Best Bhutan

27/06/2025

𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦 "𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞" 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐔𝐒 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬
"Bhutan Believe", created in collaboration with Studio Khonsu, has received a silver award at the 2025 US International Awards in the category of best video for tourism country promotion.
Now in its 57th year, the US International Awards-organised by CIFFT (the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals) celebrate excellence in corporate and tourism film production. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious global honours in the field, the awards attract top-tier entries from around the world. This year's edition received a remarkable number of high-quality submissions, with winners selected by an international panel of expert jurors.
Crafted as a modern cinematic invitation to visit Bhutan for younger travellers, Bhutan's brand film, shot and produced in 2024, journeys through the lesser-explored regions of Gangtey and Bumthang in the centre of the country. Blending evocative storytelling, sweeping Himalayan landscapes, and an original Dzongkha voiceover, Bhutan Believe offers a fresh perspective on Bhutan— one that speaks to personal growth, curiosity, and the spirit of mindful adventure.
"This recognition from the US International Awards affirms our creative direction in sharing Bhutan's story with a new generation of global travelers" said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism.
"Bhutan Believe' is more than a film-it's a call to explore Bhutan not only as a destination, but as a path to deeper self-discovery"
Shot entirely on location, the film brings Bhutan's values of sustainability, culture, and inner transformation to life through a modern lens. At its core is a message that resonates far beyond tourism: to believe in purpose, in progress rooted in tradition, and in the power of travel to change lives.
"Creating the film for Bhutan Tourism was an extraordinary experience, unlike any other project I've worked on. When I first visited Bhutan to photograph the Strive Challenge in October 2023, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant colors, rich scents, and profound culture that permeated the land.
What struck me most was the masked dancers-their rhythmic movements and the deep, resonating sounds they created left an indelible mark on me. The synchronicity of their performance took me on a journey, one that inspired the vision for this film. I wanted to translate that experience into a visual story, using the masked dance as the central thread to guide viewers through the heart of Bhutan.
The dance became a vessel for showcasing the magic, wonder, and cultural richness of this extraordinary country. With "Bhutan Believe: Land of the Thunder Dragon," we aim to take audiences on an immersive journey through Bhutan's mystical landscapes and timeless traditions," said Adam Slama, Studio Khonsu.


Source: Bhutan Times

We are thrilled to release the full video today, after the excitement of yesterday’s trailer drop! Created by Adam Slama and produced by Studio Khonsu, this ...

18/06/2025

Mountaineering is prohibited above 5000meters in Bhutan. And Do you know Bhutan got the highest unclimbed mountain in the world!
Here is the reason why.

187.3K likes, 3587 comments. "The mountains in Bhutan are considered sacred, so mountain climbing is not allowed". Related search: bhutan.

18/06/2025

Ara (ཨར་ར་, pronounced "ara") is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Bhutan, deeply tied to the country's culture and rural life. Ara can be also called as moonshine abroad. It is often homemade, especially in eastern Bhutan, and used in religious offerings, social gatherings, and as a symbol of hospitality.

What Is Ara?
Ara is a distilled or fermented drink typically made from:
Rice, Wheat, Maize, Barley, and Millet
Depending on the method of preparation, ara can be:

Clear and strong (if distilled)
Milky or cloudy and mildly alcoholic (if fermented)

How Is Ara Brewed?
There are two main methods: fermentation and distillation.

1. Fermented Ara (like traditional rice beer):
Grains (often rice or maize) are cooked and cooled.
Yeast or a fermentation starter is added.
The mixture is kept in a warm, airtight container for a few days to ferment.
Result: A cloudy, slightly sour, and mildly alcoholic drink.

2. Distilled Ara (stronger, clearer spirit):
The fermented mash is placed in a traditional distillation apparatus (usually homemade).
Heated slowly so alcohol vaporizes and is condensed into liquid.
Result: A stronger, clear spirit with a higher alcohol content—can reach up to 40–50% ABV.

Cultural Role in Bhutan;
Religious Ceremonies: Offered to deities and spirits, often by pouring a small amount before drinking.

Hospitality: Guests are often welcomed with a cup of warm ara.

Medicinal Uses: Sometimes infused with butter, eggs, or medicinal herbs.

Winter Warmth: Drunk warm, often mixed with eggs or butter, especially in cold seasons.

18/06/2025

Doma

In Bhutan, the culture of serving and eating doma, which consists of areca nuts wrapped in betel leaves, is an integral part of social and cultural interactions. Doma is often offered as a gesture of hospitality and respect, and it plays a significant role in various occasions, from everyday gatherings to special ceremonies.

