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Bhutan plans Gross National Happiness center
The Himalayan nation of Bhutan is famous for its government policy of measure progress not by Gross National Product, but by Gross National Happiness. The brainchild of former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, it puts the well-being of the general population at the forefront of national policy.Of course this is an ideal, and Bhutan is a poor country. A recent series of suicides has shocked the nation and now the government is planning a Gross National Happiness center to help improve the people's morale.
The Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley has already visited the proposed site, a 45 acre pine forest, and said in a newspaper interview that the center would, "become home for the promotion and practice of happiness, by establishing a facility where people from all walks of life can come and stay to imbibe the sense of happiness."
Bhutan is a favorite destination for trekkers and adventure travelers attracted by the beautiful and rugged mountains and traditional lifestyle, perfectly captured in one of our old Photo of the Day entries. For more photos of Bhutan, check out BluePeak's excellent series of images on Flickr, such as this one showing a monk who seems to have his happiness in order.
Here's hoping that travelers will soon have a place to practice improving their own happiness.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, Bhutan, Budget Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gregory S. Barsh, Esq. May 27th 2010 11:07PM
I love what Bhutan is doing.
If the goal of government is not to increase their citizens' long term Happiness, what is it?
Thanks, and Be Happy,
Gregory S. Barsh, Esq.
Chief Happiness Officer
ruHap, The Happiness Company
Follow our blog, How to be Happier, at http://ruhap.com/content/category/blog/
http://ruhap.com/
karma Jun 1st 2010 7:42AM
Trip to Bhutan and Bhutan Adventure Tours
Bhutan is a country which is enriched by large green valleys and temples. The second name of Bhutan is Druk-Yul. It is also popularly known as botanist’s paradise. Bhutan is considered as the Land of Dragons. Undiluted cultures and pure natural wonders are the basic strength of this renowned country. The climate of Bhutan is mostly affected by monsoons. Western Bhutan is responsible for 60% - 90% rainfall of the entire region. Paro Valley, Thimphu Valley, Wangduephodrang, Tongsa, Bumthang Valley and Mongar are some of the evergreen valleys of Bhutan which replicates its rich cultural heritage.
Bhutan offers endless trekking opportunities which are blended by its charming landscape and lofty mountains. For all the hiking lovers, trekking here serves as a memorable experience as one gets a chance to come across native individuals and get to know their cultures. Bhutan is a rare and most elite destination. The special quality of Bhutan which makes it different from other tourist spots lies in its unique culture, marvellous architecture, haughty snowy peaks and friendly nature of the people.
A listed agency only can organize trekking in Bhutan. The cost normally ranges from 200$ per night per person irrespective of the tour. Accommodation, guide, meals, services, etc. are included in the cost. The trek generally ranges from 4 - 25 days. One of the most amazing hikes is the 7-10 day trek which extends to the base of Chomolhari. A 5 day Trek on Druk Path is also a convenient option. Lhunthse and Bumthang areas provide more of an artistic experience. All the challenging trek lovers can go for Lunana, Snowman and Laya treks as they offer very severe trekking around the Himalayas. Druk Path is one of the shorter treks and the best time for it is during winter anytime between October-May. Bumthang and Gangtey also serve the purpose during this period.
Trekking session goes on for a period of 5-7 hours a day. You don’t have to shell out anything extra from your pocket for camping and kitchen tools as they are already integrated with the trek cost. It is necessary to attend trekking parties with an educated guide, a chef and pack animals. The support squad guides the hiking party throughout the day. A hot cup of tea serves as the most greeting delight after a day’s trek. The meal consists of nearby 4 dishes which is prepared at the camp by the trek staff.
Rarely there is any trek route in Bhutan which ranges below 3000 meters and hence people suffering from heart or any other diseases should avoid these treks. People who are very keen of trekking must exercise properly so that they remain fit and can trek more enthusiastically.
The tourist attractions in Bhutan are endless and if you want to make your visit a worthwhile experience than log on to http://www.go2bhutan.com/. Here you will get complete details about the tours and packages of Bhutan.
Valerie Sep 22nd 2010 1:22PM
While the Gross National Happiness Center will be established to "help improve the people's morale" and "promote and practice happiness", sadly it can't be the only solution in suppressing the problems present in Bhutan society.
In another article, Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley does suggest that the GNH of Bhutan will possibly be negatively affected as it struggles to engage the country in economic growth while simultaneously meeting the citizens' basic needs, upholding a sustainable environment, and most importantly, striving to maintain the overall GNH of the citizens' lives. This certainly raises the question of how Bhutan will be able to balance both economic growth and the citizens' happiness while also hoping that none of the same negative prevalent consequences or problems will occur.
"http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/sachs169/English"
Claudio Pekrun Mar 8th 2011 3:40AM
Hey
in line with the promotion of „Gross National Happiness“ we created a Simpleshow that explains the movement of GNH and comments on the added value for the people, the environment, the social structure and the economy. Furthermore, it shows the influence on other countries that try to adopt GNH´s maxime.
If you like this Simpleshow, feel free to use the material and/ or youtube link (visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zqdqa4YNvI) in your work to bring a bit more happiness to everyone of us.
Best wishes and always a good karma