THIS IS LIFE IN BHUTAN: The most isolated country in the world?

did you know that the kingdom of Bhutan is recognized for being one of the most isolated destinations in the world it's a mountainous country situated at the Eastern end of the Himalayas which hinders access and communication with other countries but they also voluntarily isolate themselves to preserve their culture and Independence Bhutan is one of the few countries where you can observe a low influence of modern culture it was in 1974 when the bhutanese government began to allow the entry of foreigners into the country but in very limited quantities in the 18th century the English attempted to establish relations but they did not succeed and to this day only a few countries have diplomatic relations with Bhutan this makes it one of the most authentic places in the world as it still retains its Traditions Customs architecture and ancestral Society but I can tell you many other curious facts about this country stay with me because Bhutan is truly a unique country that will not leave you indifferent 1. in Bhutan success is not measured by gross domestic product but by happiness they focus on gross national happiness which is based on the idea that the true wealth of a country is not found in money or material Goods but in the well-being and happiness of its people this data is measured through four fundamental pillars sustainable socioeconomic development Environmental Conservation preservation of culture and good governance they even have a minister of Happiness whose function is to promote and achieve the well-being of the population the king of Bhutan about whom I will soon tell you has stated on several occasions that the happiness of his people is more important than material wealth therefore Bhutan is distant from capitalism which means that they do not have a high material wealth although culturally they value spiritual wealth more which as you will see they have much more developed 2. Bhutan is one of the smallest countries in the world with 14 692 square miles and a population of about eight hundred thousand people the bhutanese have a strong connection with nature a developed spirituality and place great importance on the care of health and the environment it's the first country to be carbon negative meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits also it is the only country in the world where the sale and production of tobacco is prohibited a measure that seeks to protect the health of its citizens and promote a healthier lifestyle three Bhutan has been isolated until not long ago it began to open up to the world from the 1960s during the reign of the third king of Bhutan shigme dorhi wangchuk when the country initiated a modernization process to improve the quality of life of its population and develop diplomatic relations with other countries although initially the restrictions were very strict in 1974 Bhutan allowed the entry of a limited number of foreign tourists this restrictive tourism policy is called high value low impact tourism which aims to protect the environment culture and traditions of Bhutan while generating income to finance development and improve the lives of its citizens in addition Bhutan established diplomatic relations with countries like India in 1949 and joined International organizations like the United Nations in 1971 which also contributed to opening the country to the world there is internet in the country which inevitably has an influence on the population especially on the younger Generations however Bhutan remains relatively isolated and distanced from other countries a fact that is reflected in that it currently only has embassies or consulates in Australia Thailand Belgium Bangladesh Kuwait India Switzerland and the United States they have maintained a policy of neutrality in international Affairs avoiding involvement in conflicts and political alliances 4.

the Portuguese Jesuits esteval Casella and joao Cabral were the first Europeans to reach Bhutan in 1627 when they traveled through Tibet and entered Bhutan via the zhongri pass while searching for a route to India these missionaries met with the Region's leaderung Nam gyal and remained in Bhutan for several months before continuing their journey to India in the 18th and 19th centuries there were some interactions between Bhutan and Europeans especially with the British who at that time governed India in 1774 the British George Boggle was sent to Bhutan as an Envoy from the East India Company to establish formal relations he did not succeed but left detailed records of his journey and his encounters with the bhutanese 5. mass media arrived in Bhutan quite late compared to most countries in the world it was in 1999 when the government finally allowed television and Internet access which was done as part of an effort to modernize the country and improve the quality of life of its population similarly it was the last country to introduce the radio in 1988. despite this openness the government has maintained some control over content promoting educational and cultural programs instead of purely commercial or entertainment content 6.

due to this isolation from the world the bhutanese did not know that the marijuana plant can be consumed until the radio and television arrived before they discovered it the locals collected it and prepared it to give to pigs currently it is illegal and can carry up to five years in prison seven until 1961 it had no paved roads and the only way to travel was on foot or horseback today the most common forms of transportation are private Vehicles taxis and buses the latter connect the main cities for Air transport there are four airports throughout the country although flights are limited in more remote areas due to the mountainous geography and lack of infrastructure there are three main options walking horse riding and riding Yaks although Yaks are used more as pack animals also it is one of the few countries where there are no trains or Railways 8. the modern Postal Service in Bhutan was established in 1962. before there was a rudimentary messaging system through foot Messengers who carried important messages and packages between the districts and towns of the country with the arrival of the modern Postal Service postal stamps and post offices were implemented in different parts of the country thus improving communication and the exchange of goods and services 9.

