Bhutan, the mountain kingdom

In the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan, happiness is designated by law. In the 1970s Bhutan embraced an official policy of "Gross National Happiness." Barry Petersen takes us to a land very much engaged in one pursuit above all others: the pursuit of happiness.

[@sidharthes]

Im an Indian who lives in the southernmost state of the country. I went on a 2000+ mile bike trip to Bhutan and it was the most lifechanging experience of my life. Bhutan is calmness in a physical form.

[@ellaenchanted5935]

Wow

[@vinodhinikumaran6834]

Sidharth, can you please mention the trip details like the places you visited, hotels stayed, cost incurred, documents for getting permit and days spent

[@Nobody-ex1wg]

Bro details please.. I also want to go

[@kuenzangdorji5393]

@@ktkska8886that not true

[@RLPerez-un6hv]

2k miles?

[@rkh7360]

They have got their priorities right. Deforestation forbidden. Happiness prioritised. No fast food.

[@RGE_Music]

@Anand Kumar they have missionaries. They actually have a huge growth in Christians in the country but must hide their beliefs to be safe

[@ruthlessjun1438]

no bar girls,thats sad

[@theflatalternativecooking9161]

ReggaeEli why?? Are they threaten if they know that they are Christians?? Or simply says CHRISTIANS ARE FORBIDDEN IN BHUTAN 🇧🇹???

[@donparker5349]

@@theflatalternativecooking9161 Missionaries aren't allowed in Bhutan. I can't say the same about Christianity until I have read what Google says about the rest of Bhutan's laws on religion.

[@ricardo53100]

Who gets to decide that ? The government or the people ?

[@erikad0511]

Amazing. Imagine a government putting environment, culture and happiness first!? I honestly didn't know a place like this could still exist. They're very lucky.

[@michigantraveler]

This place feels like the Switzerland of Asia. Peace and Happiness Love it. 😍

[@slyninja4444]

Its nice to see a country that still dresses in traditional clothing as casual wear. While at the same time adopting modern technology.

[@ricardo53100]

The people have no choice. It's the law.

[@reggiestickleback7794]

Dakota Conn I love it. Technological progress without societal degeneration

[@qadarkhan3023]

Not an expert Mountain Climber ur saying jeans and t shirts were european clothing?? Bro pants were invented by iran lol

[@qadarkhan3023]

Rick Jones how u know it’s the law u ever been there or read the law of the land there??

[@jkaaay1074]

@@ricardo53100 we do have a choice, we only have to wear formal dress to works, schools and respectable places like all the Ppl do around the world. In other times, we can wear anything we want but I prefer to wear our national dress because it's more comfortable and beautiful.

[@cyclenut]

In 1972 I went there as a guest of the King and Queen. It was the most beautiful place.

[@MajorAddiction]

Cool!

[@leamacababbad1991]

That's amazing!

[@Jeng23672]

Wow

[@transferegg]

d western visitors came only in 1974 source gurdian

[@mr16325]

@@transferegg how do you know he is western

[@christinejones1772]

I love the prince, he is intelligent and understands what’s most important in amidst surrounding unhealthy environments that are ignorant of what happiness means or a distorted view of what happiness is. It is sad that the modern world is making its way into the incorruptible peace of Buhtan. It is a paradise that should be left untouched by modern society.

[@chuvaness4431]

its good they keep their culture strong..not in the philippines..we mixed and its so confusing. our culture and tradition vanish slowly and its sad..

[@hartif4hartiq210]

@@chuvaness4431 no wonder Philippines's traditional clothes more look Spanish. I'm Indonesian in my country our culture still remain, strong until this day

[@sunghaneul]

Wish my fellow Bhutanese teenagers think like you do... gosh I’m so sick of the guys in my class singing Señorita & Old Town Road at the top of their lungs!

[@kinzangtenzin3741]

Heard the English of the monarch?

[@zoli604]

Well I would like to see you say this after you have lived there.

