Bhutan - the hidden paradise

Bhutan a hidden paradise in the eastern Himalayas nestled between Tibet in the north and India in the east, south and west. This tiny kingdom remain isolated from the rest of the world until it opened its door to the International tourist in 1974, coinciding with the coronation of His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Since than Bhutan became a hot spot destination to the foreign travelers. However, to preserve its unique identity from the western influence the Royal Government has taken a distinctive approach of “Low Volume High Quality” in its tourism policy. Because of this wise policy of the government our age-old tradition is still alive even at the threshold of modernization.

Its Buddhist tradition in a setting of unique architecture, peace loving people mostly engaged in agricultural farm coupled with colorful festivals with mask dances depicting its rich cultural heritage will be a new experience for the travelers.

On the other side Bhutan’s strategic geographical location, ranging from the foothills of the south to the snow capped mountains of the north made Bhutan a home for diverse flora and fauna. For the trekkers Bhutan offers beautiful trek ranging from mild to the strenuous.

Be in Bhutan once in a lifetime a unique travel destination where past is still a present and explore the beauty of nature untainted by human civilization.

Country Profile

History
Based on the records of stone implements Bhutan was probably first inhabited early around 1500-2000BC.

Buddhism is outstandingly marked in the religious history of Bhutan. It was first introduced in the 17th Century with the building of the first two Buddhist temples by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. One is in Bumthang ‘Jambay Lhakhang’ and the other is in Paro ‘Kich Lhakhang ‘. The Buddhist faith became increasingly popular when Padamashambhava or “Guru Rimpoche” brought the Tantric form of Buddhism into Bhutan in 747 AD.

Since the 12th century, many religious schools had spread widely throughout the kingdom and from 13th century onwards the people have had more rapidly adopted Buddhism, but later there were conflicts among different religious schools. Moreover, from the 15th century when many clans and noble families started to rule the different regions of the country, quarrels frequently burst out among the rulers in different valleys. Besides these: many invasions by Tibet took place in 1634, 1639, 1645 & 1648.

The country had been seriously unstable politically and religiously until the 17th century when a religious leader Shabdrung Ngawang Nmgyel of Drukpa School fled from Tibet & took refuge here in Bhutan. He built most of the Dzongs(fortified monasteries) in Bhutan and also fought against enemies from abroad & inside the country. He then established himself as the religious ruler with the honorary title of Shabdrung (meaning” ‘at whose feet one submits’). Shabdrung died in 1651 but his political system continued till the beginning of 20th century. However, internal disputes, political conflicts and civil wars broke out after his death. In 1907, political stability was re-established in the country when Ugyen Wangchuk was elected to be the first king of Bhutan by the assembly of representatives of the monastic community, civil servants and the people, thereby hereditary monarchy was established under the Wangchuk Dynasty. The present kind Jigme Singye Wangchuk in the fourth in line.

Religion

Bhutan has two main religions, Buddhism and Hindusim. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have maintained the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism as its official religion. In the south, the people follow their own religion ‘Hindusim’.

The freedom regarding different religious believes is accepted at a certain level. People can hold and practice their own religion in which they believe.

Environment

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 and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Almost 72% of the land is covered by forests of temperate and sub-tropical species that are a natural habitat for a diversity of flora & fauna. Its various ecosystems harbor some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas. An estimated 77- species of birds and about 55 species of rhododendron, along with an astounding variety of medicinal plants (over 300 species) and orchids are endemic to this region.

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.

Architecture
Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. Dzongs (fortresses), Lhakhangs(temples), Goenpas(monasteries), Chortens (stupas), palaces, bridges and vernacular housing that can be seen across the country side form the diverse but harmonious architectural aspirations of the culture heritage and living tradition of the Bhutanese people. The unmatched combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is reflected in all structures. Traditional shapes, colors and patrons on the walls, doors, windows, places Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own.

Among the diverse architectural expressions of the country, the castle-like dzongs, with their massive stonewalls, large courtyards and beautiful architectural details and galleries, are the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.