Cultural Significance
1.Symbol of Hospitality: Serving doma signifies warmth and welcome. It is common for hosts to offer it to guests, and refusing it might be perceived as impolite. This practice reflects the deep-rooted tradition of hospitality in Bhutanese culture.

2.Social Connector: Doma is a social lubricant, facilitating conversation and camaraderie among people. It is often shared during meetings, festivals, and family gatherings, serving to strengthen bonds within the community.

3.Ritual and Spiritual Aspects: In some contexts, especially during religious ceremonies and rituals, doma is used as an offering to deities. The act of consuming doma can also be seen as a rite of passage or a sign of maturity among the Bhutanese people.

Preparation and Consumption
1.Ingredients: The basic components of doma include areca nuts, which are typically sliced and mixed with lime and other flavorings, and wrapped in freshly plucked betel leaves. Sometimes, ingredients such as spices or crushed cloves may be added for extra flavor.

2.Consumption Method: The preparation of doma involves careful attention to detail, from selecting the right betel leaves to ensuring the nuts are fresh. When consumed, it is often enjoyed in small bites, and the flavors are meant to be savored.

3.Respect for Tradition: There are traditional ways in which doma is prepared and served. For example, specific rituals might accompany its offering depending on the occasion, further emphasizing its cultural importance.

Regional Variations;
While doma is popular throughout Bhutan, its preparation and the custom surrounding it may vary by region. Different communities might have their own preferences for the ingredients used or the manner in which it is served, reflecting local traditions and tastes.

Health and Social Aspects;
While doma is enjoyed by many, it's worth noting that excessive consumption of areca nuts has been linked to health issues. However, in moderation, doma is a part of the the communal experience that fosters relationships and connectedness among the Bhutanese people.

In summary, the culture of serving and eating doma in Bhutan reflects hospitality, community values, and traditional practices. It is not just about the act of eating but rather a profound expression of social ties and cultural identity.

22/12/2024

Tashi Gachak: Inauspicious Days for Travel

Tashi Gachak (རྟ་ཤི་སྒ་ཆག) which literally translates as horse dies, is a day in the calendar that reflects the Bhutanese traditional belief that a saddle break is the most inauspicious day to begin a journey. During those days when horses were the primary means of transport, it was believed that the horse would die and the saddle break if one begins a journey on such an inauspicious day.
Those who begin their journey on the day of Tashi Gachak are said to be sure to face life-threatening obstacles and suffer loss.

Even the great Yogi Jetsün Milarepa is said to have lost his only personal worldly possession, i.e., an earthen pot in which he cooked nettle leaves for his meal while meditating in the mountains, because he began a journey on the day of Tashi Gachak.

Tashi Gachak days are 2nd, 8th, 14th, 20thand 26th of the lunar month. The 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th and 30th are also considered to be inauspicious but not quite as bad. People are generally discouraged from travelling on Tashi Gachak days. If for some reason the person cannot avoid travelling on such an inauspicious day, then one of the common remedial practices is to perform lamgyü (ལམ་རྒྱུད). Lamgyü is to act as if you are beginning your journey on a different day, often the preceding day, by enacting departure from home. People would often carry luggage or some belongings outside from the house, and leave them some distance away with friends or neighbors. They then pick up the things once they start the real journey. The other antidote is to perform lhabsang ritual before departure and also seek blessings and special mantra prayers from lamas.
The auspicious days to begin a journey are the 1st, 7th, 13th, 19th, and 25th, 5th, 11th, 17th, 23rd, and 29th days of the lunar month. The 4th, 10th, 16th, 22ndand 28th are considered average.

If one encounters a funeral procession at the very outset of one’s journey to some faraway places it is considered a good sign and the journey set forth can be a fruitful one. But, if at the outset of one’s journey to a distant place one comes across a dead animal without any sign of physical injury or without its head, it signals disaster. It is advisable to discontinue your journey, maybe postpone it until the next favorable day. There are many such beliefs in Bhutan about omens being auspicious or inauspicious for travel.

