Sure Travel Journey Vol 5.2 Autumn 2019 | Page 6

W anderlust
Bumthang Valley ,
KINGDOM OF BHUTAN
It’s easy to see why citizens of Bhutan
smile a lot – rich cultural festivals, warm
hospitality, peaceful communities,
colourful prayer flags, organic
vegetarian cuisine and “stairways to
heaven” up tree-lined mountains that
end at monasteries enshrouded in
mist. Bhutan’s beauty will leave you
breathless, and not just because of the
extreme altitudes.
This is a country of enlightenment;
the majority-Buddhist locals believe
in generosity, morality, patience,
energy, meditation and wisdom as the
cornerstones to a happy life.
The tiny, remote Himalayan
mountain kingdom is nestled between
neighbouring economic giants India
and China. But in Bhutan, the monarchy
and government famously prizes “gross
national happiness” (GNH) over gross
domestic product (GDP).
Hunting, fishing and smoking are all
forbidden – as is the budget backpacker
tourism scene that dominates nearby
Nepal. Here, you’ll spend a mandatory
US$240 to US$290 per day (between
R3 300 to R4 000) for the privilege
of visiting one of the least polluted
countries on the planet.
Sound steep? Bhutanese think it’s a fair
price to ensure their pristine landscapes
are protected and preserved for future
generations – something well worth
paying for.
GO HERE WITH SURE TRAVEL:
Speak to your knowledgeable Sure Travel
consultant about a custom-made trip
to Bhutan. Visit www.suretravel.co.za to
find your nearest Sure Travel agency or
call 0861 47 48 49.
06 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE
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