| BHUTAN-THE LAND OF THUNDER DRAGON TOUR |
 The kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked nation in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalaya Mountains and is bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People’s Republic of China. Bhutan is separated from the nearby state of Nepal to the west by the Indian state of Sikkim and from Bangladesh to the south by West Bengal. The Bhutanese call their country Druk Yul which means “Land of the Thunder dragon”. The total area of the country is currently 38,394 square kilometers which has been reduced from previous 47,000 square kilometers after a boundary redemarcation by the Chinese government in the north. Bhutan used to be one of the most isolated nations in the world. Development including direct international flights, internet, mobile phone networks and cable television has increasingly modernized the urban areas of the country. Bhutan has balanced modernization with its ancient culture and traditions under the guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Rampant destruction of the environment has been avoided. The government takes great measures to preserve the nation’s traditional culture, identity and the environment. Bhutan’s landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the Himalayan heights in the north, with some peaks exceeding 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). The state religion is Vajrayana Buddhism and the population of 691,141 is predominantly Buddhist, with Hinduism being the second largest religion. The capital and largest city is Thimphu. The Takstshang Monastery also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist country. Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan in the 7th century AD. According to Legend, Guru Rimpoche ordered the Tibetan king Trisong Detsen to have 108 temples built all over the Himalayas. Doing so would aid in subduing a demoness and allow for the construction of Samye Temple in Tibet. Two of the 108 temples are in Bhutan, one in Paro and the other in Bumthang and were built around AD637. Trekking in Bhutan is for the true adventurer. Bhutan is really off-the-beaten-track, has wonderful landscapes, amazing flora and kind, affectionate people who are very proud of their life-style. Treks can be long and arduous, but Bhutan's incredible beauty, clean unspoiled trials and bracing mountain air offer the trekker an exhilarating and memorable experience! Treks range from short excursions, with easy walking to enjoy the flora, fauna, culture and scenic beauty, to the most challenging treks in the entire Himalayas, such as the legendary 24 day Snowman Trek. The well known Jhomolhari Trek into north western Bhutan passes scattered hamlets, forested valleys and high alpine meadows where yak herders live in solitude. The popular Laya-Gasa Trek yields spectacular mountain views of Mt Masang Gang, and rest stops at the hospitable village of Laya and the Gasa hot spring makes the trek one of our favorites. The lower altitude treks through pine forests, alive with rhododendron, birds and butterflies and visits to farm houses and temples offer a delightful experience of the Bhutanese country-side and culture. The Bumthang Trek in the gentle valleys of Bumthang is especially recommended for lovers of nature. Equally enchanting is the Gantey Trek through Phobjikha, one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan, which in spring is brilliantly colored with rhododendrons and magnolia. The Druk Path, between Thimphu and Paro, with its fabulous views of the Himalayas on a clear day, mountain lakes teeming with fish, and rhododendron forests makes this a popular trail for those visiting Paro and Thimphu.
Best Months ( March, April, May and September, October, November): - In northern Bhutan the climate is colder and wetter than in Nepal. The weather can change in a matter of hours and when it moves in bad weather can last for days. The starting points of the treks are also generally higher than in Nepal. Detailed trekking maps are not available and as Bhutan is sparsely populated, provisions have to be carried on ponies or yaks, which must be arranged well in advance. BTB's experience in trekking logistics and its diverse resources can overcome these problem to offer you memorable trekking. We can also customize an itinerary to match virtually any set of criteria and objectives that you may have. If you are looking for something special, in the Himalayan's most pristine country, look to Bhutan Travel Bureau for your needs. |
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