Paro International Airport is bhutan's only International Airport the main gateway to the country for most tourists it is known for being one of the most difficult and dangerous airports in the world for landing and taking off due to the complicated geographical conditions being at an altitude of 733 feet on dissent the pilot has to zigzag between mountains sometimes Rectify trajectories and land quickly on a Runway of only 3937 feet Landings can only be made during the day and if there are clouds or other adverse weather conditions the flight can be diverted moreover it is done manually following procedures that have been designed by experienced Pilots only a few Pilots worldwide are qualified to land at this airport the two National Airlines druk air and Bhutan airlines operate flights to and from destinations such as India Nepal Bangladesh Thailand and Singapore 10. the kings of Bhutan have ruled since the creation of the monarchy in 1907 when Seer ugien Wang chuk was crowned as the first dragon king since then the monarchy has passed through five generations of the same family the current King is also known as duruk galpo crowned in 2008 following the abdication of his father King higme singye wangchuk druk yalpo is known for his Charisma and closeness to his people he studied at prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and the United States which has allowed him to balance tradition and modernity in his style of governance his wife is the dragon Queen consort of Bhutan she is famous for her beauty Elegance interest in art painting and basketball she was born in 1990 and when she married the king in October 2011 at 21 she became the youngest Queen consort in the world hatsun Pema is not of Royal birth but she comes from a distinguished family she studied in India and the United Kingdom she and the King are parents to two sons Crown Prince and prince ugien wangchuk 11. in 2008 the Constitution was approved and Bhutan transitioned from being an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy based on Buddhist philosophy human rights and other modern constitutions although the king's Powers have been limited he remains a significant figure in Bhutan he is the head of state playing a key role in the formation of the government and legislation he also plays an important role in promoting the welfare and unity of the bhutanese people however he does not have absolute powers and must act in accordance with the laws and regulations set forth by the Constitution 12.

in Bhutan is one of the Wonders built by humankind the Tiger's Nest Monastery located on a cliff in the Paro Valley 11 483 feet above sea level it is one of the most sacred and venerated places in Bhutan one of the most visited destinations by bhutanese pilgrims and travelers its origin dates back to the 8th century when Guru Padma sambhava also known as gurorin poche is believed to have introduced Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet according to Legend rinpoche flew from Tibet to where the monastery now stands on the back of a Tigris who was actually a queen consort who had transformed the guru meditated in a cave on the cliff for three years three months three weeks three days and three hours subduing local demons and converting them into Protectors of the Dharma which are Buddhist teachings the current complex was built in the 17th century around the cave whereinpoche meditated it consists of several interconnected temples and shrines with narrow passages and stairs carved into the Rock 13. the capital of Bhutan is timpu located in the Valley of the timpoochu river with an altitude of 7657 feet above sea level it is one of the highest capitals in the world it is also the only capital in the world without traffic lights traffic officers direct the flow of vehicles from booths at Major intersections in fact there are no traffic lights throughout the country despite being the country's capital timpu has a calm and peaceful atmosphere its buildings follow a traditional bhutanese architectural style with one of its landmarks being natashi Cho Zhang a monastery Fortress housing the king's offices and the summer residents of the hey Kenpo bhutan's spiritual leader the capital is also home to the Buddha dordenma a massive Buddha statue located atop a hill standing at 169 feet high one of the largest statues in the world 14. other bhutanese localities include Paro known for its fortresses and monasteries such as the Paro Zhang and the Tiger's nest puns holling where one of the border crossings with India is located punaka the old capital until 1955 home to the Palace of great happiness hakar in the heart of Bhutan and hosting religious festivals like the hambai lakandrup and tronza birthplace of the wangchuk dynasty the Royal Family 15.

