Sherpa Journeys

Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas between Tibet and India.

Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbors. Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life. Due to its pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan is often termed as 'The Last Shangrila.'

Regions
Map of Bhutan
Map of Bhutan

Bhutan can culturally and geographically be divided into three regions, which are further divided into 20 districts or dzongkhag (singular and plural):

* Central Bhutan — Jakar, the sacred Bumthang Valleys and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
* Eastern Bhutan — Mongar and the famous cloth weaving area of Lhuentse
* Western Bhutan — Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang and the sacred valley of Paro

Cities

* Thimphu - The capital city

* Jakar - An administrative town in the north and the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan.
* Mongar - One of the largest towns in east Bhutan.
* Paro - The location of the international airport and Taktsang Monastery.
* Punakha - A former winter capital of Bhutan.Still hosts the Monastic Body in Winter.
* Phuentsholing - A town on the Indian border. The point of entry for travelers arriving by bus from Kolkata.
* Samdrup Jongkhar - An administrative town in the southeast, near the Indian border.
* Trashigang - A picturesque administrative town in the east.
* Trongsa - A small administrative town famous for its dzong.

Other destinations

The majority of tourists do "cultural tours" where they visit important destinations in a vehicle. This allows maximum coverage of the country within a limited period of time. Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, and Jakar are popular destinations. Further afield, the unexplored region of Zhemgang (birders paradise, excellent wildlife viewing) and Eastern Bhutan are the least visited.
Treks

Treks are the best way to see and "feel" the country. The Snowman Trek below is the toughest but there are plenty of other easy and fun hikes and treks.

Snowman Trek with Gangkar Puensum

This trek goes to the remote Lunana district and is considered to be the most difficult trek in Bhutan due to distance, altitude, weather conditions and remoteness. A very fit trekking group could tackle the final stage from Tshochenchen to Bumthang (Day 22: 21 km, 13 hours) in one day. Seasons:The Snowman Trek is frequently closed because of snow and is almost impossible during winter. The recommended season for this trek is mid-June to mid-October.
National Parks

* Jigme Dorji National Park
* Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
* Royal Manas National Park
* Thrumshingla National Park

Wildlife sanctuaries/Nature reserves

* Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
* Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary
* Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
* Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
* Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve

Official Site of National Parks and Protected Areas in Bhutan:
Understand

In terms of average wage, Bhutan is rated as a poor country, but the land is fertile and the population small and so the people are well fed and beggars and homeless are non-existent. In addition, this generation all receive free education and all citizens have access to free medical care. The sale of tobacco products is totally banned (foreign tourists and NGOs are exempt, though it is illegal for them to sell tobacco to locals), and smoking in public areas is a fineable offense.

A unique aspect of Bhutan is that progress is not purely defined by economic achievements as in most countries, but also based on the level of cultural and environmental preservation and development. This ideology was the brain child of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who, having gained a modern education in India and the UK, realized that mere economic success did not necessarily translate into a content and happy society. Consequently, soon after his coronation in 1974, the young king began to float the idea of developing a new set of guide lines by which to govern the country. Slowly these ideas took shape, and in 1998 the GNH indicator was established. GNH stands for 'Gross National Happiness' and is defined by the following four objectives: to increase economic growth and development, preserve and promote the cultural heritage, encourage sustainable use of the environment, and establish good governance. Currently, work is in progress on converting the GNH from being a mere guiding principle for the country's development into a workable set of standard indicators. As a result of this more humane style of governance, Bhutan has developed high environmental protection standards (the use of plastic bags, for example, is completely banned) and a peaceful and harmonious society that actively protects its rich culture and profound Buddhist traditions. Major sources of income for the kingdom are agriculture, tourism and hydroelectric power.

Still, while Bhutan is often painted as a modern-day Shangri-La in the Western press, the country remains poor, with average life expectancy around 66 and a 7.2 per mil infant mortality rate. The kingdom became a parliamentary democracy in March 2008.