[@jimmipranami611]

Bhutan is so peaceful and God gifted country. I love this entire Nation.

[@SoftLivingCreative]

The prince is very well spoken and articulate. That’s so impressive 💯

[@nailuyira1966]

If i am not mistaken/misheard, he's got Oxford education.

[@jayzonrosario1151]

Ok ???and why would you expect something different

[@luisantonio8281]

@@jayzonrosario1151 exactly, like?? plus their a prince. so backhanded

[@mole389]

We had the honour to speak with him on a visit. A wonderful man

[@SoftLivingCreative]

mole389 yes he seems like he’s an honorable man!

[@shouryabhardwaj2359]

I am a Indian and we had a school trip to Bhutan , oh I wish I could visit it again , I still remember the moment I opened my hotel window and I could see the mountains and breath of fresh air

[@kellywang1873]

This country is so lucky to have such smart leader.

[@jayapalank]

Bhutan 'land of the peaceful dragon' is really a wonderful country, with good people. I had been there for a period of 4 years during 1983-88. I miss Bhutan so badly even after this 30 years period.

[@visualjottings5626]

NO McDonalds NO Burger King and even no Starbucks! Amazing....... Kudos to Bhutan.

[@crand20033]

Any strip clubs?

[@alexysq2660]

@@crand20033 ~Perhaps *you* could attempt to open the first one ({; D ...?!

[@hkdiva2015]

The monarchy doesn't want the effects of globalisation to erode their culture and values; by banning those icons they're protecting their people from being brainwashed by the evils that globalisation brings in. Let's face it, globalisation is notorious for its ability to wipe out and/or cannibalise the cultural fabric and heritage. Mass tourism is also banned as the government has to control the tourism numbers with a minimum daily fee for sustainability and Bhutan doesn't exactly have the resources to support a large quantity of tourists.

[@miracleshappen4483]

No MacDonalds? No Starbucks? It must be Heaven!

[@HanPro]

no walmart, no amazon and no homedepot!

[@miracleshappen4483]

No pesticides, no chemicals, no fertilizers..!

[@stevendrake9591]

No handguns, no AK47s, no nuclear weapons.

[@melissafeds1344]

No materialism.

[@thephenomenonChannel]

no terorrist no isis no war

[@JoschuaSchmidt]

Typical mistake: There is no limitation on tourism in Bhutan, it´s just very expensive to go there. Actually, you have to pay at least 200-250 Dollars per day. That is to prevent mass tourism following the thesis: "High quality, low impact".

[@BMVTOURS]

The government gives more importance to the welfare of its people and care for the environment. Thus, the tourism policy is "High Value, Low Impact" and the government has set a mandatory minimum daily tariff , preventing it from being overwhelmed by mass tourism. 35% of the mandatory tariff directly goes to the government and is used for free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation and for sustainability fund to preserve the nature. The mandatory fees includes; Government Royalty All accommodations All Meals & Refreshments Private guided tour with Professional Licensed Tour Guide All Internal Transport(SUV/Comfortable coaches) Tickets & Fees to all Attractions Trekking & Road Permit Fees Question - do you still think it’s expensive ?

[@kunalaronne7164]

I loved every minute of Bhutan will def go back there. Hopefully Bhutan can sustain its model in future to come

[@miracleshappen4483]

People with money are not necessarily the most politically correct people on the planet, however, I think it's a good way to keep away "funny" people into drugs, alcohol and prostitution. Unfortunately though, that means that also innocent backpackers on a budget won't be able to visit such splendid country! Allowing those with no criminal records in, would help the locals willing to offer budget accommodations such as guest houses, earn some money. But perhaps the prince is afraid that people might turn money-obsessed and destroy the environment like in Nepal!

[@melissafeds1344]

@@miracleshappen4483 smart prince.

[@melissafeds1344]

For Indians I believe its cheap. Dont need a visa.

[@ByzantineCapitalManagement]

The Prince is So Divine.

[@MJ-nz6ys]

Lived in Bhutan during my teenage...love this country...will definitely visit again some day...

