Bhutan

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a mystical Himalayan kingdom that has carefully preserved its ancient Buddhist culture while embracing controlled modernization. This last great Himalayan kingdom, nestled between India and Tibet, offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into a traditional way of life that has largely disappeared from the modern world.

Bhutan represents a unique fusion of ancient traditions and progressive values, most notably exemplified by its development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The country remained in self-imposed isolation until 1974 and continues to carefully manage tourism through a ‘High Value, Low Impact’ policy that requires visitors to spend a minimum daily amount. This approach has helped preserve Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and pristine natural environment. The landscape is dominated by dramatic mountain terrain, ranging from subtropical plains in the south to alpine regions in the north. Bhutan’s architecture is distinctive, characterized by massive fortresses called dzongs, ancient Buddhist temples, and traditional houses adorned with intricate paintings. The country’s commitment to environmental conservation is evident in its constitution, which mandates that 60% of its land must remain under forest cover in perpetuity. Currently, over 70% of the country is forested, making it one of the world’s few carbon-negative countries.

Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by Tibet (China) to the north and India to the south, east, and west. The country spans approximately 38,394 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 160 meters in the southern foothills to more than 7,000 meters in the northern mountains.

Major Cities

Thimphu (Capital) – The only capital city in the world without traffic lights, blending modern development with traditional architecture.
Paro – Home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the country’s only international airport.
Punakha – The former capital, featuring the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers.
Bumthang – The spiritual heartland of Bhutan, known for its ancient temples and monasteries.