the majority religion in Bhutan is Mahayana or varayana Buddhism practiced by 85 percent of the population this is a unique and esoteric form of Buddhism found mainly in Tibet and the Himalayan region bhutanese integrate their religious beliefs and practices into their daily lives whether through meditation pilgrimages to Sacred sites recitation of mantras or the use of prayer Flags which can be seen waving throughout the country these colored Flags carry in printed prayers and mantras which are believed to be carried by the wind to bless the environment and the people who inhabit it 16. the hey Kenpo is the most important religious and spiritual leader in Bhutan a highly respected and venerated figure he is considered the embodiment of the wisdom and compassion of all Buddhas and bodhisattvas playing a role not only in the spiritual realm but also with an impact on political and social life as he advises the king and the government on religious and ethical matters he is appointed by the king selected from the most erudite and virtuous monks in Bhutan once chosen the heck and pose serves for life with the primary responsibility of maintaining and promoting the teaching and practice of Buddhism 17. the lifestyle of bhutanese monks is far removed from the modern way of life in western or capitalist countries monks dedicate their lives to spiritual practice and study able to enter a monastic life at six or seven years old sometimes by their parents decision who believe it is a way to have a life of Merit and spiritual blessings in Bhutan there are eight major monasteries and approximately 200 small monasteries and nunaries with about 12 000 monks and five thousand nuns bhutanese monks lead a simple though disciplined life they rise early around 4 30 in the morning and begin their rituals of meditation and prayer they study philosophy literature history chanting and rituals engage in manual labor and contribute to their communities focusing on the present moment Education and Training can last many years during which monks Ascend through various levels of Knowledge and Skills meditation and prayer are fundamental allowing them to cultivate self-control compassion and wisdom they follow a series of vows and disciplinary rules known as vinaya among them are the vows of celibacy abstaining from killing or harming other living beings and leading a simple and austere life in addition they must behave with humility and respect towards others shaving their heads is a sign of renunciation of ordinary life and outside of social conventions a tradition is the philosophical debate on Buddhist teachings not as a form of competition or demonstration of knowledge but to deepen the teachings by living these temples and having to co-exist they develop a strong sense of community these monks also serve as spiritual guides to other people in the communities providing them with support and advice for their lives 18.

the official language of Bhutan is zonka although there are about 20 languages in total and various dialects spoken throughout the territory hello is kuzu zangpal how are you isui and thank you is khadrin Chen for a more polite and formal way Allah is added at the end of words or expressions 19. in Bhutan respect for Animals is deeply rooted in the culture and religious beliefs of Buddhism which emphasizes compassion towards all living beings the killing of animals for human consumption is prohibited including slaughterhouses and if one wants to eat meat it must be imported from neighboring countries like India as Buddhists it would be expected that most bhutanese are vegetarians although meat consumption is very ingrained which could be related to the need to ingest more carbohydrates and fats in a cold climate and the need for agricultural work in cities and towns it is common to see stray dogs generally well treated by the local population who often provide them with food and shelter likewise most of bhutan's population live in rural areas practicing a traditional agricultural way of life animals such as Yaks and cows play an important role in everyday life and are treated with respect and care by their owners 20. Bhutan has one of the strictest conservation policies in the world there are numerous national parks and protected areas to preserve its biodiversity with the largest being the Wang chuk Centennial Park covering 1931 square miles the constitution of Bhutan requires that at least 60 percent of its territories be covered by forests at all times which helps to maintain and protect the habitat of animals 21.

some of the animals that inhabit bhutanese territory are the Malayan giant squirrel the Bengal tiger the red panda and the snow leopard the latter lives in the highest and most remote regions at altitudes between 9842 and 13 123 feet in extreme and cold conditions due to its low population elusive nature shyness and ability to camouflage the snow leopard is one of the most difficult felines to spot 22. bhutanese women have a significant responsibility in society and enjoy a series of Rights and Freedoms traditionally more so than men bhutanese Society has a matrilineal inheritance that is property and Family Assets are passed down through the female line giving women a considerable economic and social position in daily life women work in various sectors such as agriculture Education Health Care and government in rural areas they are usually responsible for agricultural tasks and Home Care while in urban areas more and more women are joining the workforce in professional and Technical positions 23. although love marriages are becoming more common in Bhutan especially in urban areas arranged marriages still exist particularly in rural communities parents often take the initiative in Seeking a suitable spouse for their children Consulting an astrologer to determine the compatibility of the couples in marriages men perform a significant part of the household chores often cook and traditionally are the ones who make or repair clothing but do not weave the fabric in larger localities a somewhat more Western pattern of family structure is emerging with the husband as the provider of food and the wife in charge of the home 24 polygamy is legal although there are fewer and fewer cases it was practiced more in the past particularly among the nobility and wealthy families but over time customs and attitudes have been changing and today it is an infrequent and not so accepted practice an example of polygamy is the fourth king of Bhutan higma zingye wangchuk the father of the current King who is married to four wives polyandry a woman married to several men is practiced by the brookpaw ethnic group and in Laya a population in Northwestern Bhutan having a woman married to several Brothers ensures that the children inherit the land and herds from the same family on the other hand these are remote places where marrying strangers is frowned upon usually an elder man or brother is the leader of the household and the others are considered equal Companions of the woman in any case it is a practice that is dying out as new generations receive more advanced education and move to more populated places 25.