[@ricardo53100]

Tell us more.

[@jacobcarolan1172]

No fast food, I also don’t see any obese people walking around. Connection?

[@GauravSingh-qi9xj]

Also there are mountains that you might have to climb up and down every other day. (Not the whole mountains but some part of them

[@rmns987]

No Monsanto as well.

[@hkdiva2015]

With most of the nation on altitudes of higher than 2000 meters above sea level and with a higher energy expenditure by the human body in these environments, it's only natural that even with a lot of rice and fat they can survive.

[@ktkska8886]

You don't need to live in Bhutan to lose weight. Ask your East Asian colleagues why they can stay slim.

[@pottingsoil]

Not necessarily. Obesity depends on your genetics and eating habits.

[@samyang6306]

Bhutan might be small but its no ordinary country. Its a dwelling place of many deities a very blessed place. And it got a very protective guardian deity. Infact the land itself is originally the land of its guardian deity. Its been kept in peace and protected for centuries. Its a fairyland full of magic and mystery. Happiness is a place, and it Bhutan! ❤

[@stormysampson1257]

Our newest most wonderful, coolest COUNTRY in the world! So happy to learn about this Bhutan!

[@jonnwin653]

wow! i love this country very peaceful, beautiful mountains...awesome people.

[@sukehiro5573]

I wish I can come here someday

[@shering808]

I love Bhutan soo much. This is indeed the Last Shangri-La. A paradise on earth. 😍

[@zasiarashid4228]

I’ve been there few months back.It is such a beautiful & peaceful country,I really liked being there.The nature is all what we want❤️I had a hard time coping up with my daily life when I returned back to my country.

[@jaridkeen123]

I want to live in Bhutan

[@bensocharles6172]

No you don’t. Trust me.

[@JamyangKingYoesel]

So happy to be from this country . We respect all religion despite being mostly Buddhism in our country . No one lives in poverty .

[@absurdlyy9009]

1:58 totally off topic.. his skin is flawless

[@AmeliaMastervally]

It's even glowing

[@whitenigga6842]

Few places that didn't get colonized, respect to you guys.

[@anupamashenoy502]

I have been to Bhutan... The best place out of all the other places I have visited. Here people know how to live happily.. and that's what is lacking now a days in people's life...... This is what I have experienced.....

[@mixmaxtube7305]

i love Bhutan.. the people the culture and everything.,..

[@3depphoch]

"Bhutan once had a stop light" love it

[@yontenjamtsho3365]

The reason we got rid of it isnt just because it was 'too morden'. It was a sore to the eye and also it created more confusion than it solved.

[@Chris-lq1bg]

Beautiful country. Seeing the Himalayas was a life changing experience!

[@VAISHALISHARMA]

Small and Gentle country ♥ from India :)

[@hubertmatos5920]

A small paradise on earth...LETS SAVE BHUTAN!!

[@MusicLover-ti6zo]

Bhutan makes living in the US a sad, depressing place to live. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" has definitely been forgotten in the United States. Capitalism and consumerism could one day destroy this beautiful country.

National and state parks and libraries are exceptions that prove the rule. Most of America is a wasteland of strip malls, freeways, and fast food restaurants--and massive wealth inequality.

[@Phlegethon]

Until you need surgery right.

[@martinpier5034]

Happiness comes from within . You choose to be happy or you don't.material things including money are temporary.

[@bobdole4432]

Yep it’s just America like that 🙄 you’re still blessed to live hear grow a pair and quit bitching

[@theoutdoorguy8740]

U mean communism, socialism

[@L-Lhhamo]

I love my country BHUTAN. Happiness country very peaceful.

[@patrickywong1286]

Tashi Lhamo I love your country too

[@amapparatistkwabena]

What a wonderful world. I'd love to visit for a few days. I see beauty all over the world, and I think if these people are happy, let them be. At the end of my trip, just as with my visits to early 50 countries so far, I'm always happy coming home and walking along the beach on the coast California. What a wonderful world indeed!

