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Top Things to do in Bhutan

June 9, 2019
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Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
It is famed for its high mountain peaks and range of trekking opportunities, its diverse, natural Shangri-La, a variety of landscapes, and an incredible array of fauna and flora, from subtropical valleys to alpine peaks.

Bhutan is one of the most unique places to visit on our planet. By law, 60% of the whole country’s national forest is protected, and it makes Bhutan tours perfect for trekkers, monastery-lovers, Buddhist pilgrims and the merely curious.

Bhutan is home to some exceptional wildlife including Himalayan Black Bear, Asiatic Black Bear, Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Red Panda, Himalayan Musk Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopards, and the Gray Wolf.

What’s included in the Bhutan tourism fee?

Your daily fee for Bhutan includes:

  • Visa
  • Licensed Bhutanese guide from an official Bhutanese tour operator.
  • Driver and transportation – a new 4×4, or a tour bus. Do not cover any internal flights.
  • Accommodation – includes a 3-stars hotel. If you want something more luxurious like 5-star hotels expect to pay several hundred dollars more per day.
  • Entrance fees to tourist sights
  • Food and most non-alcoholic drinks. 
  • Trekking gear. 
  • All taxes within the country.

Most travelers are not well informed what that fee includes and they fill like it is on the expensive side but as you can see, the Bhutan tourist fee covers all of your necessary expenses within Bhutan.

Thimphu Bhutan
Photo credit: Christopher Fynn / Wikipedia

The capital Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and with a population of around 80,000 is the nation’s largest city. The city is the political and economic center of Bhutan, has a dominant agricultural and livestock base, which contributes 45% of the country’s GNP.

Settlements in Thimphu Valley has existed since 1216. In 2008, the national stadium was completed together with a new river-side park.

Thimphu is well endowed with attractions. Some of the most popular attractions are:

Changangkha Lhakhang – constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley. The temple offers wonderful views over the entire valley.

The National Memorial Chorten – located off Jangchhub Lam, the stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third king.

Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5mt bronze statue of the founder of Buddhism.

Museums/Galleries – National Folk Heritage Museum, the Royal Textile Academy, Alaya Gallery, Water Dragon Gallery are just a few.

Trashi Chhoe Dzong. – the present dzong was built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials.

Simtokha Dzong – built-in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan.

The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Serbithang botanical garden offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.

Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts, near the National Library, was established in 1971 to preserve the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan, and visitors are able to observe students honing their skills.

Thimphu Centenary Farmers Weekend Market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers of Bhutan. Farmers from as far as Lingshi in the north, Tashiyangtse in the east, and Sarpang, Dagana and Tsirang in the south bring their farm products to the market. Across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls housing clothing, fabric and handicrafts.

Tiger's Nest Bhutan

Visit Paro

Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered throughout the area. In addition, the Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized a one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan.

The only international airport in the kingdom is located at Paro, and there are two national airlines operate flights to Bhutan: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the ‘golden triangle’ of popular tourist destinations in country. Some of the main attractions here are:

Taktsang Monastery, (Tiger’s Nest). Precariously perched on the edge of a 1,200-meter cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It is about 2-3 hours, totally up-hill hike from the parking lot to the monastery, though there is a cafe located on the ridge across from the Taktsang (about 90 minutes into the walk) that provides a welcome opportunity to take a rest and purchase refreshments and snacks.

National Museum of Bhutan. Located in a former watchtower above the dzong, the museum displays artifacts from Bhutan’s history as well as examples of indigenous flora and fauna.

Rinpung Dzong, which was constructed in 1646.

Drukgyel Dzong This dzong (fortress) was built in the 16th century to commemorate a victory over the invading Tibetan forces.

Drakhapo, above Shaba (keeping Shaba School to the right, follow the dirt road to the end. The complex is a five-minute walk from here). Drakhapo is a monastic complex perched on a cliff. Guru Rinpoche spent two months here after completing a retreat at nearby Taktsang, and during his stay placed many treasures (terma) into the cliff. The area also has several hand and footprints embedded in the rock.

