Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography. It was the mighty Himalayas, which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world, and left the Kingdom blissfully untouched. The Drukpa Kagyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and a fascinating history. The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries. The inhabitants of Bhutan are very hospitable, peace loving and lively sense of humour.

Natural Heritage

Nowhere in the Himalayas the natural heritage is more rich and varied than in Bhutan. In historical records, the Kingdom was called the valley of Medicinal Herbs, a name that still applies to this day. The country's rich flora and fauna is the result of its unique geographic location in the eastern Himalayas, within an area that extends through both Indo-Himalayan (oriental) and the Pale-arctic biographic regions; its annual rainfall, which is significantly higher than in the central and western Himalayas, and its considerable altitudinal variation, from 200 meters in the south to over 7,000 meters in the north, which is accompanied by dramatic climatic changes. Because of deep traditional reverence, which the Bhutanese have for nature, the Kingdom is one of the leading countries in environmental preservation. More than 70% of the area is still under forest cover. Many parts of the country, which have been declared as Wildlife reserves, are the natural habitats of rare species of both flora and fauna. opened for tourism in 1974, after the Royal coronation of the present King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan is perhaps the world's most exclusive tourist destination.

The country manages to retain all the charm of the old world. Like timeless images of the past, the travelers encounter the full glory of the ancient land through its strategic monastic fortresses known as dzongs, numerous ancient temple, monasteries and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags which flutter along the high ridges, wild animals which abound in dense forests, foamy white waterfalls which are ethereal showers, and the warm smile of the people. Each moment is special as one discovers a country, which people have chosen to preserve in its magical purity.

The best time to visit Bhutan is October and November or during major festivals. Autumn, from late September to late November, is highly recommended when you will get clear skies and high mountain peaks. This is the ideal time for trekking and for travelling throughout the country. Monsoon season should be avoided.

The capital of Bhutan Thimphu lies in beautiful wooded sylvan valley, on a hillside on the bank of Thimphu Chhu River. Thimphu is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, culture, and tradition--everything so ethnic and pure. For most part of its history, Bhutan has tried consciously to save its culture from the blunt influences of the western world. Though modernity has not reached this region, it is there in a phased and balanced manner that is unheard of at any place in the world. All these make Thimphu and other attractions of Bhutan unique tourist destinations. Come to the land of peaceful Dragon and enjoy the cultural vibrancy and natural splendour that Thimphu offers you. The city is dominated by Tashichho dzong or the fortress of Glorious Religion, and the Memorial Chorten are some of the old sites worth a visit. Among the modern attractions, the School of Arts and Crafts, the Weekend market, the Changlimithang Stadium, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine are famous. The most enjoyable experience of being in Thimphu is to taking strolls around the streets here. Weekend markets of Thimphu sell everything under the sun that is being created in Bhutan.

Hordes of villagers sell vegetables, newspapers, red chillies, traditional Bhutanese masks, and carpets.The town Paro in western Bhutan also attracts holidaymakers with its scenic locales, beautiful landscapes, wooded villages and historic buildings all within a few kilometres. With a total length of only one mile and just one street, Paro can be considered as one of the smallest town on earth with an international airport. Most of the residents here live in the beautiful valley that surrounds the town. Off the beaten track of world tourism, the town of Paro lies in the centre of the rich, fertile valley. The National Museum, the Rimpung Dzong, Ta dzong--an ancient watchtower, Taktshang Monastery, Kyichu Iyakhang--the holiest temples of Bhutan, the Taktsang--a pilgrimage are very much worth your visit.Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan is where the most ancient and precious Buddhist sites are located. In the center of Bhutan, Bumthang consists four major valleys; the main one, Choskhor, is home to the most important dzongs, temples and palaces. Jakar is at the foot of the Choskhor valley, the largest in Bhutan. The best place to base yourself in the Bumthang region is Japar, just over 150km from Thimphu. You can enjoy Wangdichholing Palace, temple of Jambey Lhakang, sacred cave of Kurjey Lhakang and the largest Bhutanese dzong, Jakar.Lying in the centre of Bhutan, Trongsa is the land of great historical importance. King Ugyen Wangchuck was elected the country's first hereditary monarch, and his successor, while King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa's ancient dzong. Trongsa Dzong is an awe-inspiring and impregnable fortress. It has a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. Trongsa is one of the quaintest and most charming of all Bhutanese towns. Phobjika is a glacial valley and a conservation area, on the western slopes of the Black Mountains National Park. It is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. Rare, endangered black-necked cranes and other birds come here in flocks. Tourists can view their roosting places with permission from relevant authorities. The Satkeng Wildlife Sanctuary is also located nearby. The wild east of the Bhutanese kingdom can be explored from Punakha, Trashigang, Wangdue Phodrang and Gangtey Gompa, which are some of the favorite tourist sites.The stretch of land between Sengor and Namning is one of the most spectacular drives in East Bhutan. Huge cascading waterfalls, endless turns and frequent fogs make for exhilarating travel.

Bhutan is a trekking paradise owing to its rugged mountains, enchanting valleys, meandering rivers, crystal lakes, dense forests and virginity of nature. Trekking on lanky trails is the ideal way to experience rural Bhutanese culture and unspoiled wilderness. Trek routes range from the relatively easy three-dayers to veritable expeditions lasting over three weeks. Rafting in Bhutan is at its initial stages, but has the potential for some of the best rafting on earth. The outstanding ones are Mo Chhu, upstream of Punakha in eastern Bhutan, and the Ema Datse Canyon on the Mangde Chhu in central Bhutan.

Colourful Tsechus Festival

The festival is celebrated at Bhutan's dzongs and monasteries once every year, in honour of Guru Rinpoche in spring and autumn season. Tsechus offers tourists five days of spectacular pageantry, masked dances and ancient religious allegorical plays. . For visitors, Tsechu provides

an ideal opportunity to appreciate the essence of the Bhutanese character. Tsechu is a vital living festival and an important medium of Buddhist teaching, thus it holds huge social gatherings. You can notice the Bhutanese reveling and rejoicing together, dressed in their finest clothes and jewellery, in an infectiously convivial atmosphere where entertainment and devotion go together.