Bhutan the most magical of the Himalayan Kingdoms and is nestled is the eastern end of the Himalayas. In order to preserve its unique culture it has guarded itself against unchecked tourism and modernization and remains a rare destination for most travelers. Along with its colorful religious and social traditions Bhutan is the guardian of some of the world’s most beautiful mountain scenery. Stretching from foothills on the Indian border to snow clad peak, Bhutan offers an unspoiled habited for huge verity of flora and fauna. It has a thick belt of pine, oak, alder and rhododendron trees. Lower down bamboo, orange and apple orchards can be seen.
 

History of Bhutan...

Bhutan is originally known as ‘Drukyul’ which means land of ‘Thunder Dragon’ although its early history is vague Bhutan seems to have existed as a political entry for countries. At the beginning of the 16 countries it was ruled by dual monarchy consisting of Dharma Raja or spiritual ruler and a Deb Raja or temporary ruler. In 1720 the Chinese invaded Tibet and established surarainty over Bhutan. Friction between Bhutan and Bengal of India culminated in a Bhutanese invasion of Coochbehar in 1772, followed by a British incursion into Bhutan. But the Tibetan lama’s intercession with the British governor general improved relations. The Bhutanese people who call themselves ‘Drukpa’ are ethnically related to the Tibetans and practice a form of Tantrik Buddhism. Dzonkha the official language is also basically Tibetan. In the southern part there is a sizable minority of Nepalese who practice Hinduism.
 

Places Of Interest...

Paro: Paro is famous for its scenic beauty. To the north mount Chomolhari (mountain of the goddess) reigns in white glory and the glacial waters from its five sister peaks plunge torrentially through deep gorges finally converging to from the Paro-Chu River that nourishes the rice fields and fruit orchards of paro valley.

Taksung literally meaning ‘tiger’s nest’ is a monastery built around a cave in which Guru Padmasambhava meditated. It clings seemingly impossible to cliff of rock at 300ft. above the valley floor. For local people it is a place of pilgrimage and for tourists a hike to the view point opposite the monastery is exhausting but thrilling and mystical.


The most prominent structure in the valley is the elegant Rinpung Dzong which like most Dzongs in Bhutan is built upon an elevated vantage point that overlooks the largest stretch of the valley. The Rinpung Dzong is the monastic and administrative centre of the district. Up on a hillock above the Dzong rises what was once watch tower. This the Tadzong is now a national museum is worth seeing. Drukyel Dzong (the fortress of the victorious Drukpas) located 18kms. From Paro town is another monument to the Bhutanese spirit. It was from here that Bhutan repeatedly and successfully drove back Tibetan invaders.



Thimpu: Thimpu is one of the smallest capitals yet ironically also one of the fastest growing under centers in the world. It was in Thimpu that a decisive battle in 1885 allowed the first king, Sir Ugen Wangchuk to unify Bhutan and later establish a monarchy. The fourth king of this dynasty. His Magesty Jigme Singey Wangchuk today rules Bhutan from the golden throne in Thimpus Tashi Chho Dzong (the fortress of the auspicious religion). A number of chortens and goomphas add to the magical attraction of the city.

Punakha: Punakha the former capital is situated at a lower elevation than Thimpu and Paro. The warmer climate makes it one of the most fertile valleys in the kingdom and its vast rice fields stand testimony to that claim. The Punakha Dzong which housed the first National Assembly is the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the Central monk body. It is situated on a spur of land above the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The Dzong was built in 1632 by one of Bhutan’s most important historical figures Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has played a key role in the civil and religious life of the Bhutanese people.

Wangdue: Legend has it that the Zhabdrung was given divine directions to build a fort on a hill that looked like an elephant. He did, and Wangdue - Phodrang Dzong proved critical in unifying the Western, Central and Southern Districts. The town that neighbours the Dzong today is a cluster of small shops that include one or two establishment which serve as lunch steps for tourists.