Kichu Lhakang is one of the 108 monasteries that were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night. It is located just off the road running between Paro bazaar and the Taktsang.

Jangsarbu Lhakhang, located behind Paro Dzong. This small and insignificant looking temple is home to a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that was carried all the way from Lhasa, and also houses the protector deity of Paro.

Punakha Dzong
Photo credit: Bernard Gagnon / Wikipedia

Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures.

Dechen Phrodrang Monastery

This was once the original dzong of the city. Dechen Phrodrang. meaning “Palace of Great Bliss”. is a Buddhist monastery in Thimphu, Bhutan. The monastery contains a number of important historical Bhutanese artifacts including 12th-century paintings monitored by UNESCO and a noted statue of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

Changlimithang Archery Ground

Changlimithang Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the capital Thimphu, which serves as the most-used National Stadium. The stadium was initially constructed in 1974 for the coronation of the fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Located 2,300 meters (7,500 ft) above sea level, the stadium is one of the highest in the world with seating for around 10,000 people.

Tashichho Dzong
Photo credit: Bernard Gagnon / Wikipedia

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichhoedzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu in Bhutan.

Want to learn more about Bhutan? Check our other posts about Bhutan.

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Reduce Your Meat Consumption

10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Meat Consumption

June 19, 2019
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Eating less meat is better for animals, people and the planet. You can reduce your meat consumption by eating some vegan or vegetarian meals and by reducing the amount of meat you eat in each meal.

World’s leading health organizations now encourage a reduction in the amount of meat people consume. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends we “choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat and avoid processed meat”. A study by Oxford University’s department of public health found that eating meat no more than three times a week could prevent 31,000 deaths from heart disease, 9,000 deaths from cancer and 5,000 deaths from stroke, as well as save billions of dollars.

The cost of meat has risen 10 percent in the last decade. Plant proteins such as lentils, peas or dried beans cost less than the equivalent amount of animal protein. Eating less meat can save you money!

Below you can find the 10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Meat Consumption

Meat Free Monday helps reduce meat consumption

1. Try going meat free for one day a week

Sign up for Meat Free Mondays! This 15% reduction in your meat consumption can be massively beneficial to the environment and your health.

vegetarian protein sources

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2. Ensure you get enough protein from vegetarian sources instead, like lentils and almonds.

Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body. They are one of the building blocks of body tissue and can also serve as a fuel source. The Recommended Daily Allowance of protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

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3. Experiment with new grains and vegetables

Add a variety of new flavours and textures to your meals by trying combinations with new veggies. You can try this buckwheat garden salad.

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4. Look to cuisines from countries with well-known vegetarian dishes such as Indian and Mexican recipes.

chicken noodle soup
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5. Buy meat on the bone, as bones not only add extra flavor but can also be used to make stock for another meal – such as chicken noodle soup.

reduce meat consumtion
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6. Adding a meaty texture to your meal

If you really like your meat, add ‘meaty’ flavors by using dried mushrooms or soya sauce, and ‘meaty’ textures like aubergines following this mushroom risotto recipe.

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7. Bulk up meat dishes with beans, grains or vegetable.

Try adding extra carrot into a Bolognese. Or if you are making beef burgers, try putting some cooked lentils into the mixture to make lentil and beef burgers.

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8. Reach for whole and unprocessed snacks rather than vegan junk food

Carrots and hummus or apples with peanut butter rather than cookies – as getting maximum nutrition means you will feel the most satisfied with your meal.

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9. Use meat sparingly, and as an extra flavor, such as bacon pieces in this Braised Red Cabbage.

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10. Try substituting your favorite foods for meat-free versions

Instead of pre-packaged sausage rolls, try making these Mushroom Sausage Rolls.

More reasons to reduce your meat consumption

Think of the animals

Billions of animals are killed for meat each year. Most of them are raised in overcrowded cages, with no room and no access to daylight or fresh air. All farmed animals end their lives with a brutal death. Reducing consumption and eating less meat is a step that helps not only animals but the environment as well.

The facts:

Animals convert plant protein and energy into meat protein and energy inefficiently.
12 kgs of grain are necessary to produce 1 kg of beef.

