| In 1907, after several centuries of divided rule by various influential families, his majesty Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck unified Bhutan under the name of Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon. While 2007 marks 100 years of monarchy in Bhutan, it is an inauspicious year according to the Bhutanese calendar, so celebrations to mark the occasion are instead taking place in 2008. Many festivals and unique programs have been planned to celebrate this monentous event. Visitors to the Kingdom in 2008 will be given an opportunity to experience the real Bhutan through the Centenary maxim of “Meet the Bhutanese”. Travelers will have the chance to immerse themselves into the soul of Bhutan with the opening of areas normally closed to tourists such as Royal Palaces, National Parks and specialised trekking routes. For those yet to experience the magic that is the Bhutan, 2008 presents the perfect opportunity to witness a nation in jubilation. |