the adult literacy rates in Bhutan is relatively low with about 70 percent of people being literate although it has increased by 20 percent since 1980. among young people it is much higher around 93 percent indicating that progress is being made in access to education 26. when greeting someone bhutanese joined their palms near their chest in prayer position and make a small bow which is known as Namaste or namaskar considered a respectful way of greeting others 27.

in Bhutan they are accustomed to chewing Doma a mixture of areca palm nuts leaves and lime it has a stimulating effect and people spit red but be careful it's not good for long-term health 28. the bhutanese new year is celebrated according to the Tibetan lunar calendar and is known as lozar which is an important national holiday celebrated between late January and early March depending on the dates of the lunar calendar it lasts for about three days although celebrations May extend in some regions before Lazar families clean their homes thoroughly to remove bad energy and attract good Fortunes in the new year during losar traditional dishes like kapsee fried flour sweets and suha tea with butter and salt are prepared offerings are made on home altars and local monasteries are visited to receive blessings from monks 29. as they follow the lunar calendar most bhutanese didn't keep a record of their exact date of birth nor celebrate individual birthdays it's considered that everyone's birthday is the first day of the bhutanese new year on the other hand Bhutan has a more collectivist culture and doesn't place as much importance on individual achievements or celebrations however with the growing influence of Western culture and the widespread use of the Gregorian calendar some bhutanese especially in urban areas have begun to adopt the practice of celebrating individual birthdays on their actual date of birth 30.

except for Royal and Noble lineages names in Bhutan do not include a surname usually children are given a unique name shortly after birth often involving a llama who may base his choice on factors such as astrology the date of birth or the qualities and characteristics that the parents desire for their child foreign typically consists of two words which can represent positive qualities religious virtues or elements of nature an example Is Tashi dorhi tasi means good fortune or prosperity and dorhi means diamond or indestructible another is Pema lazom Pema means Lotus and lazom means goddess or Heavenly Beauty the first name is usually gender neutral for example who is the mother of the current king of Bhutan sering is neutral but yangdan is usually associated with women 31. astrology is an important part of bhutanese culture and daily life heavily influenced by Buddhism and used for various purposes such as decision making predicting future events and interpreting past events it typically follows the lunar system based on the position of different celestial bodies in relation to a person's date and time of birth bhutanese also believe in reincarnation with astrology influencing the identification of Reincarnation of llamas and spiritual teachers when a child is sought who is The Reincarnation of a deceased spiritual teacher astrologers are consulted who determine the time and place of birth of the reincarnated 32. bhutanese traditional medicine has a long history it is based on Concepts derived from Tibetan Buddhism Tibetan medicine and ayurvedic medicine from India traditional doctors are experts in the preparation and collection of ingredients and in the treatment of diseases so much importance is given to this medicine that the Third King created The Institute of traditional medicine which offers Health Care Services alongside modern medicine 33 Bhutan has a relatively low crime rate largely attributed to its strong sense of community cultural and spiritual values as well as the national philosophy of gross national happiness the most common crimes in Bhutan are usually of lesser gravity such as thefts burglaries drug consumption and scams violent crimes such as homicides and assaults are uncommon 34.

