The Dzong or the Fortress

One of the most visible characteristics of Bhutan are dzongs meaning fortress in Tibetan. They are military castles as well as adinistrative centres. They are strategically placed by the river side, sometimes high on hilltops, for enhanced control of the region especially during war times.
Punakha dzong is the second dzong of Bhutan. It was built in 1637. It is 180 mt long and 70 mt wide. It is still the main winter palace of Central Monk Body. Punakha Dzong is unique because it has three docheys (courtyards) as opposed to the the usual two in other dzongs. Administrative quarters, monastic quarters and an "extra" courtyard where remains of tantric lamas (tentrons) and holy figures from 17th century are preserved.

The King of Bhutan

The king of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck, coronated on June 1974, is a king who made a lot of difference in Bhutan and Bhutanese people's lives. During his past 34 years of ruling he emphasized education, health services, environmental conservation and communication. (All the children in Bhutan learn English as a foreign language. Bhutan has a major income from the exploitation of forests, but every measure is taken for the replacement of the cut trees.)

Recently, the King of Bhutan has made a decision to hold Bhutan's first parliamentary elections. The former king abducted his throne in favour of his son in last December. The first general elections has now been held in 2008. The date was decided by the royal astrologers. What is very interesting is that the news followed that the Bhutanese people had raised their voice against the elections and declared that they were very happy with their king. The king who, more than 30 years ago, declared that "Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product."

Enjoy Travel To Bhutan in The Lap of The Himalayas

Bhutan - The Land of The Thunder Dragon

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan offers spectacular mountain views, immense scenic beauty and a unique culture and lifestyle. You can see beautiful Buddhist monasteries, carved wooden houses and the fine crafts of Bhutan, on tours to Bhutan.

Thimphu Travel
Have you ever dreamt of being to Shangri La? If yes! then this is your chance to visit a place which may not have any relations with the above, but has all the qualities at the same time. Capital to the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is perhaps the smallest capital in the world. Thimphu is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, culture, and tradition and above all still so ethnic and pure.

Paro Travel
If you are coming to Bhutan by air then Paro is going to be your introduction to this small and beautiful country in Himalayas. Situated in the Paro Valley of Eastern Himalaya, the town is full of legends, heroism, and natural splendor. Though, the capital of Bhutan is Thimphu, but for a longer time of the history Paro had the control of this part of the country.



Bhutan, the land of the peaceful thunder dragon is known to the world by several names such as the ‘the Last Shangri-La’ or ‘the Last Place on the Roof of the World.’ Though the original name from the time of Marco Polo was ‘Bootan,’ the natives prefer to call their country ‘Druk Yul,’ or the Land of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon.

The Kingdom of Bhutan lies nestled in the folds of the mighty Himalayas. Its total population is two million people strong with a mix of Bhotes, ethnic Nepalis and indigenous or migrant tribes. The national language is Dzongkha, with Buddhism being the dominant religion, and some percentage of the population being Hindu. Monarchy, under the reign of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck exists in Bhutan and Thimpu is the capital city of this small and remote kingdom.

Bhutan followed an isolationist policy that discouraged visitors for the larger part of the twentieth century. It was only in the early 1970’s that it emerged from its cloak of secrecy and tourism began on a limited basis. The world then became aware of the enchanting land of Bhutan with its rare and striking scenic beauty. Bhutan has been blessed with verdant forests and arresting mountains that are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is surrounded by a deep peaceful calm that is reflected in the simple lives of the Bhutanese people. It has also not been actively involved in the Industrial Age, the World Wars, the arms race, and until recently, not even cyberspace. A land with a vibrant and orthodox culture, Bhutan is often referred to as the ‘living museum’ of the world.