Bhutan through the eyes of a family traveling from China. This comprehensive guide leads you on a path of cultural discovery, showcasing Bhutan’s rich traditions, stringent environmental laws and unique practices like archery and Gross National Happiness. With expert help from Orrog, a Bhutanese local destination management company, the family gets to experience the true beauty and comfort of the country. Besides journeying through the Bhutan visa for Chinese citizens to invaluable Bhutan travel tips, and booking a Bhutan tour from China, this guide will arm you with practical advice and inside knowledge to unlock an incredible experience in a kingdom that thrives on happiness, culture, and nature intertwined.
INTRODUCTION
In the good old days, in China's great heavy cities, a family decided to set off on a different trip. The Li family, based in Beijing, had once been curious about the world outside their borders. Mei and Jun, their children, were curious about cultures and experiences that were different from their own. After extensive research they reasoned that the mystical kingdom of Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, would provide the family the perfect destination.
The family’s first hurdle was to figure out how to get from China to Bhutan. Of course, Mei, the planner, started researching Bhutan tours from China and Bhutan travel tips. It was not long before they found Orrog, a local destination management company in Bhutan that was able to offer a Western sense of comfort and convenience while providing them with authentic Bhutanese experiences.
Orrog had gained a reputation for housing travel packages that seamlessly combined the country’s rich cultural heritage with the comforts of contemporary living. Being a Bhutanese local company, they knew Bhutan like the back of their hand and wanted to introduce the off the beaten trails of Bhutan to travelers. Orrog’s bespoke service put the Li family at ease and they soon booked their trip with the help of Orrog’s experts.
Planning the Journey
The Li family’s journey to Bhutan began with the important task of booking their flights. Since direct flights from China to Bhutan do not exist, travelers must reserve connecting flights through major hubs like Bangkok. After looking into their options, they decided to fly from Beijing, with a stopover in Bangkok, as there were no direct flights to Bhutan. Knowing that flights to Bhutan were limited, they made sure to book their tickets well in advance to secure the best connections. The flight itself was smooth, and as they neared Bhutan, their excitement grew with each passing moment.
Before their departure, the Li family also needed to secure a Bhutan visa for Chinese citizens. Bhutan requires all visitors to obtain a visa in advance, so they applied early. Fortunately, Orrog, the service they enlisted, took care of all the paperwork and facilitated the visa process. In just a few days, the visa was issued without any hassle, making the entire process much easier for the family.
Upon arriving in Bhutan, the Li family was greeted warmly by an Orrog guide, and they were excited to begin their adventure. With all the logistics taken care of, they were free to immerse themselves in Bhutan’s unique traditions and culture, ready to explore the beauty of the country.
A Kingdom Like No Other
Bhutan is sometimes called an “upside-down world,” a land of such cultural, social, and even environmental differences from the common, contemporary world that most people know. The Li family soon discovered that Bhutan’s approach to life does not resemble that of any other country in the world.
Environmental Conservation and the Bhutanese Way of Life
The first thing that caught their attention was Bhutan’s strict environmental laws. They banned plastic in 1999, and sales of tobacco were outlawed in 2010 for health and religious purposes. The government had also ensured that Billboard were banned in the country, as they believed these would ruin the natural beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes. The Li family were taken by the clear air in their new home as they travelled through the country, with lush forests and towering mountains.
Bhutan’s environmental policies weren’t its only distinguishing trait. The Li family discovered that while polygamy and polyandry had no legal restrictions, they were socially avoided, particularly in rural areas where such practices were interlinked with the country’s Buddhist customs. It was an interesting glimpse on how different cultures and beliefs formed society in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s National Game: Archery
In a small village outside Punakha, the Li family’s guide took them to watch Bhutan’s national game — archery. Archery had been a tradition in Bhutan for centuries, going back to the 15th century when the legendary yogi Drukpa Kinley is said to have fired an arrow from Tibet to show his spiritual followers the way. Local villagers played friendly games, the family said in awe of how people viewed the game as not just a sport but a way of life.
The game was a microcosm of how ingrained the Bhutanese traditions had been throughout the years, and the Li family couldn’t help but stop and appreciate the link between the people and their past.
Monks, Soldiers, and Gross National Happiness
During the family’s travels, they learned that the traditions of Bhutan’s civilization were bound up with its spiritual practices as well as its distinctive philosophies. The population of monks in the country outweighed that of its soldiers, indicative of Bhutan’s dedication to peace and spirituality. Monasteries and temples laced with Bhutan’s iconic Himalayan architecture filled out the landscape, with monks clad in vivid robes offering blessings to travelers.
During their conversations with local residents, they learned that Bhutan’s King once famously stated that Gross National Happiness (GNH) was more important than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It was a marked change from the economic-centric outlook of many other countries, and it was something the Li family found to be an inspiring perspective.
A Journey Through Bhutan’s Unique Practices
The Li family also experienced many other unique aspects of Bhutanese life during their travels. That alcohol is made by the Bhutanese army as part of a scheme known as the Army Welfare Project. The family also learned that dogs in Bhutan are the final reincarnation before humans, a symbol of the country’s strong belief in karma and its system of reincarnation of animals.
Perhaps even more interesting was the absence of surnames, or family names, in Bhutanese society. People did not have family names in Bhutan, and when they married, they kept their original family name. This humble ritual cemented the nation’s obsession with individuality and personal identity.
Bhutan Travel Tips for Chinese Tourists
For travelers coming from China, there are a few important Bhutan travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
Visa Requirements: Chinese nationals need to obtain a visa before visiting Bhutan, as stated above. You should also ensure that all documentation is processed and in order well before this date.
Flights: Direct flights from China to Bhutan do not exist, so travelers must reserve connecting flights through major hubs, such as Bangkok. Flights are limited and it’s suggested you book flights early.
Weather and Packing: Myanmar's weather varies widely by season and altitude. Travelers are advised to layer outfits for cooler weather in the mountains and warmer weather in the valleys.
Cultural Sensitivity: Bhutan is a Buddhist country, and visitors should respect the customs of the people. When visiting temples and monasteries, always dress modestly, and ask permission before photographing locals.
Local Currency: Bhutan’s currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), but Indian Rupees are also widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases.
A Memorable Family Adventure
As the Li family reached the end of their travels in Bhutan, they reflected on all they had learned about this remarkable nation. Bhutan was indeed a place of dualities, a place where modernity was intertwined with ancient culture, where a commitment to the environment came first, a place where happiness was the aspiration.
Thanks to Orrog's meticulous planning and attention to detail, their trip was even more memorable. The Li family had experienced always-enchanting Bhutan in a way that few others were able, and they returned home with tales to talk about a place that truly is unlike any other.
The Li family’s experience is a good reminder for anyone who may be contemplating a Bhutan tour from China that the reversed welcomes in Bhutan are an experience in itself. Travelers will experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Bhutan with the comforts of modern travel under the expert guidance of Orrog. Whether you are going for a spiritual odyssey, a trek through the mountains or an exploration of Bhutan’s richly textured past, Bhutan is guaranteed to touch your heart in a sincere way.
More so, Orrog brought the Li family’s dream trip to life, providing a sense of Western comfort while exposing them to the vibrant tapestry of Bhutanese culture. The Li family will always cherish the time they spent in Bhutan, a country that truly is a world away.