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BHUTAN HISTORY Based on the evidence of stone implements found. It appears that this land was first inhabited as early as 2000 BC. In all probability these were nomadic herders who lived in the low-lying areas in winter and moved to the alpine meadows in summer and this practice is still followed today. There are no surviving records, oral or written, of this period and history per se can only authenticate from the seventh century AD. The visit of Guru Padmasambhava and other Buddhists saints and scholars from India and Tibet marked the medieval Bhutan. Emergence of ruling clans and development of arts and architecture were also seen during this period.

Bhutan's history started in the seventh century when the Tibetan king Songsten Gampo,constructed its first two Buddhist temples,Kyichu in Paro valley and Jambay Lhakhang in the Choekhor Valley in Bumthang.Till this time,like other parts of the Himalayan region,the people here followed an animistic region,in this case,Bon or (Ben choe).Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a leader of the Drukpa sect, came to Bhutan in 17th century. He introduced the dual system of Government and for the first time some degree of stability was maintained, which was unseen before. But this did not last long. After Ngawang Namgyal’s death, successors became victims of intrigues and rivalries. The instability continued till the early 20th century.

The country’s modern period began with the establishment of monarchy in Bhutan. The powerful Bhutanese Chief, Ugyen Wangchuk was crowned as the first hereditary ruler of Bhutan in 1907. The country’s self-imposed policy of isolation continued till the reign of the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. He decided to shed this age-old policy and introduced the country to the outside world, bringing the country into the international mainstream.

In the seventeenth century when Bhutan was united under the Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism,they gave the country the name Druk Yul-Land of the Thunder Dragon,and the inhabitants were called the Drukpas.The language,which was closely akin to Tibetan,was Dzongkha.

BHUTAN GEOGRAPHY Bhutan is a landlocked South Asian country. Covering an area of around 46,500 square kilometers and has population of 650,000 with seventy five percent of the population living on cultivation and livestock rearing. It stretches 300 km from East to West, while the North-South axis is around 140 km. On its boundaries to the East, West and south lie the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal/Assam respectively while to the north lies Tibet's Chumbi valley,sandwiched between North Bhutan and Sikkim.There is no definitive version of how the country got its name-the most common interpretation is that it is derived from Bhot-stan,the land of the Bhotias(in the ancient Indian language Sanskrit,people orginally from Tibet were called 'bhotia').This was later corrupted by the early British explorers to Bootan or Bhotan.Another theory suggests that the name evolved from Bhotanta(end of Tibet) or from Bhu-uttan meaning "highland".In the Dzongkha language Bhutanese refer to their country as Druk Yul(Land of Thunder Dragon)and themselves as Drukpas.

Bhutan's physical geography consists mostly of steep and high mountains criss-crossed by a network of swift rivers,which form deep valleys before draining into the Indian plains.The land rises from 200 meters in the southern foothills to 7000 meters high northern mountains.The country can be divided into three major geographic zones: the southern foothills and plains with hot and humid climate, the hills and valleys in the center with moderate rainfall and the highland of the north with high mountains covered with snow almost through out the year.Bhutan is the land of complex gorges and valleys, soaring snow-peaked mountains and steep slopes, humid jungles and foothills, magnificent lakes and waterfalls, fast flowing rivers and streams and the richest biodiversity of flora and fauna.

GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS The fifth King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, popularly known as King Khesar, proclaimed that fulfilling the vision of GNH will be one of the four main responsibilities of his reign in his Royal Address of 17 December 2006. His Majesty King Khesar underlined that the ultimate goal for social, economic, political changes in Bhutan is fulfillment of GNH. His Majesty the King has said that a GNH society means the creation of an enlightened society in which happiness and well-being of all people and sentient beings is the ultimate purpose of governance. His Majesty the King reemphasized that again in his Coronation Address on 7th November 2008:

The 4th King of Bhutan, HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck, promulgated GNH since the beginning of his reign in 1972. Happiness of the people was made the guiding goal of development. The exact phrase “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product” was coined by His Majesty the 4th King of Bhutan, who is the author of GNH. The fact that he said GDP needed to be channeled towards happiness in 1970s and 1980s was quite new. Since then, GNH has attracted attention, and opinion around the world has started to converge on happiness as a collective goal.

