Bhutan Information

As recently as 1960s all the travel into Bhutan was still on the horse back. Druk Yul, the land of Thunder Dragon is only just emerging from the mist of its self –imposed isolations. Cloistered in the folds of the great Himalayas it is an exciting land of surprises, towering peaks, vast impenetrable dzongs, indigenous forests and a people whose way of life is steeped in culture and tradition.

Nestled deep in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, the simple pleasure this country offers a sense of kinship in its development policy being guided by the Philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Along the pragmatic lines of GNH, Bhutan has successfully drawn a fine line between the forces of modernization and environmentalism. Owing to deep traditional reverence that the Bhutanese people have for nature, the Kingdom is one of the leading countries in environmental preservation. More than 70% of land area is still under forest cover. Its rich Himalayan flora and fauna, astounding white peaks and lush green valleys provide Bhutan with its aesthetic grandeur. It is often said that even the most experienced explorer will find Bhutan to be “a revelation ". The air is clean and unpolluted; the mountains majestic and the architecture awe inspiring!

Bhutan is predominately Buddhist country, practicing the Mahayana Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Buddhism is not just a religion for the people of Bhutan but a philosophy practice as a way of life. It creates an ambiance through out the country, which can be best described as “open heartiness and amicability.

Climate : Bhutan has four distinct seasons. The southern plains close to Indian borders are warmer and more tropical than higher central valleys. The winter months are fiercely cold subsiding around the end of February. Rhododendrons begin to bloom first in warmer east and by the height of spring the whole kingdom is lush with spectacular flaming white, pink and red of the Rhododendron blossom. The annual monsoon affects south & central regions.

People & Religion : Bhutan’s indigenous population is the Drukpa. The three main ethnic groups, the Sharchops, the Ngalops & the Lhotshampas (of Nepalese origin) make up today’s Drukpa. The national language is Dzongkha. The Buddhist faith has played & continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical & sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life. Bringing with it a reverence for the land & its well being. Annual Tsechus & Dromchoes are spiritual occasions in each district. Throughout Bhutan, stupas & chortens line in the roadside commemorating a holy place. Prayer flags are found fluttering on long poles maintaining a constant communications with the heavens. Bhutan retains the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism as its official religion.