Bhutan General Information

Bhutan a fascinating "last Shangrila" destination for travel and trekking tours is approximately the size of Switzerland with an area of 47,000 sq km and population of less than 700,000.  These figures do not reflect the incredible geographical and ecological diversity or its natural wealth.  From 300 metres altitude south on the Indian frontier to 7,300 m on the Tibet-China border, the country is like a gigantic staircase transitioning dramatically in terrain and habitat in less than 150 km.  

Rivers flow north to south, cutting deep valleys through the Himalayan range.  The highest ridge, Black Mountains divides Bhutan into the west, central and eastern regions.  Horizontally, the country is divided into four zones.  The southern region (300-1,000 m) is tropical in climate and lush vegetation.  Oranges, bananas and cardamom plantations abound.  Small trading centres link Bhutan to India. To the north it has informal trading with Tibet TAR China that endures till today.

Thick jungles with few forest clearings separate the southern belt from the central valleys.  These constitute the sub-tropical zone 1,200m - 1,600m, populated in the east and centre by people living on forest products and crops of rice, millet and maize.  

The central valleys support agriculture and range in altitude from 1,300m - 2,700m.  Here farmers grow maize, rice, barley, wheat or buckwheat. Apples, oranges and potatoes are important cash crops.

Dominated by impressive fortresses known as dzongs, the structures with their typical trefoil-shaped windows and pitched roofs stand among the cultivated fields. Small urban centres cater to the needs of a largely agrarian population.  A windy, spectacular central road links the different valleys from Ha in the west to Tashigang in the east, crossing mountain ranges over passes as high as 4000m.  The central valleys are the land of beautiful monasteries and temples, of fluttering prayer flags and of archery contests, the national sport.

Above 3,000m it is the domain of yaks tended by stalwart semi-nomads who during summer months graze their charges in upland pastures of 5,000m, living in windswept black woollen tents.  Towering peaks, clear lakes and meadows of alpine flowers and rare medicinal herbs, the summits of the Himalaya form a formidable natural boundary with Tibetan region of China.

Bhutan places great emphasis on retaining its traditional and cultural identity.  A first time visitor will be fascinated by the unique architectural style of houses and  national attire of the people. Be amazed by traditional Bhutanese houses constructed without a single nail!  Religion as a way of life most monasteries are active pilgrimage centres. Bhutanese hospitality is legendary and a visitor will be pleasantly surprised by their kindness.  A saying goes "a Bhutanese stops smiling only to give a hearty laugh!" 

The present monarch, King Jigme Keshar Namgyel  Wangchuk, the fifth in line of the Wangchuk dynasty, reigns over a country whose inhabitants are largely of the Buddhist Mahayana sect.  King Jigme and Queen Jetsun Pema are beloved and welcomed a royal heir a cause for great celebration in the country. 

The country's size belies its strenght in providing examples for good governance and a holistic approach to matters of state; it recently became a carbon neutral country through its green eco programs.  The OGOP project "One Gewog One Product" gives each village block the opportunity to develop a unique product of that locality and is amongst the most inclusive developmental plan of a country. 

Book a Bhutan tour with us to discover the unique travel experiences only in Bhutan -- the Shangrila of the world where national well being is measured in terms of GNH or Gross National Happiness!

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