About Bhutan

Bhutan, one of the best among the Himalayan Kingdoms lies along the soaring ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordering the Tibetan region in the north and north-west and the Indian states of Assam in the south, Sikkim in the west and south-west, , Arunachal Pradesh in east and south-east and West Bengal in South and South-West. The country within these borders forms a giant staircase, from a narrow strip of land in the south to some of the highest unclimbed Himalayan peaks on earth.

With an area of 46,500 square kilometres and a relatively small population of 700,000 people Bhutan enjoys a sustainable lifestyle which they inherited from their forefathers

It was the mighty Himalayas which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left the Kingdom blissfully untouched, also the entry of the visitors was not allowed until 1974. So the traditional life style has been intact.

The tourism industry in Bhutan based on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environment friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The number of tourists is restricted to conserve the traditional lifestyle and also limited tourism infrastructure. Bhutan’s consistent tourism policy of high value, low impact has helped the Kingdom ensure its rich living culture. It is a destination for those seeking a journey back into time.

Buddhism exists in the country since the 7th century and continues to play important role in their peaceful lives. The Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and is the official religion.

For centuries, Bhutanese have protected the natural environment and have looked upon it as the source of all life. This traditional reverence for nature has made Bhutan one of most environmentally rich country. Over 72% of the land area is still under forest cover. Its Eco-system has some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas with an estimated 770 species of birds and 50 species of rhododendrons, besides an astonishing variety of medicinal herbs and orchids.

This country has a lot to offer ranging from snow capped mountains to architectural marvels of Dzongs, Chortens (stupas), Lhakhang (temples), Goembas (monastries) and Village houses.

Festivals are the time to see the dancers in the brilliant silk dresses and beautiful jewelleries. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and now Bhutan has several luxury hotels too to cater to the needs of modern traveller.

One trait which is common to all Bhutanese is hospitality. Custom dictates that simple hospitality is extended to any and all guests, even to perfect strangers.

In Bhutan, everyone seems to wear a smile. Perhaps this is due to their deep rooted Buddhist faith or may be their sense of contentment is due to their self-sufficient lifestyle. Whatever the reason, the Bhutanese project an apparent inner happiness that travelers will remember long after their visit.

How to get there:
One can drive from Indian side to Phuntsholing in Bhutan.
Paro is the only airport in Bhutan. Druk Air (Royal Bhutan airlines) operates from Paro five times a week to Bangkok and Kolkatta, thrice a week to Kathmandu and Delhi and once a week to Dhaka.