15/11/2024

The story about the Bouddha Stupa is important, and it is incredibly inspiring. Hearing it, you will really understand the benefits of circumambulating it, cleaning it, and sweeping it the whole day and night.
The stupa was built by a mother, Jadzima, who looked after her chickens. They were an extremely poor family, I think. She wanted to build a stupa very, very much, so she asked the king of Nepal for permission to get the land. Normally, the king wouldn’t give such permission, but somehow, maybe due to her karma, the king said, “Okay, it can be done.” This just slipped out of his mouth.
This is why the Tibetans call it “Jarung Kashor Chörten.” Jarung is “it can be done,” and kashor is “slipped out of the mouth.” That’s the name of the Bouddhanath Stupa. Chörten means stupa.
The mother passed away after she completed up to the vase, the dome-like structure. She had four sons, and they completed the rest of the stupa. After they finished it, they all stood up in front of it and made prayers. Everyone generated a wish. When they were praying, all the buddhas and bodhisattvas absorbed into the stupa, which is why the name of the stupa is also “All-Encompassing.”
It’s also called wish-fulfilling. Why? Because it is so powerful that the wishes of anybody who makes prayers to the stupa are fulfilled. Especially when you see the stupa for the very first time, whatever you pray for, it will succeed. Even from the airplane; the first time you see it, you must do your best prayer.
One Brazilian nun, a Kagyu, knew this story. When she saw the stupa for the first time, she made a prayer to be able to build monasteries. When she went back, everything happened. She made plans and was able to build. There are other stories like this.
Anyway, when the brothers were standing in front of the stupa, the oldest brother made a prayer, “May I become a Dharma king in Tibet, the Snow Land.” The next brother heard his prayer and said, “May I become a minister to help him spread the Dharma.” The next son made the prayer, “May I be an abbot to pass on the lineage of ordinations in Tibet.” And the next one made a prayer, “May I become a powerful yogi when there are obstacles to spreading Dharma in Tibet.”
In the next life, then, the oldest brother became the Dharma king Songtsen Gampo in Tibet; he was the Dharma king who had two princesses who brought the statues of Shakyamuni Buddha – one is now at the Jokhang and the other at the Ramoche. He did great activities to benefit all sentient beings, and I think he also helped to build the Jokhang. The second brother became a minister in Tibet [Padma Gungtsen]. The third brother became an abbot [Shantaraksh*ta], and the fourth brother became Padmasambhava.
When they were building the first monastery in central Tibet, Samye, during the day the people would build and then at night spirits would tear it down. One of the ministers suggested that they invite Padmasambhava from India. When he came he manifested as a deity called, I think, “Controlling the Three Realms.” This deity hooked the spirits and subdued them, making them pledge to become Dharma protectors. So they stayed around him on the mountain to protect the Dharma in Tibet.
Therefore, Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet has spread and been preserved for many years, and so many beings have actualized the path and become enlightened. And because of this, Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism has spread all over the world. Even in the West, many tens of thousands of people every year are able to follow the path to enlightenment, make their lives meaningful, and find peace and happiness. Including us: we have the chance to practice the lam-rim and are able to do purification every day, thus becoming closer and closer to liberation from samsara and enlightenment by collecting the three principal aspects of the path to enlightenment and, on top of that, the ta***ic stages to allow us to achieve enlightenment quickly.
All these opportunities that we and many others have in our everyday life, all this benefit, has come from Bouddha Stupa.

15/11/2024

Potatoes (The gift from George Bogle)

Potatoes in local dialect of the Eastern Bhutan (Sharchopa) dialet is called 'Jogtang' dating back it's origin to being called 'George Ga Tang' meaning "gift from George". The other name for potato is Passang/Passing, there to evidence but point to the name of Dungsam Drungpa's name - George Bogle gifted the potatoes to Passang and later was distributed to the Communities.

Potato is today is one of the cash generating crops, exported to India at the middle of summer, every year.

Potato in Bhutan is known have brought into Bhutan by George Bogle. George Bogle's mission to Bhutan in 1775 was second mission in Bhutan. George Bogle (1746 – 1781) was a Scottish adventurer and diplomat, the first to establish diplomatic relations with Tibet and to attempt recognition by the Chinese. His mission is still used today as a reference point in debates between China and Tibetan independence activists.

05/02/2024

https://youtu.be/lo5dXa2e1XI?si=CJAmZ7SqXdWTQoon
Exploring Thimphu the capital of Bhutan

The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu has so much to offer. This country is rich in culture, tradition, customs and has the most welcoming people. This is the first...

05/02/2024

https://youtu.be/ZwChWx6Dy_c?si=hAqz96eZeW1aQMS6
Mr and Misses Dutt’s reviews on Bhutan

The Tiger's Nest or Taktsang is a Buddhist monastery clinging in the hills of Paro, Bhutan. It is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this lo...

05/02/2024

https://youtu.be/-Q3lgXKcOGc?si=mJcfSqnKuCy-R5XL
Bhutan Travel essentials.

Are you planning a trip to the Kingdom of Bhutan? Well, you have come to the right place. Like every other country, even Bhutan has its own set of rules and ...

23/12/2023

Bhutan international airport at is among the world extreme airport in the world and the flights are entertain during day hours only.

19/09/2023

Bhutan believe

The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu has so much to offer. This country is rich in culture, tradition, customs and has the most welcoming people. This is the first...