In the reign of the 4th King, the actual road map for good development in terms of laws and policies consistent with GNH were developed. He believed that happiness is an indicator of good development and good society. He also believed in the legitimacy of public deliberation, public discussion, and public opinion in defining any goal, including GNH, through democracy and enlightened citizenship. Hence, full parliamentary democracy was introduced in 2008 with the declaration of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, although decentralization policies prepared the people for parliamentary democracy from 1970s onwards.

The four pillar of GNH (Gross National Happiness) are the promotion of sustainable development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, conservation of the natural environment and establishment of good governance.

BHUTAN NEW DEMOCRACY The kingdom of Bhutan is described today as the youngest democracy in the world. Its political transition from a monarchy to democratic government was formalized in a unique ceremony in the capital Thimphu. Bhutan’s democratic began from the palace. “It is a gift from the golden throne “says most of the Bhutanese citizens. In Bhutan, the eastern Himalayan kingdom, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk declared in December 2005 that he would abdicate the throne and adopt a parliamentary system of government by 2008. The 50 year-old king’s announcement that he would step down in favour of his son fifth king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk came as a shock to many. The constitution was drafted without representation from the dissident groups and remains vague about the monarch’s prerogative powers. It also lacks a provision for an independent judiciary and fails to properly acknowledge religious, linguistic and cultural freedoms (among others). At best, it envisages a two-party oligarchy based on the Drukpa vision of a homogenous nationhood.

The first-ever democratic elections in Bhutan were held on March 2008 after the draft constitution is passed in a national referendum. The fundamentals of democracy – limited government and civil liberties – are essential in any form of democracy, even in the context of the cultural nuances of popular rule. Bhutan fails on both accounts. The launch of three private daily newspapers in the capital, Thimpu, does signal a first advance in press freedom In a contest between parties each led by people who have previously served as prime ministers under the monarch. Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) led by the intellectual and statesman Jigmi Thinley, stressed political integrity as the bedrock of a sound democracy and campaigned for democracy and justice. His opponent, Sangay Ngedup led the People's Democratic Party (PDP). DPT won by a surprising landslide of forty-five out of forty-seven seats and currently ruling the Bhutan for five years term.

PEOPLE

The people of Bhutan can be classified into three main distinct ethnic groups-Sharchops, People who live in east of the Bhutan, are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. They are Indo-Mongoloid origin and appear closely related to the inhabitants of northeast India and northern Burma. The Ngalongs are of Tibetan descendant of the migrated to Bhutan in the 9th century and settled west of the country. The third groups Lhotsampas are the Nepali origin that settled in the foothills of southern Bhutan in mid 19th century. There are other minority groups in Bhutan such as Layap, Brokpa, Doya, Lhopu, Dhakpa and Lepcha. The Bhutanese are very religious and this is evidenced by the numerous Dzongs, Temples and monasteries that mark the landscape. In addition, every home has its prayer room or alters and generally celebrates an annual festival called “Chogu”. This is when prayers of thanksgiving are offered for the year past as well as for future well being of the family. Bhutan is one of the least densely populated countries in the world with 79 percent of the people living in the rural areas. People in Bhutan, no matter how simple their rural lives are, have a welcome smile for every visitor.

CULTURE AND TRADITION The rich cultural heritage of Kingdom of Bhutan has remained remark unblemished. It is to a great degree not remnants of the past but a living culture, where age old traditions are vibrant and still continue to have clear significance in every day of the Bhutanese people. Cultural heritage is considered the foundation upon which the identity of the Bhutanese people and the kingdom of Bhutan as a sovereign independent nation is built. The signs of strong tradition are evident to a visitor from the impressive architecture and art form adoring the Bhutanese landscape.

LANGUAGE The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, which is widely spoken in western region. The eastern region of the country speak Sharchop, where as the people in the south speak Nepali. English has been used as the medium of instructions in schools and institutes. You will get by comfortably if you speak English, as the langue is taught in schools in Bhutan. Many children in Bhutan tend to walk up to visitors, wave and say hi or hello. The Bhutanese are always thrilled when they meet visitors who try to speak their language. Here are some useful phrases.