Impressive monasteries, set in commanding positions on hilltops or at the confluence of rivers, are the administrative centers of their regions. The dzong represents a unique architectural marvel. Hundreds of wooden planks are joined together without a single nail and no formal architectural plan goes into its construction.

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 given 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 in timber, stone, clay and bricks.

Food

Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chilies and cheese. The BSTT selected list of hotels and lodges offer delicious Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. Even on trek, BSTT trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western taste ranging from continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.

Climate

The climate in Bhutan differs greatly from one region to another because of its topography. Tropical with monsoon season in the southern plains, winter with hot summer in the central valleys and very cold winter and cool summer in the north. Bhutan’s climate is changeable and unpredictable, not only varying among the various regions, but also varying enormously from day to day or ever on the same day.

Economy

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for about 79% of the people who live in rural areas. Agriculture sector, including horticulture and livestock rearing contribute about 36% of the GDP. Majority of the farmers practice traditional method of agriculture,
although farm mechanization and hybrid seeds have been introduced since the inception of planned economy development. Water resources in Bhutan are abundant and have the potential of generate more than 30,000 MW of electricity. Currently Bhutan produces approximately 600MW of power and big project like Tala, Kurichu and Basochhu are near completion. These three projects together generate approximately 1200MW of power. Apart from domestic consumption almost 80% of the power is exported to India and is one of the major source of Bhutan’s revenue. The power sector’s contribution to GDP in 2000 was 11.6 percent. The manufacturing sector in Bhutan is small and is mainly dependent on agro and mineral based industries. This sector contributes about 9.6 percent to the GDP. The main products include: processed food, cement, Ferro silicon, calcium carbide and wood based industries.

People & Language

The population of Bhutan is approximately 0.7 million. The people of Bhutan are called ‘Drukpas’ comprising approximately 65% mongoloid origin while 25% are ethic Nepalease and 10% other migrant tribes.

The Official language of Bhutan is ‘Dzongkha’. It is widely spoken in the kingdom. Nepali is also a major language widely spoken by the people of southern Bhutan who are of Nepalease origin. Tsangla or Sharchopkha is another major dialect spoken by the people from eastern Bhutan. There are also many local dialects used in many regions of Bhutan.

Drukpas are composed of three main ethnic groups, that is: Ngalops, Sharchops and Lhotsampas. Ngalops the first group originally from Tibet who are the followers of Buddhism and settled mostly in the western & central Bhutan. Sharchops, the second group who immigrated from northern Burma & northeast India and settled in eastern Bhutan. Lhotsampas are the third group migrated to Bhutan from Nepal in the early 20th century for agricultural land and work. They live predominately in the southern plains.

Money

Bhutan unit of currency is Ngultrum (Nu.), which is at parity with Indian rupee. Tourists are advised to carry their money in the form of Travelers cheques and cash. Visa, American Express is accepted only in few shops only if you buy goods worth of US $ 100 minimum. We recommend our clients to carry some amount in cash for personal expenses, tips and incidental expenses. The exchange rate now is Nu. 44.50 Per US Dollar. The extra money as precautionary measure is always welcome. We do not entertain Visa or any credit cards to make tour payment. If you are traveling alone or with a friend (we call FITs), the tour payment is accepted directly either in cash or TC, but for group of 3 people and above, you need to wire transfer the money well in advance to enable us to process your visa.

Recreation

Sporting activities are a crucial part of Bhutanese national culture. Games such as Dego (discuss), Pungdo (shot put), Khuru (darts), Soksum (Javeline), and Keshi (wrestling) all form and integral part of everyday Bhutanese life.

Archery is the national sport and so it remains the favorite past time both for young and old alike.

Modern sports such as football (Soccer), Golf, Lawn Tennis, Basketball, Boxing, Table tennis, Taekwondo, Badminton, and Volleyball are growing in popularity and are encouraged along with safeguarding the old ones. Other past times includes: snooker, pool and nightclubs.

.