11 Paro Airport is the only international airport of Bhutan. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Paro is one of the world’s most challenging airports for pilots. In fact, only eight pilots in the world are currently certified to land there.

Paro Airport is the sole international airport of Bhutan. The tiny airport situated among the steep hills of Himalayas. Flying in and out of the airport is considered to be very dangerous. The pilot has to maneuver his plane between numerous sharp peaks of the Himalayan Mountains. He has to avoid the houses situated close to the airport and land on a narrow 6,500-foot runway. A strong gust of wind, which often occurs, can easily send the plane off course. Only eight pilots are qualified to fly in and out of this dangerous airport. (source)

12 Bhutan is the only country in the world to completely outlaw the cultivation, harvesting, production, and sale of tobacco and tobacco products under the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010. 

Bhutan has prohibited the cultivation, production, and sales of tobacco under the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010.  Any person caught selling tobacco would be sent to prison for a period of three to five years. The government has banned smoking in all commercial places. Facing strong protests, however, the government amended the act. It now allows the purchase of tobacco products for private use. If caught with tobacco products, however, the holder has to produce the receipt for import duties or face hefty fines or imprisonment. (source)

13 Bhutanese manners require you to refuse food whenever it’s offered to you. The tradition is to say the words “meshu meshu” and cover your mouth with your hands. You can give in, though, after two or three offers.

Bhutanese etiquette requires you to refuse food when it is offered to you. The tradition is to say, “meshu, meshu”, covering your mouth with your hands while politely declining the food. Your host will not take the issue seriously and will continue to offer you the refreshments. You can give in on the second or third offer. (source)

14 Thimpu is the only city in the world that does not have a single traffic light. There was such public outcry when local officials installed a single signal that it was quickly removed, and a traffic officer was re-assigned to the intersection.

There are no traffic lights anywhere in Bhutan. There was a traffic light installed in Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan,  but it was removed following complaints from people who said that it was too impersonal. Now, a traffic policeman standing in a richly decorated booth directs the traffic with hand movements.(source)

15 Bhutanese paint friendly ‘phallus’ on houses to ward off evil spirits.

Bhutan has a culture of drawing an erect penis on the front walls of their house. The  tradition of painting phalluses began during the 14th century. It is considered to be a legacy from Drukpa Kunley, a monk belonging to the Ralung Monastery in Tibet. He spread the legend that painting phalluses on the walls would ward off evil and conquer the demonesses. The painted phallus is called “The thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom” since it frightened the demons and demonesses, and conquered them. (source)