1).Good morning/afternoon/evening: KUZUZANGPO-LA               2). Thank You: KADINCHE-LA

RELIGION The seventy percent of the population follow the Buddhist faith while balance follows Hindu beliefs. Besides offering spectacular natural beauty and a pristine environments, Bhutan’s landscape is studded with a profusion of majestic dzongs, beautiful gompas(monasteries) and chortens (stupas) that are evidence of living spiritual culture. The kingdom of Bhutan’s official religion is Drukpa Kagyu,a school of Mahayana Buddhism .Bhutan came under the bhudhist influence via Tibet. Apparently this was foretold by the chief protagonist of the vajrayana teaching of Buddhism-Guru Rinpoche, the precious teacher.

FOOD The Bhutanese meals are characterized by the hot chili pepper and cheese, put them together and you have national favourite Aema Datsi.The staple food of Bhutanese is rice and vegetables with abundant chilies. Bhutanese eat incredible amount of chilies. It is used as vegetable rather than as spices. Most Bhutanese prefer ‘Emadatse’ a dish made entirely of chilies mixed with cheese. Meat is widely eaten in Bhutan. Common meat includes pork, beef, chicken, fish and yak meat. The Bhutanese also eat a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, fern, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, beans and mushrooms. Most restaurants offer the standard Chinese or Indian fare. International cuisine is limited. Always ask what is available and what the season is. There are more restaurants in the capital, Most meals are served buffet style so the decision on what to order is taken care off.

In central Bhutan, buckwheat is cultivated as one of the main cereals. The rice is not grown due to high altitude. The Bumthang region is famous for its buckwheat pancakes. The Bhutanese are fond of taking ‘suja’ (butter tea) and ‘Ara’, an alcohol distilled from the brewery of locally produced rice, wheat, maize or corn. Drinks are also used as a part of offerings while performing ceremonies on different occasions.

ACCOMMODATIONS The hospitality business is a sunrise industry in Bhutan .There is a wide range of accommodation available in Bhutan from the simple farm house stay to the high end resort in some districts. Most of the tourist hotels are clean and basic and offer simple comfort and culinary fare. Tourist to Bhutan generally does not demand luxury accommodation. The Tourism Council of Bhutan categories and monitor the quality of accommodation in the country.

Luxury hotels in Bhutan are as follows: Amankora paro Thirty minutes from Paro’s international airport, the lodge contrasts rustic with the contemporary, featuring natural rammed-earth walls, gentle sloping roofs and wood-panelled interiors. A lime-washed stone pavilion houses the living and dining rooms, library, boutique and outdoor terrace. Behind the main cluster of buildings is the Spa which has a sauna, steam room, five treatment rooms with hot stone baths, changing rooms and a glass-walled yoga suite. Amankora thimphu The lodge’s dzong-inspired architecture incorporates high stone, white-washed buildings accessed through an enclosed arrival court. The combined Living and Dining Room features soaring ceilings and an outdoor dining deck provides views of the nearby stream and surrounding forest. The Spa includes three treatment rooms, steam room and changing areas. Amankora punakha Accessed by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu, the lodge is centred by a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. This quaint, three-storey structure with its preserved vegetable dye wall paintings is now the combined common guest area with a dining room, traditional altar room, a courtyard for alfresco dining and a tea pavilion. Just beyond is the Spa with two treatment rooms, steam room, changing areas and a yoga/meditation room. Amankora Gangtey Lodge accommodations and guest facilities are housed together. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the combined living and dining room offer beautiful views over the Phobjikha Valley. Spa facilities include two treatment rooms and changing areas. Amankora Bumthang Overlooking established orchards and skimming the grounds of one of Bhutan's royal palaces, the lodge offers a library, comfortable living room, regal dining room and cosy Spa with three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas. Uma Uma Como, the Singaporean based Como group in Paro offers exceptional style in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Reflecting an understated philosophy of quiet comfort in a unique, culture-rich location, this inland retreat is also dedicated to activity and adventure. The landscape is dramatic with pine-clad valleys and snow-tipped ranges. Bhutan is Buddhist, retaining respect for religious tradition. Zhiwaling Forty five rooms Zhiwaling combine the sensibilities of a fine Bhutansese guest house with the best of 21st century technology. Envisioned and created by a local Bhutanese company, the hotel's elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices and masterful stonework coexist beautifully with cutting-edge telecommunication systems and Swedish under-floor heating. Taj Tashi The Kingdom of Bhutan - long considered the mountain fortress of the gods - is an ancient Kingdom secluded high in the Himalayas with unique customs and people with deeply-held Beliefs. The environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture spellbinding, and the people warm and hospitable. It’s truly “The Last place on the roof of the world.” Thimphu, the charming capital, rests in the heart of the Himalayas, 7500 feet above sea level, overlooking the Wang Chu river valley. Taj Tashi, Thimphu, situated in the centre of the capital city, has adopted age-old Bhutanese traditions in its architecture. A short walk away from the golf course, the hotel offers panoramic Views of mountains.

