Kingdom of Bhutan འབྲུག་ཡུལ(Dzongkha) & གངས་དཀར་སྤུན་གསུམ་(강까르 쀤숨)

Kingdom of Bhutan

འབྲུག་ཡུལ (Dzongkha)

A map of Bhutan showing its borders with China and India as of 2015

 

Bhutan,  officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia situated in the Eastern Himalayas between China in the north and India in the south.  With a population of over 727,145  and a territory of 38,394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi), Bhutan ranks 133rd in land area and 160th in population.

 

Official languages :  Dzongkha

Dzongkha (རྫོང་ཁ་; [d͡zòŋkʰɑ́])

Dzongkha (རྫོང་ཁ་; [d͡zòŋkʰɑ́]) is a Tibeto-Burman language that is the official and national language of Bhutan. It is written using the Tibetan script. Dzongkha is a South Tibetic language. 

 

 

Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a king (Druk Gyalpo) as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The Je Khenpo is the head of the state religion, Vajrayana Buddhism.

 

The Druk Gyalpo (འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་པོ་; lit. 'Dragon King') is the head of state of the Kingdom of Bhutan. In the Dzongkha language, Bhutan is known as Drukyul which translates as "The Land of the Thunder Dragon". Thus, while kings of Bhutan are known as Druk Gyalpo ("Dragon King"), the Bhutanese people call themselves the Drukpa, meaning "people of Druk (Bhutan)"

 

The precise etymology of "Bhutan" is unknown, although it is likely to derive from the Tibetan endonym "Böd" for Tibet. Traditionally, it is taken to be a transcription of the Sanskrit Bhoṭa-anta (भोट-अन्त) "end of Tibet", a reference to Bhutan's position as the southern extremity of the Tibetan plateau and culture.

 

Since the 17th century, Bhutan's official name has been Druk yul (literally, "country of the Drukpa Lineage" or "the Land of the Thunder Dragon," a reference to the country's dominant Buddhist sect); "Bhutan" appears only in English-language official correspondence. The terms for the Kings of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo ("Dragon King"), and the Bhutanese endonym Drukpa, "Dragon people," are similarly derived.

 

Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan

 

 

히말라야 산맥에 있는 입헌군주제 국가. 수도는 팀부이다.북쪽과 서쪽으로는 티베트 고원, 남쪽과 동쪽으로는 인도와 국경을 이루고 있다. 국민은  부티아(보테)족, 네팔인, 토착부족과 기타 이민족 등으로 구성된다. 2024년 추계인구는 79만 2,382명이다.

 

종교는 불교이나 문화는 인도 북부와 미얀마에 사는 티베트 미얀마족과 더 가깝다. 농업 국가이며 인도로부터의 경제의존도가 매우 높다. 본래 왕정 국가였으나 2008년 위로부터의 민주화 정책이 실시되어 민주주의를 표방하는 입헌군주제 국가로 탈바꿈했다.

 

A Himalayan peak from Bumthang

View of Gangkhar Puensum from Bumthang. (taken from national highway between Jakar and Ura)

 

부탄은 자연적으로 뚜렷한 3개의 지역, 즉 대(大)히말라야 산맥, 소(小)히말라야 산맥, 두아르스 평원지역으로 나누어진다. 부탄 북부지역은 대히말라야 산맥에 자리잡고 있다. 7,300m 이상의 눈 덮인 산봉우리들이 있으며 3,700∼5,500m에 이르는 높은 계곡들이 북부의 거대한 빙하지역에서 아래로 뻗어 있다.

 

Sub-alpine Himalayan landscape

Himalayan Landscape in Bhutan

 

포브지카(Phobjikha)산

 

The Haa Valley in Western Bhutan

 

Jigme Dorji National Park

The Himalayas in Jigme Dorji National Park — in central and western Bhutan.

Khang Bum, Bhutan

Sunrise and Alpenglow on Khang Bum, Bhutan Himalaya, Gasa, Bhutan.

Khang-Bum-Gasa-District-Bhutan

 

Early morning capture of mighty Khang Bum, located in the remote Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan.

