General Overview
Bhutan is a sovereign state landlocked in the Eastern Himalayas in South Asia. Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is no ordinary place. It is a Himalayan kingdom replete with myths and legends. Bhutan borders China to the north and India to the south, east and west. To the west, it is separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim; and further south it is separated from Bangladesh by the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Thimphu is Bhutan's capital and largest city, while Phuntsholing is Bhutan's financial center. Bhutan is rich of traditional culture. Bhutan compete with current global development devotedly.
The King of Bhutan is known as the Druk Gyalpo, meaning the "Thunder Dragon King". The country's landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north, where there are peaks in excess of 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). The highest mountain in Bhutan is the Gangkhar Puensum, which is also a strong candidate for the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
SURPRISING BHUTAN
Bhutan holds many surprises. This is a country where buying cigarettes is illegal, where the rice is red and where chillies aren't just a seasoning but the main ingredient. It's also a deeply Buddhist land, where schoolkids wear the gho and kira (traditional male and female clothing, respectively). And while it visibly maintains its Buddhist cultures, Bhutan is not a live museum nor is it a nation of wraithlike ascetics shunning the rest of the world. You will find the Bhutanese arevwell-educated, fun loving and energetic.
SHANGRI LA?
First off there is the amazing mountainous landscape, where snowcapped peaks rise out of primeval forests in every shade of green. Taking up prime positions in this landscape are the fantastic monasteries and incredible fortress like dzongs. The unique Buddhist architecture embodies the traditional Buddhist culture and sets the scene for spectacular religious dance festivals. Then there are the textiles and handicrafts, extreme archery competitions, spectacular trekking trails and stunning flora and fauna. All this sets Bhutan aside as the last remaining great Himalayan kingdom.
When you do visit Bhutan, you will become one of the few who have experienced the charm and magic of one of the world's most mysterious countries – the 'last Shangri La' – and you'll be playing your part in this medieval kingdom's efforts to join the modern world, while faithfully maintaining its diverse and significant cultural uniqueness.
LOW VOLUME, HIGH VALUE TOURISM
Tourism in Bhutan is unique and the Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable, eco-friendly approach in line with the country's popular philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Firstly, to bust a myth: there is no limit to the number of tourists. Visitors famously have to pay a minimum tariff of US$200 per day (rising to US$250 in 2012), making it appear as one of the world's most expensive countries to visit. However, this fee is all-inclusive – accommodation, food, transport and an official guide are all provided. Not only that, but your local guide will reveal the country's amazing landscape and Buddhist heritage, and will also introduce you to the everyday charms of the Bhutanese. You don't have to travel in a large group and you can arrange your own tailor made itinerary. You won't find in Bhutan is crowded backpacker or independent travelers.