ART AND CRAFTS The traditional Bhutanese arts and architecture is one of the kingdom’s most visible distinctive features. From the ordinary houses to the most impressive public structures such as Dzongs, all the architecture structures are strictly based on the unique architectural designs of Bhutan. They are highly decorative and ornamental. The traditional Bhutanese architecture has no nails or iron bars. The Bhutanese architectural grandeur is exhibited in the form of Dzongs, monasteries, temples, chortens(stupas) and traditional Bhutanese houses. The Dzong architecture is one of the most elegant and harmonious in the world. The genius of Bhutanese art is best expressed in frescoes and paintings. Bhutan’s thangkas and mandalas depict an artistic skill and a rare exquisite fineness. The mandala or mystic circle represents the Buddhist concept of cosmogony of the universe. The statues are made of wood, stones, bronze, coral, pearl and other expensive materials, which depict fine craftsmanship of the Bhutanese artists. The contemplation and visualization of colours and patterns in art and craft is considered an integral part of worship and spiritual practice. The art of Zorig Chusum or the thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan remains very much alive toady. There are two institutes of zorig chusum where these traditional arts and crafts are being taught today, one in capital Thimphu and other in Trashiyangtse in eastern Bhutan.

FLORA AND FAUNA Bhutan is home to an exotic mix of flora and fauna that few places on the earth can match. Bhutan has about 72% of its area under forest cover. Over 5000 species of plants grow in Bhutan. These include 300 species of medicinal plants, over 50 species of rhododendron and 600 species of orchids. The great variety of fauna includes: elephants, tigers, buffalo, one horned rhinoceros (rhinoceros unicorns), leopards (panthara pardus), gaur, red pandas, langur monkeys, wild boar, deer, white-collared black bears, yaks (bos gruniens), tahr (hemitragus jemlahicus) and goral (naemorhedus goral). Brown trout and local fishes are found in northern rivers and lakes, while in the south the rivers are full of masher. The rare and exotic species found in Bhutan are: golden langur (found only in Bhutan), pangolin, pygmy hog, snow leopard, red pandas, wild buffalo, monal peasant, peacock peasant, raven, rufous-necked hornbill, white-bellied heron, common shelduck, ruddy duck, black necked crane, golden masheer, spotted deer, leopard, leopard cat, Himalayan black bear, serow, snow leopard, takin, musk deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan marten, tiger, hornbills, pheasants, mountain goats and timid blue sheep. About 675 species of birds have been recorded in Bhutan and more than 16 different species of birds are included in the lists of endangered species. The royal manas national park, on Bhutan’s central-south border with India is the home to wild elephants, tigers, leopards, rhinoceros, guar, wild boar, wild dogs and deer. in the alpine region you will find yaks, the rare blue sheep (bharal).the alpine meadows are its home in summer while broadleaf forest is its winter base.For birders Bhutan is a veritable paradise with around seven hundred spices having been recorded.As a matter of fact while driving across the country you are likely to come across small groups of avid bird watchers wandering into jungle armed with binoculars and cameras. The black-necked crane is most famous migratory visitors that you will see in gangtey.

