The Bhutan I saw

Bhutan has compulsory military training for one year, known as Gyalsung. All the young boys and girls you see in this orange dress are actually undergoing training.

The number of vehicles on the roads are very less. Almost all roads are alongside a river which has clean flowing water.

I never saw any vehicle exceeding the speed limit of 55. There are no traffic lights throughout the country and the zebra crossing is well respected by all drivers. There is a cop at every cross road.

Children returning after school. Girls are more when it comes to the boy to girl ratio.

A phone number is provided at the bus stop. Probably to ring and ask about the next bus?

Even if the roads are narrow, there is also a narrow footpath provided so that the pedestrians can walk safely.

If you visit the Post Office you can get custom made stamps which you can affix on letters/postcards and send to any part of the world.

Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world. The constitution of Bhutan mandates the country to preserve at least 60% of forest cover at all times. (the actuals as of now is 71%)

A Guinness world record was achieved when they planted 108,000 trees in an hour to commemorate the birth of His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck by 100 volunteers in Thimphu.
Houses are well planned and with sloping roofs.

Almost all the houses are made of wood (wood obtained from controlled cutting of trees)

Farming is the common occupation (mostly rice and potatoes)

While having lunch, from the window I could see the farmers processing their rice grain. Could also see some tourists showing a keen interest in the process.

They conserve their produce to last longer like this guy was slitting the chillies to be dried which can be used during winter.

Dochula pass is an interesting place. They say that on a clear day one can see the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas. Unfortunately when we went it was foggy and misty. (and cold)

At the pass I saw an artisan standing on a scaffold and painting a perfect circle without a template

This Raven was posing for me as if to say "I am the National bird"

Scaling the Tigers Nest is not an easy task, but two from our group did it.

When in Bhutan one must not miss the black necked Cranes Karma and Pema.

Have made a video on them.
Plane landing in Paro is a highlight which one must not miss. Wrote a seperate blog on it.
Our guide said that during the Covid lockdown period when they were jobless, the King supported them by giving 10000 BTN per month.
Saw this message on a cross road in Phuentsholing and it says it all: "Where we live must be clean, safe, organised and beautiful, for national integrity, national pride, and for our bright future. This too is nation building."

I am sure all those who visit Bhutan must be going back home with one question "Why can't our country be like this?"