GNH & ECO-TOURS

If there is one country in the world that has a perfect blend of spirituality and eco-tourism, it is Bhutan. The tiny Himalayan Kingdom has received international awards galore for its impeccable environmental track record, not the least of which is the “Champions of the Earth” award in 2005 and recognition as one of the world’s 10 biological “hot-spots” by WWF International.

Bhutanese believe that man himself is a creation of nature. From this belief comes the respect, regard and recognition for man’s harmonious coexistence with nature. Today, when the rest of the world mourns the loss of their precious ecology, Bhutan’s has over more than 70% of its land under forest cover, and more bird species than the whole of North America. Environmental preservation is one of the five pillars of the country’s development philosophy popularly known as Gross National Happiness.

On the spiritual front, the whole of Bhutan is embedded in spirituality. Not only are hundreds of monasteries, stupas and prayer flags that dot the landscape all over reminiscent of Bhutan’s strong spiritual past, the attitude, behavior and everyday lifestyle of Bhutanese is shaped by Buddhist culture and tradition. All these traits lend a meditative atmosphere to the place earning Bhutan the acclaim as the most peaceful country on earth.
Against these backdrop, is Bhutan suitable for eco-tourism? I bet that you cannot get a better bargain anywhere on earth.