Culturally, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist with a national language (although there are regional variations - such as Sharchopkha, the predominant language in Eastern Bhutan), and a common dress code and architectural style.

The official name for the country is Druk Yul - Land of the Thunder Dragon - but due to the harmonious nature of the society, it has acquired the additional nickname of Deki Druk (Yul) - (Land of) the Peaceful Thunder Dragon.

History

The first humans probably arrived sometime after the Ice Age, and little is known about Bhutan's prehistory. Historical records began with the arrival of Buddhism in the 7th century, when Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) visited Bhutan and established monasteries.

In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations.

In December 2006, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck transferred power to his eldest son, the Crown Prince Jigme Keshar Namgyel, bestowing upon him the title of the fifth Druk Gyalpo.

Guru Rinpoche

It is not possible to travel far in Bhutan without seeing images of a man wearing a tall elaborate hat and with eyes that are open wide and staring forward into space. This is the great 8th century sage of Vajrayana Buddhism, Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche as he often called. According to legend, Padmasambhava was reincarnated into a lotus blossom as an eight year old child, and from very young he possessed great wisdom and insight. Furthermore, he had mastery of the elements and so like a potter manipulating basic clay and turning it into beautiful pots, he was was able to transform harmful action and substances into something positive and beneficial.

Guru Rinpoche's special association with Bhutan began when he traveled to the town now known as Jakar at the invitation of a local king to subjugate negative forces. The mission was a success, and from this encounter Buddhism spread throughout the land. A body print of the great sage exists to this day at Kurjey Lhakhang in Jakar, and he is also associated with many other sacred sites in Bhutan, with perhaps the most notable being the cliff-hanging Taktshang Monastery in Paro.
Weather

Although the country expanse is quite small Bhutanese weather varies from location to location mainly depending upon the elevation. In the North of Bhutan on the borders with Tibet it is perennially covered with snow. In the western, central and eastern Bhutan (Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Wandue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntse) you will mostly experience cold European-like weather. Winter lasts here from November to March. Punakha is an exception as it is in a lower valley and summer is pretty hot but winter is pleasant. Southern Bhutan bordering with India is hot and humid with a sub-tropical climate. The monsoon is the determining factor for rain here. Spring and autumn are the best season to visit Bhutan. There are four distinct seasons similar in their divisions to those of Western Europe. The Monsoon occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C (46°-70°F). Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude. Days are usually very pleasant (average about 10°C/50°F) with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy woolen clothing, particularly in winter. Generally, October, November and April to mid-June are the best times to visit – rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the winter.
National Holidays

2009:

* January 2 (not fixed) - Winter Solstice (Western Bhutan only)
* January 27 (not fixed) - Traditional Day of Offerings (a day to offer food to hungry creatures - celebrated as new year in Eastern Bhutan)
* February 21-23 (every year) - Birth Anniversary of HM the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck
* February 25-26 - (not fixed) - New Year (losar)
* May 2 (every year) - Birth Anniversary of Third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
* May 4 (not fixed) - Shabdrung Kuchoe (commemorates the passing of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1651 CE)
* June 7 (not fixed) - Commemoration of Lord Buddha's Parnirvana.
* July 2 (not fixed) - Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Rinpoche
* September 24 (not fixed) - Thimphu Drubchen (Thimphu Only)
* September 28 (not fixed) - Hindu ceremony of Dashain
* September 28-30 (not fixed) - Thimphu Tshechu(Thimphu Only)
* November 6 Coronation of the fifth Druk Gyalpo (king of Bhutan)
* November 9 (not fixed) - Descending Day of Lord Buddha
* November 11 (every year) - Birth Anniversary of HM the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck
* December 17 (every year) - National day, commemorating the 1907 coronation of the first hereditary king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck

In addition to the above national holidays, there are also Tshechu holidays which are celebrated regionally.