In Bhutan, yaks are in danger in the land of happiness
These big-cheeked, shaggy and horned cattle, however, have reason to worry about their future – not to mention their herders. In recent years, the species has begun to suffer the effects of climate change: pastures overrun by invasive shrubs, grazing grass becoming scarcer and of poorer quality, transhumance disrupted by the earlier arrival of spring, and shrinking herds. The threats have multiplied, in Bhutan as well as in other areas of the region (India, Tibet, China, Pakistan, the Pamir mountains in Tajikistan) where these animals have, for ages, embodied a kind of postcard image of the "happy Himalayas."
For several decades, Bhutan has been known worldwide for inventing the notion of "Gross National Happiness," a unique concept enshrined in its Constitution in 2008. About 30 years earlier, in 1972, the king at the time, Jigme Singye Wangchuck – father of the current monarch – had determined that his Buddhist nation needed an index that would highlight the country's spiritual values and distinguish them from the purely capitalist ones found in the rest of the world.
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LeMonde
09-07-2025
- LeMonde
In Bhutan, yaks are in danger in the land of happiness
On a spring evening, on the windswept plain where the horizon is blocked by the snow-capped mountains of the Tibetan border, the scenery perfectly embodied the virtues of an age-old pastoralism. Amid the splendid immensity of these lands, battered by an icy wind, herds of yaks grazed at an altitude of 4,000 meters on this plateau stretching as far as the eye could see toward the Himalayas. A little further down, the large village of Laya – the highest in the Kingdom of Bhutan – sat on the hillside, its traditional houses adorned with intricately carved wood. These big-cheeked, shaggy and horned cattle, however, have reason to worry about their future – not to mention their herders. In recent years, the species has begun to suffer the effects of climate change: pastures overrun by invasive shrubs, grazing grass becoming scarcer and of poorer quality, transhumance disrupted by the earlier arrival of spring, and shrinking herds. The threats have multiplied, in Bhutan as well as in other areas of the region (India, Tibet, China, Pakistan, the Pamir mountains in Tajikistan) where these animals have, for ages, embodied a kind of postcard image of the "happy Himalayas." For several decades, Bhutan has been known worldwide for inventing the notion of "Gross National Happiness," a unique concept enshrined in its Constitution in 2008. About 30 years earlier, in 1972, the king at the time, Jigme Singye Wangchuck – father of the current monarch – had determined that his Buddhist nation needed an index that would highlight the country's spiritual values and distinguish them from the purely capitalist ones found in the rest of the world.
Euronews
26-11-2024
- Euronews
Bhutan: Why the ‘kingdom of happiness' should be your New Year wellness trip
Bhutan is renowned as a country of peace and contentment, unique for measuring national success by its Gross National Happiness Index instead of the traditional GDP. With a profound respect for nature, deep-rooted spirituality and ancient wellness practices, the Himalayan kingdom seems to move at a different pace from the rest of the world. If you are looking for a New Year trip to unplug and recharge, spending time in Bhutan can teach you to slow down, connect with nature and be inspired by Buddhist compassion. From hot stone baths to hikes to sacred lakes, here's how to find wellness in Bhutan. Hike to sacred lakes and across spectacular passes Last year, the Trans Bhutan trail which runs across the Himalayan country reopened after 60 years. The epic hike takes 10 days to complete and is considered very challenging. For visitors who want to venture into Bhutan's misty mountain ranges and climb up to cliff-clinging monasteries in a shorter time scale, there are plenty of other trails to pick from. Bhutanese hiking expert Dorji Bidha says her favourite is the Nubtsonapata Trek. This route takes you through the peaks of Haa in western Bhutan, an area that tends to be less visited by tourists. The trail winds through blooming rhododendrons and fragrant juniper forests and crosses lofty passes as high as 4,350 meters above sea level. The invigorating route is perfect for some self-reflection as you reach the scared Nubtsonapata Lake on day three. Relax in a hot stone bath Bhutanese-style pampering means heading to the hot stone baths, a healing practice that derives from 7th-century Tibet. The most authentic are open-air, but there are plenty of indoor public baths too. Here, you lie in a wooden tub filled with medicinal water scattered with herbs. Stones taken from the river bed are heated until glowing and then dropped into a partition at your feet. They send a surge of heat through the water and release therapeutic minerals. Enveloped in steam and delicate scents, your body and mind begin to unwind. Visit a temple and learn about Buddhism Visiting a temple in Bhutan can be a powerful contemplative experience regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs. Plenty of complexes are located high on mountainsides meaning you can take a reflective walk to reach them. The Tiger's Nest monastery located near Paro clings to a cliff edge and visitors climb three hours through misty forests to reach it. En route, you can pause for a moment of meditation by a giant colourful prayer wheel turned by a gurgling stream. Once at a temple, guides like Dorji explain the significance of the intricate and enigmatic paintings of gods and Buddhas. You might find their philosophies can impact your own life and outlook, from wrathful gods that quash feelings of inadequacy and anxiety to the story of the four friends whose collaborative actions to make a tree grow represent communal harmony.