[@francisnarzary3850]

from your nearest and best neighbor of Bhutan..love from BODOLAND

[@kathleenivybolotaolo5453]

This country is in my bucket list. Definitely would love to stay here.

[@sonamphuntsho2141]

You are always welcomed ….. thanks for loving our country Bhutan 🇧🇹

[@harshikachroo5720]

Ooh I so wish to reach and settle in Bhutan before modern civilization reaches it because its so pure and real...I hope this country never gets influenced the way other countries have been...Love from India😘😘 PS. the best part is they don't have MC Donald's and Starbucks!!

[@twaynewade2544]

Harshi Kachroo they do not want you to settle in bhutan. That is what they fight against. They want nature and culture, not many tourists.

[@ravelcruz2508]

Anither millenial crap.

[@spaceandmilitaryanalysis7383]

Indians can live there

[@YS-nr8ys]

People like this hold back the true meaning of Buddism. Om shanti

[@akcortin]

I am Indian, and my brother works in Bhutan. He loves it in there.

[@ShakilHashmi]

The wisest country in my humble opinion. May God keep it isolated and untouched.

[@jaxthewolf4572]

@Pavan Kumar No they do not

[@hendrahermawan1044]

The prince is very smart in answering... So classy...

[@markanthonyenriquez1924]

The face of true loving country to our Mother Earth, must be followed.👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@MahadevHanuman]

No overdevelopment .. meditation daily practice and emphasis on happiness that is the key and way to live ... they have got it absolutely right .

[@Mr-fx3lm]

I really love bhutan.. I want to visit it ... Love from india...😆

[@diagonxx1866]

Bhutan just replaced new zealand as my fave country

[@splitpitch]

all is not as idyllic as it seems in Bhutan..."On January 6, 1989, the 33-year-old king proclaimed a policy of “One Nation, One People.” Henceforth, it seemed that by virtue of a royal edict all Bhutanese would have to dress and speak like Drukpas. The teaching of Nepali to Lhotshampa schoolchildren was banned. They would have to learn Dzongkha. All citizens would also have to wear Drukpa attire, the gho coat for men and the kira for women. A recent citizenship law had required the Lhotshampas to produce pre-1958 tax receipts to prove that they were not illegal immigrants." ( www.thenation.com/article/enigma-bhutan/ ). This was followed up by mass expulsion of the Lhotshampa people in the 1990s.

[@jap882]

Same here.

[@jeanclaudejunior]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/baPJqnesoptor5Y I've made a video about Bhutan

[@indaylopez2535]

People here are very lucky to have this most beautiful place on earth!

[@ronvoy]

The dogma set in Bhutan although sounds radical and conservative but it is one thing that has well maintained this country under a certain boundary of *discipline* and I hope this sentiment never gets lost. This is what has kept this country so sacred.

[@topmog]

I love how the prince cleans his hand after greeting the reporter (1:41)

[@floridaaguada4216]

Thanks Sir for sharing ,Beautiful people and Peaceful country😊

[@ranjjunitedkingdom448]

Hello

[@nicaangela]

I want to go to bhutan.its so natural.I first saw bhutan in princess and I tv series

[@abhisheksinghal94]

such a peaceful, beautiful country. i wish to go there. bhutan rocks.

[@datnguyen1615]

it is not only happyness but they have a peaceful life also. being enought is powerful control, wanting more leads to the endless misterious road.

[@nickdavila94]

I hope I have the merit to go on pilgrimage to Bhutan one day 🙏🙏🙏

[@sonienuswantara]

The best way of living is to harmony with nature and respect them.I should go visiting Bhutan someday 😍🙏😍

[@jdlaw21]

What a wonderful way to live! 🧡

[@lain7893]

it's literally the prettiest country, i've ever been to

[@akiaki1882]

Bhutan is my favorite country. America? Please dont demonize them

[@msingh2122]

You mean China too??