the druke is the thunder dragon of bhutanese Mythology a powerful and benevolent guardian of hidden treasures and wisdom symbol of divine protection and spiritual guide of the bhutanese people it is present on the national flag of Bhutan where it holds in its claws four Jewels or norbas symbolizing the wealth prosperity and well-being of the nation the upper color represents the civil and religious authority of the king and the orange at the bottom represents Buddhism compassion and the spirituality of the bhutanese 35. traditional architecture is represented by zhongs which are monuments with a central role in cultural and spiritual life they are fortresses with the unique combination of military fortifications administrative centers and Buddhist monasteries showing the close relationship between religious politics and Society in Bhutan one of the most famous and visited songs is the punaka song also known as Palace of great happiness located at the Confluence of the pochu and mochu rivers the seat of the Bhutan government until 1955. 36 the national flower of Bhutan is a species of blue poppy scientifically named mechanopsis gakidiana mainly found in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas at altitudes between 11 480 and 14 760 feet 37 the national bird of Bhutan is the Himalayan Raven in bhutanese mythology this bird is considered a symbol of protection and is believed to be the country's Guardian The Raven Crown is the official crown worn by the kings of Bhutan while the Queens used the Phoenix crown 38.

the takim is considered the most emblematic and distinctive animal of the country according to Legend it was created by the great Buddhist Saint known as the Divine madman combining the head of a goat with the body of a cow it is a protected species in Bhutan and can be found in the motitang Takin preserve a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of timpu 39 the national sport of Bhutan is archery known locally as da seen not only as a sports activity but also as a social and cultural practice it has its own features and rules different from International standards competitions are held outdoors with distances between the archers and the targets much greater than an international competitions reaching between 394 and 476 feet the bows are made of bamboo although modern composite bows are also used nowadays in bhutanese competitions teams consist of several members who face off in shooting rounds the targets called karise are small cylinders of wood covered with colorful fabric which are placed on the ground instead of being raised when an Archer hits the target his team members sing and dance in Celebration 40. some bhutanese believe in the existence of the Yeti known locally as migoy the explanation that they are hard to see is that they are supernatural creatures who can become invisible in some stories the yeti is a protective guardian of wildlife and nature while in others it is considered an evil and dangerous being over the years there have been numerous claims of sightings and encounters with the yeti although to date no scientific evidence has been found to prove its existence 41. traditional bhutanese dress is mandatory in public places and during official events men wear the go a kind of knee-length robe while women wear the Kira a long rectangular dress that wraps around the body 42.

Chan dances are bhutanese religious dances performed with masks and costumes at Buddhist festivals called sechus the most important celebration is the Paro sechu Festival a five-day event held at the rinpung Zhong these masks have a spiritual function to purify and Bless The Spectators the dancers are usually monks or laymen trained in monasteries who use elaborate costumes and masks to represent deities Heroes demons and animals 43 if you go to this amazing country you will be almost obliged to eat traditional food there are no fast food chain establishments which contributes to Bhutan being one of the countries with the fewest overweight people Emma dachshi is the national dish of Bhutan it consists of a creamy and spicy stew with green or red chilies cow or Yak cheese and sometimes onion and tomato with red or white rice as a side dish is beef chilies and radish hasha Maru is a chicken stew with garlic onion tomato and Ginger pakshaba is pieces of pork with chilies radish and spices 44. the bhutanese red rice is a unique variety of rice that is cultivated in Bhutan mainly in the Paro Valley it has a distinctive red color caused by the mineral content of the soil which is irrigated with glacier water rich in minerals giving it that color and a Nutty and earthy flavor through a partial Milling process it retains its outer bran layer making it rich in vitamins fiber and minerals being more nutritious than white rice 45 traditional drinks includes suha made from fermented black tea salt and butter Aura an alcoholic beverage distilled from fermented corn rice wheat or barley bang Chung fermented from rice or barley Zing Chong made from fermented wheat traditional of Eastern Bhutan 46. the largest and one of the most picturesque fortresses in Bhutan is the trunks Zhong located in the center of Bhutan and considered one of the most important zongs in the country it was built in the 16th century on a hill overlooking the trungsza valley in a strategic position that allowed controlling trade and communication routes between the East and the West from this place the wangchuk dynasty began to unify the country in the 19th century it is also an important religious and Cultural Center as numerous festivals and events are celebrated here throughout the year one of the most notable is the trungzza sechu which celebrates the Buddhist Heritage and history of the Zhong 47.

