Bhutan is a small landlocked Himalayan kingdom situated in the Eastern Himalayas of southern Central Asia. It is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' offers a truly unique and breathtaking experience of awe-inspiring landscapes, a timeless Buddhist culture, stunning ancient fortresses, colourful festivals and a welcoming, friendly people.

For centuries Bhutan remained relatively undiscovered by the rest of the world. Since its were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised by Bhutan's soaring snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows and densely forested hills and ravines abounding in exotic flora and fauna, and dotted with numerous monasteries, temples and dzongs. From May to August, hills are covered with an incredible variety of flowers, and decorated with waterfalls and streams. Such scenes remain in the memory forever.

The people of Bhutan are eager to invite you and share their undefiled nature, profound religion and timeless culture, which because of the limited number of foreign visitors allowed, has maintained much of its authenticity. Traveling to Bhutan is an opportunity to experience a Himalayan Buddhist culture that has had little disturbance by outside influence.

Today, Bhutan stands as a unique nation that carefully integrates modern development with its ancient tradition and culture, allowing it to remain one of Asia's deepest mysteries.

The people of Bhutan have treasured their natural environment and have lived in harmony with its elements respecting the sanctity of life and revering the mountains, forests and rivers as abodes of gods and spirits.

Bhutan has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world. Its various exotic ecosystems harbour an estimated 770 species of birds and about 55 species of rhododendron, along with an astounding variety of medicinal plants (over 300 species). Orchids are also endemic to the region. Nine national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are home to some of the rarest animals in the world including the snow leopard, red panda, black-necked crane and golden langur.

Nine national parks and wild life sanctuaries are home to some of the rare and most significant animals in the world. This has become possible as a result of the combined efforts of the government and the people to keep the country's flora & fauna undisturbed. Bhutan is one of very few developing countries where much of the natural resources base is still remain intact.

Bhutan is a small landlocked kingdom situated in the Eastern Himalayan region. Roughly the size of Switzlerland, the entire kingdom is mountainous, and ranges in elevation from 100 m in the tropical south to the 7554 m Kula Kangri on the mountainous Tibetan border. Rivers have an important role in the landscape and their enormous potential for hydroelectric power has helped shape the economy. Bhutan shares its border to the north with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north, and to the south with India. The country can be divided into three major geographic regions;

• The high Himalayas, glacial valleys and alpine meadows of the north;
• The fertile hills and valleys of the centre;
• And the dense, tropical foothills of the south

Northern Bhutan, lying largely above 11,500 ft is region of glacial valleys, alpine meadows and is home to the semi-nomadic yak-herders of Lingshi, Laya and Lunana, have almost no contact with Western civilisation and trade only in bartered goods. Towering above this magnificent trekking country are the eternal snow-clad peaks of the majestic Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Gangkar Puensum, rising to over 23,000 ft.

The fertile central valleys (3,600 - 8,500 ft) are covered by verdant coniferous and deciduous forests. Western Bhutan's major valleys of Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha/ Wangduephodrang are intensely cultivated and largely populated. The formidable Black Mountains, rising to over 16,000 ft forms a natural boundary between Western Bhutan and Central Bhutan.

The southern foothills, at an altitude of 1,000 ft to 4,500 ft are covered by dense tropical forest, which abounds with wildlife. These regions are mostly inhabitated by agricultural activities. Most industrial areas are also located in southern region.

The population of Bhutan is approximately 0.7 million and the people of Bhutan are called 'Drukpas', comprising approximately 65% mongoloid origin while 25% are ethnic Nepalese and 10% are other migrant tribes. The large majority of Bhutanese people are an homogenous group belonging to three major ethnic groups:

• The Ngalongs in the west;
• Sharchops in the east
• Lhotsampas in the south.

Most Bhutanese live on farms, in remote hamlets, amidst sylvan settings. The fast life that is both the badge and bane of modern living is alien to the season-paced lifestyle of these agrarian folk. Bhutanese society is egalitarian in its apparel; regardless of social stratum, everybody dresses alike. The national dress is a distinctive one, originating from the time of the first Shabdrung. Finely woven from multicoloured, vibrant-hued wool, cotton or silk. The male attire is called a "gho" and the female, the "kira". Jewellery is primarily coral, turquoise, pearls and agate set in exquisitely crafted gold and silver.

The most popular meal in the Bhutanese diet features rice (red or white) and "ema datse", a dish made up of chillies and cheese. Chillies play a dominant role in Bhutanese cuisine appearing as a feature rather than a spice. You will often find "ema datse" blended with a range of vegetables, meats and fish on most Bhutanese menus. There is more to Bhutanese food than chillies though. You will also find dishes comprising of pork, beef, chicken, as well as an incredible variety of vegetables, including potatoes, fern, spinach, cabbage, eggplant and daikon. In most hotels you will also find dishes ranging from Continental to Chinese and Indian. One of the most popular beverages in Bhutan is butter tea (suja).

Sporting activites are a crucial part of Bhutanese national culture. Games such as Degor (discus), Pungdo (shot put), Khuru (darts), Soksum (Javeline), and Keshi (wrestling) all form an integral part of everyday Bhutanese life. Archery is Bhutan's national sport played by young and old alike, and the Bhutanese have their own unique rules and equipment. Traditionally bows and arrows are made out of bamboo, however modern compound bows are making their way into tournaments. Teams of archers shoot at targets only 30 centimeters in width from a distance of 120 meters. The teams cheer, sing, and dance throughout a tournament to encourage themselves as well as distract their opposition. An important feature of most Bhutanese festivities, archery matches are gala affairs with music, dances, drinks and fun.