Khang Bum reaches a height of 6.494m and forms part of the Eastern Himalayas.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

— Heraclitus

 

 

གངས་དཀར་སྤུན་གསུམ་ / Gangkhar Puensum 강카르 푼섬

*티베트어 : gangs-dkar-spun-gsum(강까르 쀤숨).

 

부탄 쪽에서 본 강카르 푼섬

부탄과 중국의 경계에 있으며 부탄 최고봉이다.
종카어로 세 영적 형제의 봉우리 꼭대기 라는 뜻을 가지고 있다.
부탄 히말라야에 있는 산으로 해발 7,570m이다.

 

세계에서 제일 높은 미정복 봉우리다.

 1983년 부탄이 등산을 허용한 이후 등반 시도가 4번 있었으나 모두 실패했다. 1998년에는 티베트 쪽에서 올라간 등반대가 강카르 푼섬의 부속 봉우리 등정에 성공하였다.

 

* 1994년 이후에 토착신앙 존중 목적으로 이 산을 포함한 6,000m 이상인 봉우리에 등반을 금지하였으며 2003년 이후에는 모든 산의 등산을 금지하였다.  

 

 

 Tiger's Nest

Paro Valley, Paro District, Bhutan

 

Paro Taktsang (Dzongkha: སྤ་གྲོ་སྟག་ཚང་, also known as the Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest),  is a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. It is one of thirteen Tiger's Nest caves in historical Tibet in which Padmasambhava practiced and taught Vajrayana.

 

파로 탁상(Dzongkha: སྤ་གྲོ་སྟག་ཚང་, Taktsang Palphug 수도원 및 호랑이 둥지로도 알려져 있음)은 부탄의 파로 계곡 상류 절벽에 자리한 신성한 *바즈라야나(金剛乘) 히말라야 불교 유적지이다. 이곳은 파드마삼바바가 금강승(金剛乘)을 수행하고 가르쳤던 역사적인 티베트의 13개 호랑이 둥지 동굴 중 하나이다.

 

* Vajrayana 밀교 (密敎, 金剛乘 )

- 인도와 인도 인접국가, 특히 티베트에서 독특하게 발전한 불교형태.

- 진언불교- 만트라(mantra;진언) 불교라고도 함

 

 

In the heart of the Eastern Himalayas lies a kingdom shrouded in mystery and magic — Bhutan. Nestled between the giants of India and China, this small, landlocked country has managed to preserve its unique culture and traditions against the tide of modernization. If you’re seeking a destination that seamlessly blends awe-inspiring landscapes, rich history, and a sense of spiritual tranquility, embark on the journey of a lifetime with a Tour Bhutan.

 

 

Tiger's Nest 

호랑이 둥지

Paro Valley, Paro District, Bhutan

 파로 밸리, 파로 군,  부탄

Tiger's Nest  aka  Paro Taktsang 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery

[Paro Taktsang '호랑이 둥지' 수도원] 으로 알려진 호랑이 둥지.

Tiger Nest/ Taktsang Monastery in Paro | Bhutan 

호랑이 둥지/ 파로  탁상 수도원 | 부탄

4

 

부탄  파로계곡 상류의  절벽에 자리한  '신성한 금강승(金剛乘)' 히말라야 불교 사원

The monastery hangs on a precarious cliff at 3,120 metres (10,240 ft) altitude, about 900 metres (3,000 ft) above the Paro Valley.

수도원은 파로 계곡에서 약 900미터(3,000피트) 높이, 해발 3,120미터(10,240피트)의 위태로운 절벽에 걸려 있다.

 

Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Paro Taktsang, is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan and a UNESCO-listed site. It is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche or the second Buddha) flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tiger in the 8th century. He anointed the location as a site for a monastery. From the 11th century, Tibetan saints and other major figures visited Tiger’s Nest to meditate.