due to its deep Canyons Bhutan has numerous suspension bridges the longest of all is the punaka suspension bridge with 518 feet always adorned with colorful prayer Flags one of the highest is the tachong suspension bridge which is over the parochu river at 8 595 feet built in the 15th century by the renowned bridge builder and Buddhist Saint 48 over 20 mountains in Bhutan surpassed 22 965 feet the highest is kankarpunzung with 24 836 feet it is the highest mountain in the world that has not yet been climbed since 1994 the bhutanese government has banned all mountaineering Expeditions above 19685 feet and since 2003 has banned mountaineering altogether the reason was to preserve the pristine nature of its Peaks and respect local beliefs in bhutanese culture mountains are considered to be the Abode of deities and protective spirits and climbing them could offend these divinities and bring bad luck although mountaineering is banned trekking is allowed including to high altitude places where you can see some of the highest mountains for example on the Jamal Hare track you can see Mount Jamal Hari 24 035 feet high 49 the dochula meditation caves are small mounds of stone and Earth covered with vegetation that form shrines there are many of them on the road between the old capital of Bhutan tunaka and the current one timpu 50. maybar shell or burning lake is a sacred place of great cultural significance located in the Tang Valley near the city of buntang according to Legend Pema lingpa a 15th century Tibetan Buddhist Saint had a vision in which he was shown the location of a spiritual treasure hidden deep within the lake the treasure had been hidden by the famous Buddhist master gurorin poche in the 8th century and pemalingpa decided to retrieve it to demonstrate the authenticity of his vision he plunged into the lake with a lit butter lamp in hand emerging with a statue and a sacred scroll and his lamp still burning since then maybar show has been considered a sacred place and its waters are believed to have healing and protective powers 51 kichu lacan is one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Bhutan according to Legend it was built in the 7th Century in a single day by Tibetan King zhongsten gampo who ordered the construction of 108 temples across the Himalayan region to subdue a demon hindering the spread of Buddhism another Temple allegedly built by the same King as jambai La Kang this time to immobilize the demons left knee to commemorate the establishment of this Temple the jambai lakhand Roop Festival is held annually at midnight the terchum or naked dance is performed inside the temple which cannot be viewed by tourists 52. the kamsum Yule namgal shorten Temple was built and completed in 1999 by the Queen Mother Ashi sering yangdong Wang chuk with the purpose of promoting peace stability and Harmony in Bhutan and across the world 53 bhutan's economy is small and largely dependent on agriculture forestry and hydropower the majority of the population lives in rural areas and engages in subsistence farming growing crops and raising animals to meet their basic needs and those of their families agriculture is primarily based on crops such as rice wheat Maize potatoes and chilies additionally livestock farming including Yaks cows and sheep is common for producing milk meat and wool hydropower is another key sector due to bhutan's rivers and mountainous location much of the energy generated is exported to neighboring India in recent years Bhutan has also sought to diversify its economy and promote manufacturing and Services Industries including information and communication technology education and health care 54.

the National Library of Bhutan houses the world's largest published book called Bhutan a visual Odyssey across the last Himalayan Kingdom which weighs over 132 pounds and measures approximately 60 by 84 inches in addition the library has one of the largest collections of Buddhist literature its mission is to preserve bhutan's cultural and literary Heritage and function as a learning center with access to global information resources 55. one of the most unique experiences you can have in the world if you want to develop your spirituality is a retreat in Bhutan these usually take place in Serene remote locations surrounded by fascinating Himalayan Landscapes ideal environments for introspection reflection and meditation in these experiences guided meditation sessions are held one can connect with nature make friends with other spiritual Seekers receive teachings or practice silence and contemplation 56 have you decided to go to Bhutan firstly after your trip come back to this video and tell us about your experience but you might be interested in knowing what you need to enter almost all foreign citizens except those from India Bangladesh and the Maldives need a visa to enter Bhutan self-organized travel was not allowed in the past but it has been possible since 2022 however the cost of visiting the country has increased with a daily sustainable development fee of 200 and additional costs for food accommodation and other expenses 57. if you are going to Bhutan as a traveler there are several things you need to keep in mind do not play loud music including in National Parks or religious places it is rude to take photos or videos of people without asking for permission if you want to take photos inside monasteries ask for permission first selling and producing tobacco is prohibited in Bhutan but consuming it privately in designated places is allowed if you carry cigarettes make sure it is permitted at the time and you should only smoke them in designated areas in religious places like zhongs you will need to wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants avoid using Plastics or single-use items as bhutanese people are very mindful of the environment in fact plastic bags have been banned since 1999.