Location

The kingdom of Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, between Tibet to the north, the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal to the south, and Arunachal Pradesh to the east and Sikkim to the west. The kingdom has a total area of about 47,000 square kilometers. It spreads between meridians 89°E and 93°E, and latitudes 27°N and 29°N.

Climate

The climate is variable. It is tropical in the southern plains. In the central valleys, one experiences cool winters and hot summers, while in the Himalayas severe winters and cool summers are prevalent.

Flora & Fauna

Bhutan is a botanists’ paradise. One of the ancient names given to Bhutan was 'Southern Valley of Medicinal Herbs.' Rhododendrons, junipers, magnolias, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (the national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical trees, pine and oak abound in Bhutan.

Among the rare and exotic faunas found in Bhutan are golden langur, red pandas, black-necked crane, snow leopard, takin, musk deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan marten, tiger, hornbills, pheasants, mountain goats and timid blue sheep.

HISTORY

Bhutan has never been colonized and although recorded history mentions the country in the 7th century, its independence was recognized even before that. In the 8th century, the great Tantrik mystic, Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche came to Bhutan from Swat, in present-day Pakistan, and spread the Buddhist faith. The next defining event in Bhutan's history was the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal, the "Shabdrung" (literally, at whose feet one submits) in 1616. The Shabdrung was the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. After repelling numerous Tibetan invasions, the Shabdrung subdued the many warring feudal overlords and brought all of Bhutan under the influence of the Drukpa Kagyud School. His 35-year reign also saw the establishment of a nationwide administration, aspects of which still endure, and the building of dzongs as easily defensible fortresses and seats of local government. In fact, many of the dzongs one sees today were built during the Shabdrung's reign.

The most recent watershed in Bhutan's history was the coming to power of Ugyen Wangchuk, the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan. Ugyen Wangchuk pacified the feuding Regional Governors who had plunged Bhutan into a state of almost perpetual civil war. Having consolidated his authority across the entire country by 1885, he played the key mediator role between the British and the Chinese. Finally, on December 17, 1907, Ugyen Wangchuk was unanimously elected by all Regional Governors and the Central Monastic Body, at the Punakha Dzong and crowned "Druk Gyalpo" (literally, precious ruler of the dragon people). The present king, the fourth hereditary monarch, is Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk, upon whose coronation in 1974 Bhutan opened its doors to tourists.

Fairs & Festivals

The largest and most colorful festivals take place at Bhutan's dzongs and monasteries once a year, especially in honor of Guru Rinpoche. They are normally celebrated in spring and autumn. Tsechus consist of up to five days of spectacular pageantry, masked dances and religious allegorical plays that have remained unchanged for centuries. Besides being a vital living festival and an important medium of Buddhist teaching, tsechus are huge social gatherings. Bhutanese revel and exult together, dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, in a welcoming ambiance where humor and devotion go hand in hand. For guests, the tsechu provides an ideal opportunity to appreciate the essence of the Bhutanese character.

CUISINE

The Bhutanese diet is rich in meat, dairy, grain (particularly rice) and vegetables. Emadatse, made with green hot chilies and cheese stew, is considered the national dish with many interpretations to this recipe throughout the kingdom. Meat dishes, mainly pork, beef and yak, are lavishly spiced with chilies, and it is common to see bright red peppers drying on rooftops in the sun. Salted butter tea, or suja, is served on all social occasions. Though there is plenty of white rice, Bhutanese prefer a local, slightly nutty, red variety. At high altitudes, wheat is the staple. Several Tibetan-style dishes are common, including momos (dumplings), and thukpa (noodles). Pork fat is popular in the wilds because of its high-energy content. Chang, a local beer, and ara, a spirit distilled from rice, maize, wheat or barley, are also common and widely favored. Doma or betel nut is offered as a customary gesture of greeting.

SITES TO VISIT

The capital of Bhutan Thimphu lies in a sylvan valley, on a hillside on the bank of the river by the same name. One interesting fact about this city is that it is the only world capital without any traffic lights. The city is a storehouse of Bhutanese culture. The Trashi Chhoe Dzong or the fortress of Glorious Religion, and the Memorial Chorten are some of the old sites worth a visit. Among the modern attractions, the School of Arts and Crafts, the Weekend market, the Changlimithang Stadium, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine are famous.

The town of Paro in western Bhutan also attracts tourists by its scenic locales, its beautiful landscapes, wooded villages and historic buildings. The National Museum, and the famous Taktshang Monastery is located here. The spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang, is the home to the most important dzongs, temples and palaces. Wangdichholing Palace, the residence of the former king, Ugyen Wangchuk; the temple of Jambey Lhakang, the sacred cave of Kurjey Lhakang; and the largest Bhutanese dzong, Jakar, are located here.

For the lovers of wildlife, the Satkeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Phobjika Valley and the Black Mountain National Park are classic retreats. The wild east of the Bhutanese kingdom, can be explored from Trashigang. Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang and Gangtey Gompa are some of the favorite tourist sites.

HOW TO REACH

There are only two entry points to Bhutan. Most travelers arrive by air at Paro; some arrive by road at Phuntsholing on the southern border with India. In either case, one has to fly by the national carrier, Druk Air, either in or out. Druk Air has no interline agreements with other carriers. Hence, tourists will need to arrange for their own tickets to and from wherever they connect with them, as they are the only airlines that fly into Bhutan. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro provides the most spectacular view of Himalayan vistas of any scheduled flight. Druk Air does not issue tickets until they have received the visa clearance. Paro airport is less than two hours from Thimphu. The best way to journey by road is to start at Kathmandu.