About bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan (also known as Bhutan) is a landlocked country located at the eastern end of the Himalayas in South East Asia. It is bordered to the north by China and to the rest by India. Bhutan is regarded as the last “Shangri-La” on earth. Because of its remoteness and isolation in the Himalayas, its spectacular mountain terrains, breathtaking and meandering hills and valleys of incredible natural beauty, fresh air, varied flora and fauna, unique and age-old tradition and culture, and friendly and warm people are the major attractions that draw travelers seeking adventures, experiences, touring, trekking, hiking and holidays. Travelers to Bhutan describe it as the “exotic and mystical” realm while they experience and witness for themselves
Why it’s also called the “The Land of the Thunder Dragon.”
Bhutan opened our door to tourism only in 1974 and right from the start Bhutan regulated the flow of tourist to the country by introducing high tariff in order to preserve its rich cultural heritage, unique national identity and pristine environment. Through its restricted tourism policy, Bhutan has emerged as one of the few unexplored tourist destinations and least traveled countries in the world.
Interesting facts:
- Bhutan is the only country in the world to measure its development in terms of Gross National Happiness (GNH). GNH is a holistic approach to development that takes into account factors such as environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and social well-being.
- Bhutan is home to the takin, a rare and unusual animal that is a cross between a goat and a cow. The takin is the national animal of Bhutan.
Geography
Bhutan is located between the latitudes of 26°N and 29°N, and longitudes of 88°E and 93°E. Bhutan has a land area of 38,394 sq km, largely dominated by high, steep mountains that are cut through by a network of fast-flowing rivers, ultimately giving rise to deep valleys before draining into the plains of India. The country’s topography can be divided into distinct regions from north to south based on altitude: the Great Himalayas, a mountain range that is perpetually covered in snow; the Inner Himalayas, Bhutan’s largest region characterized by broad valleys and forested hillsides with major settlement; and the Southern Foothills, a region rich in lush vegetation, tropical forest, and diverse wildlife.
Climate
Bhutan has a diverse climate, ranging from alpine in the north to subtropical in the south. The monsoon season runs from June to September, and during this time, the country experiences heavy rainfall.
People
The Bhutanese people are a diverse group, with over 20 ethnic groups represented in the country. The official language is Dzongkha, but there are many other languages spoken, including Nepali, English, and various tribal dialects. The majority of the population is Buddhist, but there are also small Hindu and Muslim communities.
Culture
Bhutanese culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism. The country has many monasteries and temples, and Buddhist festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Bhutan is also known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as music, dance, and painting.
Sustainable development
Bhutan is committed to sustainable development. The country has a number of policies in place to protect its environment and culture. For example, Bhutan has a carbon negative footprint, and it has banned smoking in public places.