Page 11 - Bhutan Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

THE PEOPLE WHAT TO PACK Bhutanese people primarily consist of the Ngalops and Sharchops, called Dress is normally casual in the Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese respectively. The Ngalops Bhutan. Most importantly, dress primarily consist of Bhutanese living in the western part of the country. conservatively. Women should Their culture is closely related to that of Tibet. Much the same could be avoid sleeveless, tight or short PAGE 3-7 Population | Time | Visas said of the Sharchops, the dominant group, who originate from the garments. Bare legs above the History | Religion eastern part of Bhutan (but who traditionally follow the Nyingmapa knee are frowned upon for men rather than the official Drukpa Kagyu form of Tibetan Buddhism). In and are verboten for women. PAGE 8 modern times, with improved transportation infrastructure, there has When visiting monasteries, Language been much intermarriage between these groups. In the early 1970s, dzongs and other religious sites PAGE 9 intermarriage between the Lhotshampas and mainstream Bhutanese do not wear shorts or hats. Climate society was encouraged by the government. PAGE 10 Due to altitude changes, there The Land The national language is Dzongkha, one of 53 languages in the Tibetan are 13 different climatic regions language family. The script, here called Chhokey ("Dharma Language"), in Bhutan as well as four PAGE 11 is identical to classical Tibetan. In the schools English is the medium of seasons. In spring and fall, bring The People | What to Pack | instruction and Dzongkha is taught as the national language. Ethnologue layers that can accommodate PAGE 12 lists 24 languages currently spoken in Bhutan, all of them in the Tibeto- temperatures varying from 32 Currency | Credit Cards Burman family, except Nepali, an Indo-Aryan language. Until the 1980s, degrees at night to the high Changing Money | Tipping Insurance the government sponsored the teaching of Nepali in schools in Southern seventies during the day. Bhutan. However, after the armed uprising in the south, Nepali was PAGE 13 dropped from the curriculum. The languages of Bhutan are still not well- Pack long johns, pants, cotton Etiquette | Safety & theft characterized, and several have yet to be recorded in an in-depth shirts and sweaters. Dark colors PAGE 14 academic grammar. and tough fabrics are best, as 24- Communications | Media hour laundry service can be Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained found only in Thimphu. You'll PAGE 15 intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until the early also need a windbreaker, a warm Shopping | Customs Bartering 1960s. One of the main attractions for tourists is the country's culture and jacket, rain poncho, umbrella traditions. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage. and a warm hat. Men should PAGE 16 Hinduism is the second dominant religion in Bhutan, being most bring a sports jacket, women a Food & Drinks prevalent in the southern regions. The government is increasingly longish skirt to wear when PAGE 17-21 making efforts to preserve and sustain the current culture and traditions meeting government or religious Culture & The Arts | Religion of the country. Because of its largely unspoiled natural environment and officials. cultural heritage, Bhutan has been referred to as The Last Shangri-la. Pack lip balm, sunblock, sunglasses, hat, mosquito repellent, tissue and a good pair of walking shoes. DRUGS It is recommended to travel with prescriptions for any drugs you are required to take with you for your personal health.