[@richardschiffman7657]

Why would Americans demonize a country that the vast majority of them don't realize exists?

[@FeelingHunkyDory]

Richard Schiffman Oh yes, ha ha. Taking swipes at Americans - how very unoriginal!

[@marilynwillett804]

you demonize yourself with false gods and child prostitution.

[@cmcb1601]

As a Black Woman in America I can RESPECT That.💯

[@khnzeeeli7929]

Prince face features are adroble.... Love the natural enviroment there beautiful place and lovely people...

[@norachamberlain5187]

I love this video. I have always wanted to visit n Tigers Nest! Always have a photo of this place up in my Art Studio! Thank you!! 💜🙏💜

[@jsaavedr1]

The University of Texas at El Paso located in Texas' buildings are modeled after the Bhuteneze style of buildings.

[@yontenjamtsho3365]

Of all the places in the US, Texas...just googled it and all i can say is 'wow'. Lit Texas..

[@Nexxarian]

"Which do you like better? Video games or archery?" Me, playing an archery video game: "Yes"

[@Madaras_socks]

Lol

[@eaubert1]

I'm impressed by how well people speak English!

[@VladR1024]

What an original Dystopian Sci-Fi Short movie ! This should be on Dust Channel!

[@senthilkumar-nk6yi]

I love Bhutan, excellent place to live, but don't disturb them, at least let them live with their style. They are not spoiling the environment and ethics, All over world should think about it, only with peace we can do anything, but these already made it by themselves. Excellent and wonderful, I would suggest all over world should follow this Those who are against ethics and nature they need to die, no other ways.. All over world should think about it and change their attitude and live as long you can. Please........

[@anilchoudhary4110]

To preserve your own cultur is great art . Bhutanese look like thery are preserving there culture . They look like what they really are. Bhutan is very hard pollengrain which is not affected by industrilization since 300 yr .

[@ricardo53100]

Bhutan only exists because China and India allow it. You might keep that in mind. India decided to take its neighbor Sikiim over in 1970. I do not hear anyone bemoaning that.

[@ibrahimsidat1109]

Amazing video. I'd like to visit Bhutan one day. SMILE!

[@penn5014]

i love Bhutan ! much love from the Philippine s

[@kasperchakma9773]

I'm also Buddhist 🙏🙏

[@user-kg6ks3lt9y]

🙏🙏🙏

[@yurianvise1672]

Lol, prince's outfit is oddly satisfying

[@ROHITYADAV-xk3gb]

I love Bhutan

[@gonorrheabreath3774]

What an amazing and beautiful country (and people). Cheers Bhutan! 😃👍👍

[@calvinjohnstone2664]

Seems a very peaceful place, hope it keeps it's traditions and limits tech.👍

[@davidcopperfield-notthemag397]

There are so many awesome places on this earth!

[@loveaodai100]

I travelled there last February and found Bhutan super interesting, beautiful and worthwhile with friendly people who surprisingly given the years of isolation can speak a reasonable amount of English. As for the high daily cost... the 250 dollars per day (200 in winter) includes all costs including airfare, a five star hotel, all meals, all transportation guides and admissions. And thus the cost is not really so high especially considering everything included. If you work with a specialist tour operator then they will handle the visa for you and you will be able to squeeze all the normal travel costs into the minimum daily requirement. Going at the end of February we got the winter price and the weather is mostly sunny and dry with cold mornings but rather pleasant afternoons.

[@paultaeza15]

How well they preserve their culture and natural environment is admirable! This is heaven on earth!💕 I love the fact that they focus on Gross National Happiness! Hey Philippines, please learn from this wonderful nation😁❤

[@sweet3036]

Luv Bhutan, I wish to go there and meet the prince in my dreams

[@sweet3036]

Nima Yoezer , Hi, so you're the prince in my dreams? The Bhutan prince. Thanks for replying your highness! Just kidding. .I know you're not a prince.But am glad you response . It's my pleasure to have a bhutan friend.

