In many ways, Bhutan seems to teeter between contemporary and medieval; monks transcribe ancient Buddhist texts into laptop computers, traditionally-dressed archers use alloy steel bows and arrows, and video rental shops did a brisk trade before television was finally introduced in 1999. Bhutan has been described as 'a living museum' because its ancient dzongs and temples are still the focus of modern life. Although it is the last Buddhist Himalayan state you won't find a nation of saintly, ascetic, other-worldly monks, but a vibrant, fun-loving and well-educated population. Every aspect of life in the kingdom is guided by the ethics of its official religion, Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, and without a rudimentary understanding of this you'll never get a handle on Bhutan .

All Bhutanese art, dance, drama and music is steeped in Buddhism: paintings are not produced for tourists, but for religious purposes; festivals are not quaint revivals, but living manifestations of a national faith; and almost all art, music and dance represents the struggle between good and evil. These traditions can be seen in all their glory at Bhutan's spectacular religious festivals called Tsechus.

Menus in Bhutan are a fantasy concocted of the ingredients a restaurant would like to have and what is actually on their shelves. As your trip will be an all-inclusive package, expect to eat most meals at your hotel (buffet fans are in for a treat). Your guide can arrange dinner at local restaurants but beware: traditional Bhutanese food always features chillies and the most popular dish is ema datse made with large, green hot chillies in a cheese sauce. Though there is plenty of white rice, Bhutanese prefer a local, slightly nutty, red variety. At high altitudes, wheat is the staple. Several Tibetan-style dishes are common, including momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodles). Pork fat is popular in the wilds because of its high energy content - visitors find it almost inedible because it's usually stale. There are no slaughter houses in Bhutan , and only a few cold storage facilities, so even the keenest carnivores should consider going veggie for their stay.

The traditional dress of Bhutan is one of the most distinctive and visible aspects of the country. It is compulsory for all Bhutanese to wear national dress in schools, government offices and formal occasions, Men, Women and children were traditional clothing made from Bhutanese textiles in a variety of colourful patterns. The men wear a Gho, a long robe similar to the Tibetan chuba, The Bhutanese hoist the Gho to knee length and hold it in place with a woven cloth belt called a Kera. The Kera is would tightly around the waist, and the large pouch formed above it is traditionally used to carry a bowl, money and the makings of doma. One man suggested that the best part of the day was when he was able to loosen the uncomfortably tight belt. To be perfectly correct, men should carry a small knife called a dozum at the waist. Traditional foot wear is high embroidered leather boots, but these are now worn only at festivals, and most Bhutanese men wear leather shoes or show off with fancy trainers, running shoes or trekking boots.

Ghos come in a wide variety of patterns, though often they have plaid or striped designs reminiscent of Scottish tartans. Flowered patterns are taboo and solid reds and yellows are avoided because these are colours worn by monks; otherwise patterns have no special significance. Historically, Bhutanese wore the same thing under their Gho that a true Scotsman wears under his kilt, but today it's usually a pair of shorts. In winter it's correct to wear a pair of tights or thermal underwear, but it's more often a pair of jeans or a track suit, which gives the costume a peculiar look that some people like to a dressing Gown. Formality in Thimphu dictates that legs may not be covered until winter has arrived, which is as the time that the monks move to Panache.

Formal occasions, including a visit to the Dzong, require a scarf called a kabney that identifies a person's rank. The kabney has to be put on correctly so it hangs in exactly the right way. In Dzongs, and on formal occasions, a Dasho or someone in authority carries a long sword called a patang.

Women wear a long floor length dress called a Kira. This is a rectangular piece of brightly coloured cloth that wraps around the body over a Tibetan style silk blouse called a wonju. The Kira is fastened at the shoulders with elaborate silver hooks called koma and at the waist with a belt that may be of either silver or cloth. Over the top is worn a short, open jacket- like garment called a toego. Women often wear large amounts of jewellery in the Tibetan manner.

The Kira may be made from cotton or silk and may have a pattern on one or both sides. For everyday wear women wear a Kira made from striped cloth with a double sided design, and on more formal occasions they wear a Kira with an embellished pattern woven into it. The most expensive Kira are kushutara (brocade dress), which is made of hand-spun, hand-woven Bhutanese cotton, embroidered with various colours and designs in raw silk or cotton thread. The Kurtoe region is known for its kushutara designs.

When visiting dzongs, women wear a cloth sash called a rachu over their left shoulder in the same manner as men wear a kabney.

While silk scarves are exchanged as customary greetings among ranking officials and are offered to high Lamas as a sign of respect.

Enter your search terms Submit search form   Web www.magical-nepal.com