddhist monarchy in Bhutan is well described in ‘The Raven Crown’ by Michael Aris.

Tip: Check out Abyznewslinks for an overview of Bhutan newspapers and news media (national, local and foreign).

Bhutan morning light on Chomolhari mountain Morning light on Bhutan mountain

Dzongkha is Bhutan’s official language. It literally means ‘the language spoken in the dzongs and administrative centers in all the districts of Bhutan’. It has its roots in the old-Tibetan language, spoken by the people of Western Bhutan. In 1992 the first edition of a book was published, describing the grammar of Dzongkha. Besides Dzongkha there are two major languages spoken by the people of Bhutan: Sharchokpa (spoken in Eastern Bhutan) and Nepali (spoken in Southern Bhutan). 

Because of the ethnic diversity of the Bhutanese people, there are also 19 dialects and languages spoken throughout the country. You will be able to communicate with many in English though; it’s the instruction language in schools and therefore widely spoken.

Writing on the base of a Stupa in colorful sanskrit

Writing on the base of a Stupa in colorful sanskrit

COMMON WORDS & PHRASES

Greetings

Kuzoo zangpo La

Sir/madam (respect)

La

How are you?

Gadaybay zhu ga?

I’m fine

Legshom (pronounced Layshom)

Thank you

Kaadinchey la

Welcome

Tashi Delek

What is your name?(informal)

Choey gi Ming ga chi mo?

What is your name? (formal)

Na gi Chen ga chi mo?

You (informal)

Choey

You (formal)

Na

My name is David

Ngayi Ming David een

I

Nga

Here

Dikhar

There

Gathey

This

Di

Distance

Tharee

Road

Lam

Where does this road lead to?

Lam di gathey jo ni mo?

Where are you going?

Gathey jo ni mo?

How far is it from here?

Dikhar lay tharee gademchi mo?

How much?

Gademchi mo?

One

Chi

Two

Nyi

Three

Sum

Four

Zhi

Five

Nga

Six

Dru

Seven

Du-in

Eight

Gay

Nine

Gu

Ten

Chu tam

See http://learndzongkha.mypodcast.com/