The ancient and traditional forms of music and dance of the different regions in Bhutan, usually loaded with sacred symbolism, have been scrupulously preserved. The gentle grace of the folk dances and the dramatic gusto of the energetic and resplendent masked dances are bound to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan, though numerous dialects are spoken in different parts of the country. Tehse include Lhoshamkha in the south (Nepalese origin), Tsangla and Sharchopkha in the east. English is the medium of instruction in schools and is spoken in most towns.

Bhutanese people have a striking sense of aesthetics as is visible in the unique and many-faceted architecture: castle-like dzongs erected without either floor plan or a single nail, Lhakhangs and Gompas, the consummate form of religious architecture, built on sheer cliff faces or pinnacles, Chortens constructed in memory of eminent lamas or religious personages, or to ward off evil, and traditional houses made of whitewashed stone or condensed mud with shallow shingled roofs. Common to every structure are the intricate decorations, woodcarvings and brightly coloured patterns.

Bhutanese painting can be classified into 3 groups: paintings on statues, murals & banners. One interesting thing about statue painting is that the clay statues are painted all over and metal statues are painted only on the face. Bhutan is also well known for mural paintings. Murals and carvings of Lord Buddha and various other deities adorn the walls and altars of temples and shrines. The "Mandala", a geometric design of tantric import, is a popular feature in most temples and the "Tashi Tagye", or eight auspicious signs, are conspicuously painted, embroidered or appliquéd on buildings, thangkhas and souvenirs. The banner paintings are shown only during the important religious festivals and ceremonies. They show god & goddesses in artistic & colorful combinations and are very imaginative.

Articles for everyday use are still fashioned today as they were centuries ago. Traditional craftsmanship is handed down from generation to generation. Bhutan's artisans are skilled workers in bronze and precious metals, wood and slate carving, and clay sculpture. Artefacts made of wood include bowls and dishes, some lined with silver. Elegant yet strong woven bamboo baskets, mats, hats and quivers find both functional and decorative usage. Handmade paper is prepared from tree bark by a process passed down the ages.

Bhutanese weavers fabricate beautiful handloom textiles using wool, cotton or silk in a never-ending variety of intricate patterns executed in a riot of colours. The vivid hues for weaving threads are obtained from natural vegetable and herbal dyes. The art and practice of weaving is widespread in the kingdom and skilled weavers are highly esteemed in society.

Bhutan has an ancient Buddhist culture based on the Vajrayana form of Mahayana Buddhism. Faith inspires every facet of cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people.

In contrast with many countries, traditional arts, ceremonies, festivals and social structures are not remnant of a bygone age. Traditional arts & crafts are still practiced as they were done hundreds of years ago. Lively festivals are celebrated and social principles are still evident as they have special significance in the daily lives of the people.

Bhutanese language & literature, arts & crafts, drama, music, ceremonies and events, architecture and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from Buddhism. The influence of religion is highly visible in everyday life. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, chortens (stupas), religious institutions, and mani walls mark the countryside, providing a strong atmosphere for the teaching of their living faith. Even more common are the prayer flags on mountain slopes, bridges and high passes. Transmitting prayers to the Gods and keeping up a constant communication with the heavens, prayer flags litter mountain slopes all over Bhutan, fluttering in the wind as a simple reminder of the clarity of the Buddhist faith.

Architecture is a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. Dzongs (fortresses), Lhakhangs (temples), Goenpas (monasteries), Chortens (stupas), palaces, bridges and vernacular housing with colourful traditional decorations can be seen throughout the country. Traditional shapes, colors and patrons on the walls, doors, windows, places Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own.

The castle-like Dzongs are among the diverse architectural expressions of the country. With their massive stonewalls, large courtyards and beautiful architectural details and galleries, Dzongs the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.

Secular architecture in Bhutan finds its main form in traditional farmhouses. Bhutanese houses have a distinct character from those of other Himalayan countries. Due to steep terrains, they are usually built as scattered houses or in clusters rather than in rows. Most traditional houses are relatively spacious and take advantage of the sunlight. Family dwellings are often three storied, with room for livestock on the ground floor, storage and sometimes-living quarters on the second floor, while the third floor houses living quarters and a choesham (shrine).Between the third floor and the roof an open space is usually kept for open-air storage. Boulders over the lath are set to hold down wooden shingles on the roof truss. Windows and doors are normally painted giving the house a very festive appearance. Floral, animal and religious motifs are mainly used as themes for colorful paintings. The typical construction materials use in traditional Bhutanese houses is timber, stone, clay and bricks.

One of the main attractions in the Kingdom are its annual religious festivals, known as TSHECHUS, celebrated to honor Guru Padma Sambhava also known as "Guru Rimpoche". For local people, Tshechus are an occasion for reverence and blessing, feasting and socializing. Two of the most popular Tshechus are held in Paro in the spring and Thimphu in the autumn, but there are various others all the year around at temples, Dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan. Staged at different places at different times of the year, the festivals provide an opportunity for an outsider to experience the extraordinary.

Festivals are the only periods during a year when tourists are permitted inside the courtyard of the dzongs and mark the busiest time of the year, particularly for Hotels and Druk Air. The dzongs come to life with colour, music and dancing as villagers and townsfolk dress in their best clothes and join together to exorcise evil spirit and rejoice in a new harvest. Rare masked and sword dances and other rituals are performed in the dzong's courtyard and temples. Each dance has its own significance and can be performed by monks or lay village leaders dressed in bright costumes. Thimphu and Paro festivals are the most popular ones due to the advantage distance from the airport for the visitors. And those visitors who come to Bhutan at other times of the year should find similar festivals taking place at other regions.