ECONOMY Almost eighty percent of Bhutan’s population is engaged in agricultural activity and animal husbandry. The principal crops are rice, maize, millet, wheat, buckwheat and barley. The cash crops include apples, oranges, potatoes, cardamom and mustard. Bhutan exports agro products like apples, oranges, vegetables, mushrooms, canned fruit and jams. Most households raise poultry and cattle. Yaks are raised at higher altitudes. Though most of the population is pastoral, the agricultural sector currently accounts for only about thirty-five percents of the country’s gross Domestic Product (GDP).the bulk of it is accounted for by production and export of hydro power to india. It is estimated that the total hydel potential of the country is 30,000MW of which under five percent is currently being tapped. There are two main projects both located in wangchu at Chukha and Tala. Other contributors to the economy are the also exports of apples, forestry products like timber and lemon grass oil. Cement, Ferro alloys, calcium carbide, coal and gypsum. Tourism is the second largest contributor to the national GDP even though its full potential is yet to be realized. Bhutan stamps most unusual contributor to the economy. Bhutan’s goal is an equitable spread of prosperity rather than skewed development in an ad hoc manner, just for the sake of so called progress. With this principle being the cornerstone of nation building, priority is given to the rural development. healthcare and educations as well as creating job opportunities and spreading this growth fairly over all regions so as to discourage migrations to urban centers. The country‘s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu) which is equal to Indian currency called Rupees. The acceptance of credit card is extremely limited, so it’s best to come well stocked with good old TCs (travellers cheques).

Greetings from Bhutan!!! Wel come to Bhutan, The last place on the roof of the world. Bhutan is indeed an extraordinary country-a verdant paradise of just over 700,000 people,Bhutan landlocked and geographically isolated,the country began to tentatively reach out into the twentieth century only recently with roads being built in the 1960s and TV,Internet introduced only in 1999.At the turn of the century,the total number of the tourist who visited the country was just six thousand! No small wonder then that Bhutan is often referred to as the last Shangrila.Considering Bhutan’s relative remoteness and low profile remoteness in today’s global world, one naturally assumes it would be difficult getting there. Fortunately this is not at all true you can travel to Bhutan by air and by road.

Bhutan follows a policy of responsible tourism managed carefully and controlled the growth of the tourism industry so that it does not adversely impact on either their distinct and deeply spiritual indent and cherish culture or damage their pristine and well preserved environment .in keeping with the high benefit-low philosophy, efforts are being made to spread tourist related and other development projects through the country rather than concentrating them only in a few spots, hereby spreading prosperity, discouraging rural migration and diluting environment impact.

Bhutan opened its door to tourism only in 1974 and right from the start Bhutan regulated the flow of tourist to the country by introducing high tariff in order to preserve its rich cultural heritage, unique national identity and pristine environment. Through its restricted tourism policy, Bhutan has emerged as one of the few unexplored tourist destinations in the world. Today Bhutan has become one of the most exotic destinations for many international travelers.Come prepared to meet and interact with a people who are dignified,extremely friendly,hospitable and disciplined.Bhutan is ranked as one of the safest tourist destinations on our planet-it has an extremely low crime rate and people do not exhibit that irritating invasive curiosity that you find in many other destinations.

Tashi Gongphel Tours (Bhutan Travel Agents and Bhutan Tour Operators) have been operating a variety of activity-based tours for our Groups and Individual tourists and have been able to mastermind them with great deal of efficiency.The company specializes in inbound tours and offers wide range of tours on Bhutan Culture Tours, Bhutan Treks and adventure, Bhutan Textiles Tours, Bhutan Festival Tours, Bhutan Travel,Bhutan Tour, Bhutan Flora & Fauna, Bhutan Rafting,Bhutan Meditation Tour,Bhutan Business Tour,Bhutan Honey moon Tour, Bhutan Botanical Tour, Bhutan Bird watching, Bhutan Religious Tours, Bhutan Mountain Biking, Bhutan Excursion, Bhutan Fishing Tours,Bhutan Travel,Bhutan Tour,Bhutan Visa,Bhutan Festival,Bhutan Adventure,Bhutan Map,Bhutan tour package,Bhutan trekking,Bhutan Tourism,Bhutan travel agents,bhutan flights,bhutan hotels,bhutan history,bhutan national symbols,gross national happiness,Bhutan excursion,bhutan hiking,bhutan cultural tours,bhutan flights and other adventures.

The hospitality business is a sunrise industry in Bhutan .There is a wide range of accommodation available in Bhutan from the simple farm house stay to the high end resort in some districts. Most of the tourist hotels are clean and basic and offer simple comfort and culinary fare. Tourist to Bhutan generally does not demand luxury accommodation. The Tourism Council of Bhutan categories and monitor the quality of accommodation in the country. It is our sincere commitment to make your stay in Bhutan one of the most unforgettable holidays of a lifetime. http://www.bhutanvisitors.com