Introduction
Bhutan, located in the heart of the great Himalayan has for centuries remained detached from the rest of the world. Popularly known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, it is perhaps the most unknown but fascinating travel destination of present times. It is located between Tibet in the north, Indian states of West Bengal and Assam in the south, and Arunachal Pradesh in the east. Bhutan is a land of soaring snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows and densely forested hills and ravines abounding in exotic flora and fauna
The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people.
For the trekking enthusiasts, there are numerous routes ranging from low ( 9840 ft) to medium (10,000 ft) to very high altitude (14,400 ft) treks.
Bhutan can easily be classified as a botanical paradise. A few floras in Bhutan are- rhododendrons, junipers and magnolias several meters high, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical tress, pine and oak etc. Among the rare and exotic faunas found in Bhutan are - Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Black-necked Crane, Snow Leopard, Takin, Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Marten, Tiger, hornbills, pheasants, mountain goats and timid blue sheep.
Historical background
Bhutan is an ancient kingdom remotely located in the high Himalayas with unique customs and people with strong beliefs. Although stone tools, weapons, elephants and remnants of large stone structures provide evidence that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000 BC, almost no documents on Bhutan’s history exists as they were lost in fires and earthquakes. Its is believed that in 8th century, Guru Rinpoche introduced Buddhism to Bhutan on his trip from eastern Bhutan to western Bhutan. By the 10th century, Bhutan's political development was heavily influenced by its religious history and various sub-sects of Buddhism emerged supported by Mongol and Tibetan overlords. After the decline of the mongol empire in the 14th century Bhutan consisted of warring fiefdoms for more than two centuries until the area was unified by the Tibetan lama and military leader Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Bhutan lost an important war to British in mid 19th century and was forced to made a peace treaty which existed till India gained independence. After independence India and Bhutan signed a similar treaty of peace and mutual cooperation which still exists.
People and Cultures
The ethnic group of Tibetan / Tibeto-Burman ancestry is dominant here among others, ethnic Nepalis minority form the majority in the southern part of the country. About 20% of the population lives in urban areas composed of small towns mainly along the central valley and the southern border. Most of the population lives in small rural villages and supports itself through agriculture, growing crops or breeding yaks. The Buddhist religion is an important part of life. Bhutan, the last Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom, is influenced with teachings of this school of Buddhism even today. Spirituality is pervasive even in the urban centers where the spinning of prayer wheels, the chanting of mantras and the glow of butter lamps in the houses are still important features of everyday life.
Places To Visit:
Thimpu
Paro Valley
Punakha
Trongsa
Bumthang. |
