BHUTAN 
Bhutan is a tiny monarchy sandwiched between its giant neighbors India and China . The landlocked Buddhist state, though poor, is a calm, peaceful state with devoutly religious people. The state is known as a modern Shangri La because of its discouragement of foreign cultural influences and limited number of visitors allowed into the country. However, with the recent opening up of the country, the world is just beginning to recognize the charms of this Himalayan kingdom, with unexplored mountains, virgin forests and little waterfalls dotting the region.
The capital, Thimphu , is considered one of the smallest capital cities in the world. It is the largest and most populated city of Bhutan . All buildings in Thimphu , throughout Bhutan in fact, are built on traditional Bhutanese architectural principles.
General Information
Location |
South Asia , sandwiched between the borders of India and China . |
Capital |
Thimphu |
Language |
Dzonkha, English are the official languages |
Climate |
The northern parts of the country are intensely cold, especially in winters. The summers are pleasant. The temperatures in Southern Bhutan are moderate and the climate is pleasant. |
Currency |
Ngultrum. The Indian Rupee is also accepted during transactions. |
Country Code |
975 |
Activities |
Trekking, Mountaineering, Cultural Tours are the main activities for tourists. Limited facilities are available for biking and rafting |
How to Reach
Paro International Airport lies 2 hours' drive from the capital Thimphu . Regular flights operate between Paro and Kathmandu in Nepal , or Delhi and Kolkata in India , operated by Druk Air , Bhutan 's national carrier. Bhutan has a system of well-maintained roads for travel within the country.
Tour Attractions in Bhutan
Bhutan is a tourist's paradise owing to its unexplored mountains and forests, its little visited valleys and mysterious Buddhist temples and monasteries. Each region of Bhutan has different characteristics. The people are very religious, and the significance of religion in their lives can be gauged from the number of Bhutanese festivals celebrating religious themes.
Paro Valley
Paro Valley lies in the central part of Bhutan . The city of Paro , the second largest in Bhutan (Thimpu is the largest), has the only airport in Bhutan . The Druk Air operates regular services from Paro to India , Nepal and Thailand . Paro is the ancient center of religion and governance in Bhutan . The Dzongs, or temple complexes, the monasteries and palaces of Paro seem as old as the surrounding Himalayas and pine forests. The serenity of the Valley, so shielded from the influences of the outside world, seems to have stopped time in its tracks. The Rimpung Dzong, cut into the hillside, overlooks the Paro River snaking far down in the valley below. The old watchtower, Ta Dzong, stands guard on the slopes above the Rimpung Dzong. The Kyichu Lyakhang is an old temple just outside Paro. The Taktasang is an old pilgrimage center. The atmosphere of the Paro valley is of religious devotion. Paro is the site of the Kichu Resort, one of the best mountain resorts in Bhutan .
Bumthang Valley
The picturesque Bumthang Valley lies in the southeastern part of Bhutan . The Bumthang Valley , apart from its spectacular natural beauty, is noted for its many Dzongpas, or temple complexes, and palaces. Jakar is the main town in Bumthang Valley . It has narrow, small streets with shops selling everything from apple brandy to yak cheese and silver ornaments.
The Wangdichholing Palace , built in 1857, is a simple structure with no grand embellishments or vast halls. The view of the Bumthang River from the Palace is magnificent, as it meanders far below in the valley. A water powered prayer wheel stands outside the Palace entrance.
Fairs and Festivals
The Bhutanese people are devotedly religious, and this spirituality shines through in the major festivals of Bhutan . This does not mean that there are no occasions for people to be boisterous and enjoy themselves. However the religious aspect is always kept in mind, according to the Buddhist tradition that makes one contemplate about the next life.
The Tshechus Festivals are celebrated in Thimpu, Paro and surrounding areas for several days.
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