🇧🇹 Journey into the Unthinkable: Bhutan’s Hidden Surprises Revealed

How did Bhutan come to be? This small mountainous country has a rich history, with its roots extending back in time. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that a lama, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, arrived from Western Tibet and successfully united the small groups of people residing here. Originally known as the “Land of the South” or the “Southern Herbal Medicine Country,” it later evolved into Bhutan. The lama advocated for a dual system of government, erecting fortresses on each hill to accommodate both administration and religious leaders.

The Tibetans followed their Tibetan brethren to Bhutan, triggered by the latter bringing here a relic — a part of a holy man’s spine. Disputes arose, leading to multiple conflicts until a wise lama decided to resolve the issue by throwing the relic into the river. However, he secretly tossed the duplicate. So the piece of the spine, housing the God of Compassion, remained in Bhutan, fostering peace, while the Tibetans never returned.

Our guide, who undergoes an annual guide exam, shared this captivating story. The exam assesses knowledge and the guide’s overall appeal to customers. Ours is exceptionally adept. In Bhutan, it’s mandatory to have a guide to explore fortresses or temples.