Bhutan

This mystical kingdom, tucked into the Himalayas between India and China, offers visitors a glimpse of an isolated culture untouched by the passage of time. Women still create intricate weavings by hand. Paintings created centuries ago still grace ancient buildings.

The land of the Thunder Dragon proceeds cautiously into the 21^st Century, committed to preserving its pristine forests, rare wildlife, unique architectural wonders, traditional Bhutanese crafts, and deep Buddhist roots.

Tigers Nest (Taktsang) Monastery in Bhutan

Tantric Buddhism is the state religion and permeates every aspect of society. The visitor sees tattered prayer flags flying on the highest mountain passes or fluttering on fragile strings over roaring glacial streams. A young man on main street may set a row of prayer wheels spinning as he passes. An old woman spins her own tiny prayer wheel as she sits on the stoop with friends. Majestic fortresses (dzongs) and monasteries grace the hillsides.

Colorful religious festivals, unchanged for centuries, offer seasonal relief from endless farm labor. 70% of Bhutan’s people still live on Bhutan’s barely 8% arable land. The visitor may see lime green rice paddies or pink buckwheat fields thriving by rippling streams. Bright red chilies dry on rooftops. A young girl may herd her cows along a pastoral hillside surrounded by verdant mountains.

Festival Dance in Bhutan

The remainder of Bhutan is mountainous, 70% of it covered by pristine, old-growth forest. Bhutan’s government protects unique animals, birds and plants still thriving in a habitat untouched for centuries, one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.

And above all these wonders stand the magnificent Himalayas, white peaks rising to 7,000 meters (23,000 feet).

Bhutan Excursions can take you into the heart of this enchanting kingdom. Trekkers will hear the cry of rare birds, the hum of bees and the murmur of icy mountain streams. They will smell the fragrance of spectacular flowers. They will breathe the purist mountain air. You can walk the small town streets, smell the incense in ancient monasteries, and witness spectacular festivals.

There is peace and magic here for you to experience. Come play your part in this kingdom’s effort to join the modern world, while consistently maintaining its distinct and incredible cultural identity.

Name ‘Bhutan’

Bhutan is known by many names. Since it grew medicinal herbs in abundance, it was called Lhojong Menjong or the ’southern land of medicine. Based on its landscape it was called Ridrag gi yul or the ‘land of the dense forests and mountainous terrain.’ This kingdom was also called Tsenden key pi jong or the ‘land of cypresses’ as it is a country where cypress grew plentifully. Cypress is today the national tree of Bhutan.

People started calling this country Drukyul or the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon,’ after 16^th century- a name derived from Drukpa Kagyu School. This country is called Bhutan to outside world.

Location/Geography

Bhutan also known as Drukyul, the country of Drukpas, lies in the eastern Himalayas sandwiched between India and China. Bhutan located between 88° 45′ and 92°10′ longitude east and 26°40′ and 28°15 ‘ north. This mountainous country except for small flat lands in the south has an area of 38,398 sq kilometers.

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