The land of thunder dragon
BHUTAN
A kingdom perched high up in the Himalayan Mountains, sandwiched between two big countries, China in the North and India in the south, graced and protected by the legendary guardian deities, with hw historical event and visited by many scholar and saints making the countary more blessful and holy. Travelling to Bhutan for pilgrimage is way different from other, since the sacred sides are waying back to the centuarys.
一個坐落在喜馬拉雅山脈高處的王國，夾在北邊的中國和南邊的印度兩個大國之間，有守護神庇佑和保護，在歷史上有許多學者和大成就者的到訪，使這個國家變得更被祝福和殊聖。前往不丹朝聖與其他地方有很大不同，殊聖的一面可以追溯到幾個世紀前。
NATIONAL EMBEMIM
The national emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond-thunderbolt (dorje) placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power. The lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel expresses sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female, stand for the name of the country which they proclaim with their great voice, the thunder.
國徽
國徽呈一個圓圈，由放置在蓮花上方的十字金剛杵組成，蓮花上方有一顆寶石，周圍有兩條雷龍。
十字金剛杵代表世俗與宗教力量之間的和諧。蓮花象徵純潔；珠寶表達主權；兩條龍，雄性和雌性，宣告的國家成立的時候，兩條雷龍在天上盤旋並發出巨大的聲音,
以此吉祥稱為雷龍之地。
ALL ABOUT BHUTAN
關於不丹
Previously all Bhutanese citizens were required to observe the national dress code, known as Driglam Namzha, while in public during daylight hours. The rule was enforced more rigorously in some districts (dzongkhag) than others. Men wear a heavy knee-length robe tied with a belt, called a GHO, folded in such a way to form a pocket in front of the stomach.Women wear colourful blouses over which they fold and clasp a large rectangular cloth called a kira, thereby creating an ankle-length dress. A short silk jacket, or toego may be worn over the KIRA. Everyday gho and kira are cotton or wool, according to the season, patterned in simple checks and stripes in earth tones. For special occasions and festivals, colourfully patterned silk kiraand, more rarely, gho may be worn.Additional rules of protocol apply when visiting a dzong or a temple, or when appearing before a high-level official. Male commoners wear a white sash (kabney) from left shoulder to opposite hip. Local and regional elected officials, government ministers, cabinet members, and the King himself each wear their own colored kabney. Women wear a narrow embroidered cloth draped over the left shoulder, a rachu.The dress code has met with some resistance from Lhotshampa, people of Nepali ancestry, living along the Indian border who resent having to wear a cultural dress which is not their own.
所有不丹公民在公共場合時都必須遵守國家服裝規範（稱為 Driglam Namzha）。此規則在某些地區（dzongkhag）的執行比其他地區更為嚴格。男人穿著一件厚重的及膝長袍，上面繫著一條稱為「GHO」的腰帶，折疊起來在肚子前面形成一個口袋。女人則穿著色彩繽紛的襯衫，在上面折疊並扣上一塊稱為基拉的大矩形布，從而打造出一條長至腳踝的連身裙。 KIRA 外面可以穿一件短絲綢夾克或 toego。日常的 gho 和 kira 根據季節選用棉質或羊毛材質，飾有簡單的土色格紋和條紋圖案。在特殊場合和節日，可以穿著色彩鮮豔的絲綢 kira 和 gho（更罕見）。參觀宗堡或寺廟，或出現在高級官員面前時，適用額外的禮節規則。男性平民從左肩到對側臀部穿著白色腰帶（kabney）。地方和地區民選官員、政府部長、內閣成員和國王本人都穿著自己的彩色卡布尼。女性左肩披著一塊窄繡花布，即「rachu」。這種著裝要求遭到了生活在印度邊境的尼泊爾血統的 Lhotshampa 人的抵制，他們對不得不穿著不屬於自己的文化服裝感到不滿。
Culture and custom. 文化與習俗
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.Laced with chilli, Bhutanese food is known for being very spicy so be aware of this before digging in. Vegetarians will be spoilt for choice, meat isn’t as prevalent as in some other countries.
Intrepid 相信體驗一個國家的最佳方式之一就是美食！無論您是品嚐街頭小吃、品嚐廉價美食還是盡情享受宴會，無論您身在何處，都有無數的選擇可供選擇。不丹食物中加入辣椒，以非常辣而聞名，因此在食用之前請注意這一點素食者的選擇太多了，肉類並不像其他一些國家那麼普遍。
Eating and Drinking 飲食
Bhutan’s rich and remarkable culture is a real highlight for many visitors. Even though the internet and mobile phones have infiltrated Bhutan in recent years, the traditions and customs that are centuries old continue to endure. Bhutan’s dance, art, drama and music are linked to Buddhism, which is the most-practiced religion in Bhutan. As with most other Asian countries, monks are revered in Bhutanese society and generally afforded great respect for they are the guardians of the predominant faith. Visitors shouldn’t miss out on visiting one of Bhutan’s many monasteries to see daily rituals, monks and pilgrims. Religious festivals are celebrated all year round, from smaller regional festivals practiced only by villages, to large nationally recognised religious ceremonies and festivals. These festivals help to preserve and celebrate an ancient culture, and are full of parades, sports, dance, drumming and art. Bhutan’s distinctive traditional dress is another cultural highlight and it’s possible to see locals wearing fine woven dresses and jackets of different colours and decorations, which often define ones social class or standing.