This means that the amount of the world’s available nutrients is reducing disproportionally.

Over 800 million people on the planet are suffering from hunger or malnutrition, and the amount of cereal that could be enough to feed three times this number of people is used to feed stocks.

Stop the extinction of species

Agricultural expansion and overfishing are the two major factors causing loss of species and biodiversity. If we do not stop this, in the next 100 years will be a global mass extinction of species.

Check out these article for more tips about how to eat more environmentally-friendly.

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San Francisco sustainable city

5 Reasons Why San Francisco is a Sustainable City

February 12, 2019
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San Francisco boasts a range of practices and policies to achieving sustainability, as both the City and County of San Francisco. The southern California city is well known for banning plastic bags, plastic bottles, and Styrofoam take-out containers, and San Francisco International Airport was the first to install carbon offset kiosks.

Here is a quick overview of the 5 Reasons San Francisco is a Sustainable City

Eco-Transportation

San Francisco’s public transportation system, is one of the top systems in the country with its mix of rapid rail, commuter rail and bus lines that span the city, that runs on biodiesel.
San Francisco is a pedestrian-friendly city, and walking is the best option to see everything, it’s zero-emissions, and you’ll get the health benefits of exercise.

If you want to get around more quickly than walking on your feet, but skip the public transportation you may consider renting a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city-including Bay City Bikes and Blazing Saddles or sign for a bike tour.

More than half of MUNI buses and light rails are zero-emission, and the remains will switch to hybrid diesel by 2020. After the city’s Healthy Air and Smog Prevention ordinance in 1999, more than 700 “cleaner air vehicles,” which are compressed natural gas, hybrid, and electric, have been introduced to San Francisco’s public transportation. There are a large number of LEED-certified companies and many buildings are eco-friendly certified.

Sustainable Food

Vegan cuisine is a really popular in San Franciscan food. City agencies maximize fair trade and organic food purchases from local farms that grow and harvest food sustainably. Restaurants maintain this habit and often times have menus that vary by the season and are locally grown ingredients. Even some sushi restaurants serve sustainably-sourced seafood. More grocery stores and restaurants are opting for sustainable options. The food production within the city has increased and farmers’ markets have become less pricey.

From coffee to cheese to other exceedingly valuable crops, California clearly has the climate and drive to grow its own produce. And having the nearby, hungry U.C. system as a customer willing to save money and operate more sustainably could seal the deal

San Fransisco hiking trails

Eco-Friendly Things to Do

With more than 220 green spaces in San Francisco, it’s easy to escape the City by the Bay without ever really leaving it. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails, residents can enjoy.
Hiking trails accessible by both walking and driving, offers breathtaking views of the city and East Bay, Bernal Heights and Brooks Park also have access to gorgeous views, as well as Bayview Park and Glen Canyon Park.

Reduce Waste

Waste reduction or prevention is the preferred approach to waste management because waste that never gets created doesn’t have waste management costs. Waste reduction also helps conserve resources for future generations and contributes to a cleaner environment.
San Francisco plans living waste-free by the year 2020. The Bay Area city is already over 78 percent achieved the goal and continues to make significant progress in reducing the impact in the landfills.

Back in 2007, San Francisco was the first US city to ban plastic bags! Grocery stores offer compostable bags as an alternative. The containers for waste subdivision in San Francisco are located in convenient locations such as stores, restaurants, campuses, and residential streets.
Greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 12% compared to 1990 levels. Local farmers use the city’s nutrient-rich compost to produce food.

Water Conservation

Californians have made great strides in their commitment to water conservation and are embracing wise water use as a daily habit. From taking shorter showers to transforming landscapes with California friendly plants, Californians are showing that conservation still matters and that even the smallest changes can have a big impact.
In this battle to conserve water, San Francisco stands out as the area that has reduced its water consumption the most dramatically. San Franciscans use the least amount of water in the state of California. Residents use 49 gallons of water a day on average, compared to 100 gallons a day in the rest.

Photo credit: pexels.com

Check our others blog posts and learn more about other sustainable cities.

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