 

Tiger's Nest Monastery 또는 Paro Taktsang은 부탄에서 가장 인기 있는 관광 명소이자 유네스코에 등재된 곳이다. 파드마삼바바(구루 린포체 또는 두 번째 부처)가 8세기에 티베트에서 호랑이를 타고 이곳으로 날아왔다고 믿는다. 그는 이 곳을 수도원 부지로 선정하였다. 11세기부터 티베트 성자들과 기타 주요 인사들이  명상하기 위하여 '호랑이 둥지'를 방문하였다.

 

The first monastery was built at the location in 1692. In April 1998, it is believed that butter lamps in the monastery caused a major fire. The majority of the monastery was destroyed. Restorations took place between 1998 and 2005. Bhutanese people from all over the country traveled to help with the restoration. It reopened to the public in 2005.

 

최초의 수도원은 1692년에 세워졌다. 1998년 4월, 수도원의 버터 램프로 인해 큰 화재가 발생한 것으로 추정된다.  수도원의 대부분이 파괴되었다.

복원은 1998년에서 2005년 사이에 이루어졌다. 전국 각지에서  부탄 사람들이 복원을 돕기 위해 여행했다. 2005년 대중에게 다시 공개됐다.

 

 

 

Exploring the Kingdom of HappinessThe Land of Thunder Dragon

Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” Bhutan is a nation that prides itself on its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern values. The Bhutanese people are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, making every traveler feel like an honored guest. As you step into this mystical kingdom, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes and the vibrant colors of traditional Bhutanese architecture.

 

Thimphu: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

The capital city, Thimphu, is a fascinating juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. Here, ancient monasteries coexist with bustling markets, and traditional festivals blend seamlessly with contemporary art scenes. Don’t miss the iconic Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-monastery that stands proudly at the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, symbolizing Bhutanese religious and political power.

 

Giant-Buddha-Thimphu-Bhutan

 

Paro: Gateway to Spiritual Escapades

As you venture into Paro, you’ll be captivated by its timeless beauty. The town is not only a gateway to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, but it’s a destination in itself. Perched on a cliff, this sacred site offers breathtaking views of the valley below. The trek to Tiger’s Nest is a spiritual journey, allowing you to connect with the natural beauty and the profound spirituality that defines Bhutan.

 

Punakha: Amidst Nature’s Grandeur

Journeying eastward, Punakha welcomes you with open arms. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and nestled between the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers, Punakha Dzong is a majestic fortress that once served as the seat of the government. The serene Punakha Valley, with its terraced fields and charming villages, offers a peaceful escape into Bhutan’s rural life.

 

The Festivals of Bhutan: A Cultural Extravaganza

No Tour Bhutan is complete without experiencing the vibrant festivals that define Bhutanese culture. The Tsechus, or religious festivals, are celebrated with fervor and joy throughout the country. These festivals showcase traditional masked dances, colorful costumes, and ancient rituals that have been passed down through generations. Attendees, both locals and visitors alike, are enveloped in the spiritual aura, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.

 

Bhutanese Cuisine: A Gastronomic Adventure

Bhutanese cuisine is a reflection of the country’s cultural diversity and rich heritage. Embrace the opportunity to savor dishes like Ema Datshi (chilies and cheese), Phaksha Paa (pork curry), and Momos (dumplings) — each bite a delightful journey into the flavors of Bhutan. Engaging in a traditional Bhutanese meal is not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s a cultural immersion that adds another layer to your Tour Bhutan experience.

bhutanese-women-traditional-dress

 

Embracing Gross National Happiness

Bhutan is not just a destination; it’s a philosophy. The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) takes precedence over GDP in this kingdom, emphasizing the importance of spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. As you explore the serene monasteries, engage with the friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders, you’ll understand why Bhutan consistently ranks high on global happiness indices.

 

 

 Tiger’s Nest monastery

Nestled deep in the Himalayas, between the powers of India and Nepal, lies Bhutan – one of the most beautiful and isolated places on Earth.

 

 

THIS IS LIFE IN BHUTAN: The most isolated country in the world?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=o6QuNgPRuXk

 

 

Bhutan-Sacred-Natural-Sites-and-Biodiversity

 

padd-field-thimpu-bhutan

Thimphu

The capital of the last Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan,

Thimphu is a stronghold of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture and culture.