Full name : Kingdom of Bhutan
Capital : Thimpu
Independence : 8 August 1949 (from India )
Government type: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India
Population: 2.4 million (UN, 2005)
Area: 38,364 sq km (14,812 sq miles)
Nationality: Bhutanese
Location: Southern Asia , between China and India
Major language: Dzongkha (official)
Major religions : Buddhism (official), Hinduism
Life expectancy : 62 years (men), 64 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 ngultrum = 100 chetrum
GNI per capita: US $870 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .bt
International dialing code : +975



Bhutan: The Hidden Himalayan Jewel:
Bhutan, a tiny, remote and impoverished Buddhist kingdom nestling in the eastern Himalayas is hemmed by China (Tibet) in the north and northwest, the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim in the east, south and west respectively and has and area of about 38,364 square km . Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions. The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means "Land of the Thunder Dragon" and it only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s. Bhutan 's ancient Buddhist culture and breathtaking scenery make it a natural tourist attraction. Tourism is restricted; visitors must travel as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour. Backpackers and independent travelers are discouraged. National dress is compulsory - the knee-length wrap-around "gho" for men and the ankle-length dress known as the "kira" for women.
H igh mountains and lush valleys, snow-clad peaks and clear running springs, pristine ecology, an incredible wealth of wildlife, the strange and beautiful monasteries and forts add an aura of mysticism to this land of amazing landscape. The impossible monasteries like Taktsang and the unspoiled green grandeur of the country have still to be discovered. 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. The Drukpa Kagyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and a fascinating history. The castle like Dzongs that rise over the various towns with their gently tapering walls, large stone cluttered courtyards and beautiful galleries are uncommon architectural wonders special to Bhutan . Gurgling streams, high snow capped peaks, green terraced fields, green alpine forests and sprawling valleys from a backdrop to Bhutanese way of life.
With its heavily protected borders, it still remains as a traditional and blissfully unspoiled land. This land of dramatic contrasts is still perhaps the world's most exclusive tourists destination. An unspoiled country with majestic mountains, a unique cultural heritage preserved for many centuries, an architectural style like no other, a landfill of warm hearted and friendly people, reveals a true paradise in the lost era of the present century. A limited number of people are now allowed in every year for carefully organized cultural tours, trekking and climbing, or just absorbing its untouched beauty covered by more than 64 percent of the land area by forest. This Himalayan paradise is still wrapped in a time, recollected by many as “those good old days.”

Flag description: Divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side.



Climate: Summer (June-August) is pleasant but wet due to the monsoons .Winter (December-February) is cold with temperatures dropping below zero. The daytime is pleasant with clear blue skies. Spring (March-May) is the best time of the year-pleasant weather with plenty of greenery, Autumn (September-November) is similar to spring but warmer.



People & Religion in detail: Bhutan 's indigenous population is the Drukpa. The three main ethnic groups are Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%. The national language is Dzongkha. Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects. 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. The major religion constitutes Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%. 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.



Economy - overview: The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India 's through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India 's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan 's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.


Mountain Leaders Treks & Expedition P. Ltd. and Bhutan : Trekking and tour and travel is an ideal way to discover this country with its unspoiled environment and majestic mountains its unique cultural heritage and warm, friendly people. Trekking and tours in Bhutan are most challenging and rewarding. You will discover in the thunder dragon Kingdom of Bhutan , (perhaps the last Shangri-La on earth) true mystical bliss enveloped in its natural splendor. If the weather is clear you will have a most beautiful view of Choyu and other high snow peaks. Mountain Leaders Treks & Expedition P. Ltd. provides you with knowledgeable and friendly guides, cooks, porters, assistants and pony handlers - in short, to ensure everything you need to enjoy the trek and tour and travel with only a camera in your hand as you take the shots of breathtaking sceneries and meet up with the indigenous people. Besides the treks, tour and travel itineraries mentioned in our website Mountain Leaders Treks & Expedition P. Ltd. can even design treks to meet your needs and desires. Trip to Bhutan can also be arranged with Nepal-Tibet package tour. Witness rare black-necked cranes, and enjoy scenic hikes in the bucolic Punakha River Valley .