Bhutan - Land of Thunder Dragon

Land of the Thunder Dragon. Druk meaning dragon and extending from the main Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. You will discover in the Thunder Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan, true mystical bliss enveloped in its natural splendor. With modern transportation facilities, you can now comfortably experience the warm hospitality of its friendly people, the carefree Bhutanese lifestyle and the culture of the peaceful haven. Magnificent scenery, fortresses from the past that are awesome in design, monasteries that are out of the world. Here too, are treks in a mountainous wilderness and here too, are festivals as colorful as any artist's palette and alive with traditional chants & dancing. Bhutan which is still tourist young and where there are palaces and huge fort like Dzongs. The impossible monasteries like Taktsang and the unspoiled green grandeur of the country have still to be discovered. Throughout the centuries, the Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment and have looked upon it as the source of all life.

Climate
Bhutan has four distinct seasons. The southern plains close to Indian borders are warmer and more tropical than higher central valleys. The winter months are fiercely cold subsiding around the end of February. Rhododendrons begin to bloom first in warmer east and by the height of spring the whole kingdom is lush with spectacular flaming white, pink and red of the Rhododendron blossom. The annual monsoon affects south & central regions.

People & Religion
Bhutan’s indigenous population is the Drukpa. The three main ethnic groups, the Sharchops, the Ngalops & the Lhotshampas (of Nepalese origin) make up today’s Drukpa. The national language is Dzongkha. The Buddhist faith has played & continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical & sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life. Bringing with it a reverence for the land & its well being. Annual Tsechus & Dromchoes are spiritual occasions in each district. Throughout Bhutan, stupas & chortens line in the roadside commemorating a holy place. Prayer flags are found fluttering on long poles maintaining a constant communications with the heavens. Bhutan retains the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism as its official religion.