DESTINATION BHUTAN
Bhutan is one of the most exclusive tourist spots in the world today. Known as "The Land of the Thunder Dragon", this enchanting kingdom draws visitors from all over the world every year. The quaint villages, spectacular mountain ranges, exotica flora and fauna, vibrant festivals and mystic Buddhist monasteries make Destination Bhutan one of the most enigmatic places to visit in a lifetime.
Bhutan tourism started in 1974 and is strictly regulated by the government to preserve its culture and environment. Destination Bhutan is today a unique blend of the old and new, slowly opening up to the modern world in a fine balance with its ancient traditions. It's also renown as the "the Last Shangri-La" or "the Last Place on the Roof of the World".
QUICK FACTS
As a well experienced tour operator in Bhutan, we have in-depth knowledge about the country to guide you safely and conveniently at every step of your journey.
Here are some important facts and information you need to know during your Bhutan Tour:
Location
Bhutan is a small Buddhist Kingdom nestled in the folds of the mighty Eastern Himalayas. The country is bordered by China in the north & Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam & West Bengal in the east, west & south.
Area: 47,000 sq. Km.
Altitude: Varying from 180 m. to 7550 m. above sea level.
Population: Approx. 7 hundred thousand.
Capital: Thimphu
Local time: Six hours ahead of GMT & ½ hour ahead of IST
Religion: Mahayana Buddhism & Hinduism
People
Bhutanese are known for their hospitality and warmth. The indigenous population Bhutan is Drukpa who are divided linguistically into three broad sub-groups, Sharchops, Ngalong & Lhotshampa.
National Day
17th December is celebrated as Bhutan's National Day, in commemoration of the accession of Gogsar Ughen Wangchuck, who was the first king of Bhutan to the throne in 1907, in Punakha Dzong.
Currency
Ngultrum, the national currency of Bhutan, has the same value as Indian rupee, which is also a legal tender. One US$ is roughly equal to 46 NU.
Food
Staple diet here consists mainly of red rice, wheat, maize, buck-wheat, pork, beef, chicken, yak meat and cheese. Chilies are taken as whole vegetable dish and not as just a spice for seasoning!
Arts & Crafts
Bhutan is known for its beautifully designed curios and exclusive handicraft items in bronze, silver & other metals. Sculpted religious figures are also very popular & every temple houses large, brightly painted gilded statues of the Buddha & other saints.
Dress
Bhutanese men traditionally wear "Gho", which are longish robes tied around the waist by a cloth belt known as "Kera". The women's ankle-length dress with a jacket known as "Kira", which is made of bright colored fine woven fabric with traditional patterns.
Sports
The national sport of Bhutan is archery. Other traditional sports include Digor-a kind of shot put, darts, & wrestling. International sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis & table tennis are also gaining popularity here.
Architecture
The unique mediaeval style architectural designs of Dzongs in Bhutan are truly awe inspiring. These designs do not have a plan and have not used a single nail in the construction. The castle-like Dzongs with their gently tapering walls, classic lines, large courtyards & beautiful galleries function as a fortress, monastery and town hall under on roof.
Tsechu (Festival)
In almost every Dzongs (fortresses that house both the monastic & the Govt. administrative wings) there is an annual traditional festival (Tsechu) that normally spans 3-4 days. These vibrant, colorful & well choreographed mask dances are performed during the Tsechu. Due to the nature of the lunar calendar, exact dates for Tsechu vary from year to year.
National Emblem
The National emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel & framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular & religious power; inspired from the teachings of the Buddhist religion in its Vajrayana form. The lotus symbolizes purity, the jewel- sovereign power & the two dragons - a male and a female, stand for the name of the country - the Thunder Dragon (Druk Yul).
National Flag
The national flag is rectangular & divided into two parts with a white dragon in the middle. The upper yellow half signifies the country's secular authority of the King & the lower saffron-orange half signifies the religious practice & spiritual power of Buddhism.
National Tree: Cyprus (Cupresses Corneyana)
National Flower: Blue Poppy (Mecanopsis Grandis)
National Animal: Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor)
National Bird: Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus)