不丹豐富而卓越的文化是許多遊客的真正亮點。儘管近年來網路和行動電話已經滲透到不丹，但數百年歷史的傳統和習俗仍然存在。不丹的舞蹈、藝術、戲劇和音樂都與佛教有關，佛教是不丹最盛行的宗教。與大多數其他亞洲國家一樣，僧侶在不丹社會中受到尊敬，並且普遍受到高度尊重，因為他們是主要信仰的守護者。遊客不應錯過參觀不丹眾多寺廟之一，觀看日常儀式、僧侶和朝聖者。全年都有宗教節日慶祝，從僅由村莊舉行的較小的區域節日，到全國認可的大型宗教儀式和節日。這些節日有助於保護和慶祝古老的文化，充滿遊行、體育、舞蹈、鼓樂和藝術。不丹獨特的傳統服飾是另一個文化亮點，你可以看到當地人穿著不同顏色和裝飾的精美編織連身裙和夾克，這些通常定義了一個人的社會階層或地位。
SHOPPING
If you’re after top quality handicrafts and colourful art, then Bhutan will delight. While Bhutan isn’t known as a top shopping destination, there are many talented artisans creating good quality souvenirs to buy here.It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Things to buy in Bhutan:
1. Hand-Woven Fabric
Traditional weaving is at its very best in Bhutan. Choose from colourful rugs, clothing, blankets and accessories when visiting one of the many textile stores and boutiques in Bhutan’s cities.
2. Traditional Music
Why not pick up a CD of Bhutanese harmonies, or chanting monks, as a melodic stress-buster for when you’re back at home and in work mode.
3. Spiritual Souvenirs
Vibrant prayer flags, fragrant incense and prayer beads make meaningful gifts for friends and family back home.
購物
如果您追求高品質的手工藝品和豐富多彩的藝術，那麼不丹會讓您滿意。雖然不丹並不是著名的頂級購物目的地，但這裡有許多才華橫溢的工匠製作出優質的紀念品供您購買。最好諮詢當地海關官員，以確保您能夠將某些物品帶回家中國家。澳洲和紐西蘭通常有嚴格的檢疫法。
不丹必買的東西：
1. 手工編織布料 不丹的傳統編織工藝最為精湛。參觀不丹城市的眾多紡織品商店和精品店之一，並挑選色彩繽紛的地毯、服裝、毛毯和配件。
2. 傳統音樂 為什麼不買一張不丹和聲或僧侶誦經的 CD，作為您回到家和工作模式時的旋律壓力消除器。
3. 精神紀念品 充滿活力的經幡、芬芳的香和念珠是送給家鄉朋友和家人的有意義的禮物
Best time to visit Bhutan
Although it can be wet from March to May, this is still a good time to visit Bhutan as there are plenty of birds around and the wildflowers are out in bloom. September to November is also a great time to visit as rainfall is lower and views are clear. Although it rains all year round, monsoonal weather can be expected in Bhutan between June and August. From December to February snowfalls may result in road closures and delays. Nevertheless, winter can be a good time to visit as the days are generally sunny (although cold) and the blanket of snow makes for picturesque panoramas.
Geography and environment
This landlocked kingdom may occupy a small space on the world globe but there’s nothing small about the mountains that lie within! Sharing borders with China and India, Bhutan is known as 'The Switzerland of Asia' for its mountainous topography and similarity to Swiss landscapes. Bhutan has largely resisted overdevelopment, which has left much of its natural environment intact. As a result of this, Bhutan is one of the most species-rich countries in the world – with hundreds of species of mammals, birds and plants calling the Bhutanese valleys, mountains and meadows home. Endangered red pandas and snow leopards can be found in Bhutan as well as a huge variety of wild flowers and birds. Most Bhutanese people live simple lives with much less access to modern technology and infrastructure than others in neighbouring countries. There are still many villages that operate without running water and electricity; however, these facilities are widely available in the larger cities. Although Bhutan’s larger cities like Paro and Thimphu do have more access to technology, the pace of life is still slow and most traditional buildings have been preserved, as has the way of life.
Things to try in Bhutan
1. Red Rice
The people of Bhutan eat loads of rice and one thing you’ll notice here is that the rice is of a reddish colour. Grown in the fertile Paro Valley soil, this quick cooking rice has a nutty flavour and is typically paired with mushrooms and chilli.
2. Momo
Although a Tibetan dish, momo is also very popular and widely available in Bhutan. Essentially a dumpling, fillings usually range from cheese to pork or other meats, and are served in batches as a savoury snack.
