About Bhutan

Bhutan Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon) nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, between India in the

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south and the Tibetan region of China in the North, has now cautiously opened its doors for Tourism since 1974.

With the visit of many great saints, mystics, scholars and pilgrims over the centuries blessed the land and its people with an invaluable spiritual and cultural legacy that linked the nature with humanity. Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava or second Buddha) has introduced the tantric Buddhism in Bhutan in the 8th century and it is the world’s sole tantric Buddhist kingdom of sacred place.

Living in harmony with nature, the nation has its environment still pristine and intact today. The country has harbored some of the most exotic species of the wild life with animals like the takin, snow leopard, golden langur, blue sheep, tiger, water buffalo and elephants, Over 700 species of birds and over 50 species of rhododendron, besides variety of medical plants and orchids.

The country has consciously adopted a controlled tourism development policy just over 6,000 to 7,000 tourists entering the country. The numbers in the coming years are also not expected to increase greatly. For the few who do travel to Bhutan, can enjoy wide variety of tourist activities

Country Profile :

Area : 46,500Square Kilo-meters

Population : 600,000

Government : Monarchy

Head of State : King (Druk Gyalpo) Jigme Singye Wangchuck

National Language : Dzongkha, besides Nepali, English, many Bhutanese dialects are used

National Dress : Gho, (Knee length kimono like dress for men), and Kira (ankle length dress for women)

Religion : Buddhist

National emblem : Double diamond-thunderbolt (dorji) placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and two dragons. Thunderbolt represents harmony between monarchy and religion, a dual system of govt.

Currency : Nu: Ngultrum, Equal to Indian rupee

IDD : xx 975

Internet code: bt

Time : 6 hours ahead of Greenwich meantime

National Day : celebrated on December 17 enthronement of the 1st monarchy in Bhutan in 1907

National flower : Blue poppy (Meconopsis grandis), found only in the high altitudes.

National tree : Cypress (Cupressus torolusa)

National bird : Raven (Corvus corax), which adorns the royal crown

National animal : Takin, found in herds in the high valley altitudes 13,000 ft and over.

National flag : National Flag of Bhutan is divided diagonally and depicts a white dragon (druk) across the middle. The upper part of the flag is yellow, representing the secular power of the king, while the lower part is orange, symbolizing the Buddhist religion

Food : The Bhutanese diet is rich in meat and poultry, dairy, particularly Red-rice, white rice, and vegetables. Ayema datse (chili with cheese) is considered the national dish. It is Hot and spicy. Many of the hotel chefs are well trained at hotel schools outside Bhutan and can blend to your taste. Meals are usually served in buffet style for the group tours and individual traveler could request at your choice.

Climate : Bhutan has a changing climate means to bring an assortment of clothes. The weather can vary dramatically from place to place, from day to day or within the same day. From may to September normal traveling cloths plus a light woolen sweater or a light jacket, including rain gear. Good walking shoes or hiking boots are essential even if you are not hiking. Because of the altitude, a hat or cap and a good pair of sunglasses are essential. From November to end march. You will need additional warm cloths, thick woolen tights to wear under trousers, thick socks and a down jacket. A good flashlight (torch), water bottle and walking stick will also come in handy.

WAY OF LIFE : Apart from those working in the urban city, the majority of Bhutanese people still live in small rural villages. Farming is the most common occupation.