[@sweet3036]

Nima Yoezer ,sorry i don't have face book. Anyway, I'd like to go there one day. If i only a bhutan princess, I will build a palace on top of the hill . Where i can see the whole bhutan, but am not .You're so lucky, you know? Please take care your country.

[@user-hw7dz7mg5n]

@@sweet3036 Bhutanese people are not allowed to marry foreigners lmao

[@milanpaudel9624]

70% Of Bhutan is all forest. 45% of Nepal is all forest. Nepal gotto learn from its neighbor. Damn my homeland gotto gear up.

[@SmallPn]

Nepal is a 3 time bigger than Bhutan.

[@npgoku1507]

Imao Nepal's 18% is Himalaya , 45% is forest n so on Nepal is hugely diverd at same time so it's better not to compare

[@kodyhastings4651]

Absolutely love this it is always so good to see other people and the way they live it's absolutely beautiful

[@nyankoycelestingbilimou4564]

I enjoyed the movie I like the country too, the most important thing is all Bhutanese are kindly and friendly. I love you all from Bhutan ❤️❤️❤️❤️🇧🇹🇧🇹

[@yurianvise1672]

Damn, that gho looks Super nice

[@nagaratnahegde6496]

Butan is heaven on this earth 😍

[@ronalieandoy2862]

This is the country i admire bcs of their amazing beautifully presserve nature💚

[@jack12win]

My daughter visited Bhutan. No, she didn’t have a visa. Her Indian hosts instructed her to smile and wave at the border officials as she entered the country. She said it was amazing.

[@coffeegirl4370]

This is how you run a country!

[@courteneyclark5626]

I think I'm in love with the prince.

[@Blueseegull]

Preserving of culture and traditions, makes a country rich..

[@btetschner]

That would be awesome to go there! What a cool place. Thank you for the video.

[@yizhuangliu7836]

Personal opinion, the reporter's manner when talking to local people is a little condescending... Bhutan is a nice place. I hope it is not consumed in the future.

[@mr.poortraveller]

Hi im from philippine this land is my dream hope someone bring me here someday

[@paulinamendoza3149]

Aw haha, I hope the same for me

[@MrCJNice]

magtrabaho ka. magbanat ka ng buto at wag umasa sa awa at limos ng ibang tao.

[@jimcollo2610]

Definitely in my travel bucket list

[@LeonZone]

Heaven on earth. Should be in my bucket list ❤️

[@sonamphuntsho2141]

Pam_Wien hello there m Bhutanese a civil engineering graduate 2 years back and I chose to have my own business and one business m doing is travel and tours. Would love to help you. Where you from?

[@josbuttler711]

Bhutan: I’m the mountain kingdom Nepal: Hold my Beer

[@tobgyaltha]

Nepal isn't a Kingdom. LMAO.

[@naressl8048]

Nepal got highest 8 mountains out of 12 in the world.

[@kattinabyse1957]

This sounds so nice. No wonder they don't let enough people in to ruin it. Good call, guys.

[@cy4330]

I have always looked up to this pure country. One thing that amazes me is the prime minister since 2018, Lotay Tshering is actually a doctor who sets aside one day a week to be a normal doctor and to treat the people free of charge. You don't see this in the entire world ok. All the politicians in the world no matter what they say they are want power and status.

[@pageantnerds5986]

Such a beautiful place, people and culture.

[@europamagna4602]

*NO STARBUCKS NO MACDO WOW GOTTA LOVE BHUTAN* Make more countries like this

[@thomasbernecky2078]

GNH: Perhaps we smart (?) westerners should look at this for a model?

[@jtconner7599]

YES! Bhutan is happy because they are Bhutanese, a hermit kingdom, cut off from the world. I like how you think.

[@kayokayochannel3037]

I'm from Malaysia, n hope 1 day will go to Bhutan. I heard a lot about Bhutan.

[@singaydorji5717]

you are most welcome bro.i will help you

[@juviegonzalesgalutan73]

Very unique castle