3. Red Panda Beer
This locally brewed beer is made using a natural fermentation process and often bottled in recycled (pre-loved) beer bottles. Often touted as one of Asia’s best beers, Red Panda is a pleasant surprise - try it for yourself.
訪問不丹的最佳時間
儘管三月至五月天氣潮濕，但這仍然是遊覽不丹的好時機，因為周圍有許多鳥類，野花盛開。九月至十一月也是遊覽的好時機，因為降雨量較少且景色清晰。儘管全年多雨，但六月至八月期間不丹仍可能出現季風天氣。十二月至二月的降雪可能會導致道路封閉和延誤。然而，冬季可能是遊覽的好時機，因為天氣通常晴朗（儘管寒冷），而且白雪覆蓋著風景如畫的全景。
地理環境
這個內陸王國在地球上可能佔據的空間很小，但其內部的山脈卻可不小！不丹與中國和印度接壤，因其多山的地形和與瑞士的風景相似而被稱為“亞洲的瑞士”。不丹在很大程度上抵制了過度開發，這使得其大部分自然環境完好無損。因此，不丹是世界上物種最豐富的國家之一，不丹的山谷、山脈和草地棲息著數百種哺乳動物、鳥類和植物。在不丹可以看到瀕臨絕種的小熊貓和雪豹，以及種類繁多的野花和鳥類。大多數不丹人過著簡單的生活，與鄰國其他人相比，他們獲得現代技術和基礎設施的機會要少得多。仍有許多村莊沒有自來水和電力；然而，這些設施在大城市中隨處可見。儘管不丹的大城市如帕羅和廷布確實擁有更多的科技機會，但生活節奏仍然緩慢，大多數傳統建築和生活方式都被保留下來。
不丹值得嘗試的事情
1. 紅米 不丹人吃大量的米，你會注意到這裡的一件事是大米呈現微紅色。這種快煮米飯生長在肥沃的帕羅河谷土壤中，具有堅果味，通常與蘑菇和辣椒搭配。
2. 莫莫 莫莫雖然是藏族菜餚，但在不丹也很受歡迎並廣泛使用。本質上是一種餃子，餡料通常包括起司、豬肉或其他肉類，並作為美味小吃批量供應。
3.小熊貓啤酒 這種當地釀造的啤酒採用自然發酵工藝製成，通常裝在回收的（舊的）啤酒瓶中。 Red Panda 經常被譽為亞洲最好的啤酒之一，它會給人帶來驚喜 - 您可以親自嘗試一下。
History and government
Early History
As one of the few countries in the world to have never been conquered or occupied by another, Bhutan has a long history of independent governance. Although its early history is shrouded in mystery, Bhutan is thought to have been inhabited from as early as 2000BC. Tibetan Buddhism was introduced into the region sometime around the 9th century, when many Tibetans fled neighbouring Tibet to seek refuge in Bhutan. The leadership and governance of Bhutan has always been linked to its religion, and this continues in today’s political, legal and religious leadership of the country. The 16th and 17th centuries saw some conflict with Tibet, although Bhutan was never officially taken over by its neighbour. External threats from the British presented themselves in the 18th and 19th centuries; however, once again Bhutan was never officially controlled or governed by an external power.
Recent History
In the last 40 years, Bhutan has had many ‘firsts’. Bhutan introduced a new monetary system and currency in 1974, and also opened up its borders to welcome foreign tourists in the same year. By 2000, Bhutan had its first television set and internet cafe, and by 2004 Bhutan became the first country in the world to ban the sale of tobacco products. Bhutan’s first constitution was drawn up in 2005, and its first democratic multi-party election was held in 2008, when the constitution was finally ratified. Today, Bhutan’s economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture and forestry, although ‘Gross National Happiness’ continues to be valued more than economic abundance or growth in domestic product.
歷史與政府
早期歷史
不丹是世界上少數從未被他國征服或佔領的國家之一，有著悠久的獨立治理歷史。儘管不丹的早期歷史籠罩在神秘之中，但人們認為早在公元前 2000 年就有人居住了。藏傳佛教於九世紀左右傳入該地區，當時許多藏人逃離鄰近的西藏前往不丹尋求庇護。不丹的領導和治理始終與其宗教聯繫在一起，這種情況在當今國家的政治、法律和宗教領導中繼續存在。儘管不丹從未被鄰國正式接管，但在 16 世紀和 17 世紀，不丹與西藏發生了一些衝突。來自英國的外部威脅在 18 世紀和 19 世紀出現。然而，不丹再次從未受到外在勢力的正式控製或統治。
近代歷史
在過去的40年裡，不丹創造了許多「第一」。不丹於1974年推出新的貨幣體系和貨幣，並於同年開放邊境歡迎外國遊客。到了2000年，不丹擁有第一台電視和網咖，到2004年，不丹成為世界上第一個禁止販售菸草製品的國家。不丹於2005年制定第一部憲法，2008年舉行第一次民主多黨選舉，憲法最終獲得批准。如今，不丹的經濟主要依賴旅遊業、農業和林業，儘管「國民幸福總值」仍然比經濟繁榮或國內生產成長更受重視。