The kingdom of Bhutan or Drukyul which means land of the thunder dragon is one of the few unexplored tourist destinations in the world. It has been declared as a global hotspot for its pristine environment and rich biodiversity. Straddling the eastern himalayas with China to the north and India to the south, it is a land of immense natural beauty with a rich ancient culture and tradition that is vibrant and intact.

Often referred to as Shangri La, buddhism is a way of life in this peaceful and serene country the last bastion of Mahayana buddhism in the world. Buddhism is embedded in every aspect of Bhutanese life.

Since Buddhism came to Bhutan in the 8th century, it has influenced and shaped Bhutanese values, social structure, arts, architecture, literature and institutions. The Bhutanese call themselves Drukpas, a term originating from Druk meaning Dragon in Dzongkha the national language.

As a country that has remained independent throughout its history, Bhutan opened up to modern development in the 1960s after years of self imposed isolation with the building of the first schools, hospitals and roads. In the new millennium, as a society in transition, Bhutan stands as a unique nation that blends modernization with its tradition and culture.

History of Bhutan

For the early explorers and envoys of the British government who ventured into this fabled land, it was Bootan, their reports ringing with strength and marvelous name rendered in imaginative phonetic spellings the ancient Buddhist writers called their fertile neighbour "Lho Mon" or "Mon Yul", Paradise of the South, Land of the Mons. To the inhabitants it is not Bhutan at all, but Druk or Druk Yul, Land of the thunder dragon.

From the available "Namthar" and artifacts surviving in a few ancient monasteries, the prehistoric era of Bhutan can still be traced to 500 to 600 A.D. Being a landlocked country; the history of Bhutan has always been influenced by its geography. Bhutan's historical legends, however, begin with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have come from Tibet in 747 A.D.Right from then, the Buddhist faith has played a large part in shaping the course of this country's history.

Although Bhutan was not unified under a central authority until the 17th century, evidence strongly suggests that it had existed as an independent entity from the early times, and certainly from the 7th century on. Its formidable geographic boundaries kept it free of foreign authority and allowed it to develop a strong degree of common identity despite the ethnic and linguistic diversity of its inhabitants.

The 17th century witnessed the unification of Bhutan under the charismatic Nawang Namgyal who took the honorary title of Shabdrung. In 1865, the Penlop of Tongsa named Jigme Namgyel became the strong man of Bhutan and bequeathed his son Ugyen Wangchuk that position. And then came a series of rulers under whose guidance Bhutan has grown from strength to strength.

Flora and Fauna

There are over 500 species of birds to be seen in Bhutan. The rich bird life includes the Monal Pheasant, the Tragopan, many different types of wild Pigeons and doves, the rare Rufus- necked hornbill and the endangered Black-necked crane. There is also an abundant butterfly fauna.

Bhutan is home to a rich wildlife as well from Snow leopard, Blue sheep, Musk deer, Takin and the Himalayan Black Bear in the north to the Tiger, Rhinoceros, Gaur, the Great Indian Water Buffalo and the Golden Langur in the south.

Brown Trout and Local fish are found in the northern river and mountain lakes. Further to the southeast, the rivers are full of elusive Mahseer.

People of Bhutan

The inhabitants of Bhutan are warm, simple, hard working and open. They are peace loving and have a lively sense of humor. Bhutan's people fall into three broad ethnic groups. The Sharchops, believed to have been the earliest inhabitants of the country, live largely in the eastern regions. The Naglops are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who came to Bhutan from about the 9th century onward, settling primarily in the west. The third sections of population are the Nepalese, who began to settle in the south towards the end of the last century.

Predominantly Buddhist, the Bhutanese practice the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism. Religion has saved the history of nation and continuous to play an important role in the life of the god faring and spiritual people. All over Bhutan evidence of this can be seen in many religious monuments and symbols that have been erected. Practically every Bhutanese home has an altar were daily religious observance are carried out by the family. Monks are held in high respects and play an active part in community life and in the government.

Over three-fourth of the population of Bhutan leads an agrarian life style. The people know of real peace, unhampered by the fast life that marks modernity.

The Bhutanese society is egalitarian in its disposition. Every inhabitant of the country wear the distinctive national dress that is finely woven from multi colored, vibrant hued wool, cotton or silk. The men's attire is called "Gho" and ladies dress is called "Kira". The form of dress is common to all strata of society. Jewellery is mostly of pearls, corals turquoise, and agate set in well-crafted gold and silver.

The Bhutanese diet is rich in meat, cereals particularly rice, vegetables and herbs.

Meat dishes, mainly pork and beef, are lavishly spiced with chillies, and it is common to see these bright red peppers drying on roofs in the sun. Salted butter tea is served on all occasions. Chang, a local beer, and Arra, a spirit distilled from rice, maize, wheat or barley, are also favorite beverages. "Doma" or betel nut is offered as a customary greeting.

Archery is the popular national sport played all year round with the traditional bows and arrows. An integral part of most festivities, archery matches are gala affairs with much music, dancing drinking and gaiety.

In Bhutan, the ancient music and dances of the different region have been faithfully preserved. The quite, grace of the folk dances and the drama of the energetic, colorful mask dances will remain one of the visitor¹s most vivid memories.

Festivals of Bhutan

Tshechus are the main annual religious festivals of Bhutan that are celebrated to honour Guru Padmasambhava, also known as "Guru Rimpoche" in the mountain kingdom. For the people, Tshechus are an occasion for reverence and blessing, feasting and socializing in their richest robes and ornaments. All these against a backdrop of mask dancers spinning in a kaleidoscope of silks and brocades; while the deep notes of horns and trumpets reverberate across the valley.

Staged at different times of the year in different parts of the Kingdom, for the outsider, Tshechu is an experience extraordinaire.

Art and Craft

Paintings and carvings of Buddha and various deities adorn the walls of temples and shrines. The " Tashi Tagye" or eight auspicious signs are found painted, embroidered or appliquéd on buildings, Thankas and souvenirs. Articles for everyday use are still fashioned today as they were centuries ago. Traditionally craftsmanship is handed down from generation to generation. Bhutan's craftsmen are skilled workers in bronze and precious metals, wood and slate carving and clay sculpture. Handicrafts made of wood include bowls, some lined with silver. Finely woven bamboo is made into baskets, mats, hats and quivers. Hand made paper is made from tree bark by a process passed down from the centuries.