Bhutan

Assalamualaikum

It is a small land locked country between China and India that controls many of the Himilayan passes and was only recently opened to tourist travels. They have heavy regulations regarding tourism so the only way to get in is to book a “tour” with a government approved agency- the agency will then book flights, make hotel arrangements, provide a guide and transportation and even take care of meals! There is a government minimum spend which is ever-changing but currently $280 per person per day.

Punaka Dzong (a 3 hr drive) which is a huge dzong built in 17th century where Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers come together and is the country’s most beautiful zhong

View of the monastery

Bhutan is led by a young king who recently married and they are progressive, supporting innovative things like hydro-electricity. Bhutan earns 60% of their government revenues from exporting hydro electricity to India. This especially stands out next to Nepal who have a similar landscape and capacity to generate energy but can’t even manage enough for their own needs (12hr blackout scheduled regularly) never mind exporting any!