Euronews
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Exploring autumn festivals and traditional crafts in Japan's Toyama Prefecture
Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Hida Mountains, Toyama Prefecture has stunning views, pristine nature and some of the best seafood in Japan. It also has a long history as a hub for manufacturing and trade. This underrated part of Japan is now easier than ever to get to by train, thanks to the latest extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line, which added six new stations in March 2024. In this new episode of Explore, we visited some of Toyama's historic coastal cities to discover how to enjoy the region in a more sustainable way – by supporting traditional crafts and local festivals. A stroll through Takaoka's history The second-biggest city in Toyama, Takaoka was once an important centre for trade and metal casting. Visitors can immerse themselves in this history by strolling through some of the city's historic streetscapes – like Yamachosuji and Kanayamachi districts. Yamachosuji district is a testament to Takaoka's merchant past, where visitors can discover the Dozo-zukuri architectural style and visit several lovingly preserved residences. Dozo-zukuri style houses are characterised by their thick earthen walls, borrowed from storehouses called dozo, which stored valuables and food. These storehouses were built to protect valuable items from fire, theft and the elements. After a great fire burnt down 60% of the city in 1900, Takaoka's wealthy merchants rebuilt their entire homes in this fireproof style to prevent another blaze from damaging their wares. The Sugano Residence, once home to textile merchants, is the largest of the Dozo-zukuri style houses in Yamachosuji. Today, it's still inhabited by a local family, but the ground floor is open to tourists. Pay attention to the facade and you'll see design details that hint at the merchants' extraordinary wealth – like the dark plaster used on the walls, pure copper drain pipes and European-influenced columns. The Takaoka Dozo-zukuri museum is also housed in one of these structures. Here, the entire home is open to visitors and the district's history is explained by friendly, English-speaking guides like Ayaka Tokai. Another fascinating townscape to visit in Takaoka is Kanayamachi district, which was once home to the city's famous copper making industry. Today, many workshops have been shuttered or forced to move out of the city, but there are still shops where you can buy metal objects, like cast iron pots and home decor. Traditional Metal Casting at Nousaku Factory If you want to get a feel for some of Takaoka's modern metal casting, Nousaku Factory is the place to be. 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Beginning at the Shinto shrine in the town, the festival later moves to the streets – and the local deity even joins in atop a portable shrine, which is paraded at the front of a long procession of 13 Hikiyama floats (representing Imizu's 13 districts). These Hikiyama floats are a treasured cultural heritage in Japan, towering structures that are hand-carved, beautifully lacquered, and fitted with enormous wooden carriage wheels. As they're pulled through the streets by hand, you can see the incredible teamwork and collaboration needed to get them from Point A to Point B – with young and old pulling and chanting together. 'This formless culture has been passed down through the ages to parents, children and even grandchildren in the form of words and gestures,' said Mitsuhiro Matsuyama, curator of Imizu City Shinminato museum. There's even a touch of magic when night falls and the colourful flowers on top of the Hikiyama are replaced with paper lanterns. The soft light from the lanterns bathes the streets in an ethereal glow – and the celebration continues into the night.
