Nature

While in many other parts of the Himalayas the destruction of forests and loss of habitats have severely reduced wildlife population, Bhutan harbours many endangered species mainly due to the intact forests and the fact that this small country stretches from the subtropics in the south to the perennially frozen regions of the Himalayas in […]
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Travel Distances

With the exception of the Gasa district, all major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes, and the deepest of valleys Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads. That said, rarely will one find a length of either straight or flat road. In some […]
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Culture and Religion

Unlike many countries, traditional arts, age-old ceremonies, festivals, social conduct and structures are not remnants of a bygone age. Traditional arts and crafts are still practiced as they were done hundreds of years ago, vibrant festivals are celebrated and social principles are still evident because they continue to have a special significance in the daily […]
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National Symbols

National Flag The national flag was designed in 1947 by Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji and modified in 1956 to take its final shape. The Bhutanese flag is divided diagonally and exhibits a white dragon or a Druk across the middle. The upper part of the flag is golden yellow, representing the secular power of the […]
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Geography

The Kingdom of Bhutan of Druk Yul (the land of the Thunder Dragon) is a country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. The high Himalayas to the north separate the Kingdom from the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, while the rugged eastern region borders the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim. About […]
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Arts and Crafts

Exciting and vital aspects of the Bhutanese tradition and heritage are found in its arts and crafts. Much of Bhutan’s spiritual and intellectual life is manifested through its arts. Bhutanese arts are not primarily concerned with abstract concepts of ‘beauty’ (that may appeal to few), but with interpretation of values and beliefs that are held […]
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Architecture

Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. Dzongs (fortresses), Lhakhangs (temples), Goenpas (monasteries), chortens (stupas), palaces, bridges and vernacular housing that can be seen across the countryside form the diverse but harmonious architectural expressions of the cultural heritage and living traditions of the Bhutanese people. The unmatched combination of engineering skill and […]
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History

It was in mid 8th Century, the Buddhist sage, Padmasambhava, popularly revered in Bhutan as Guru Rinponche or the Precious Master, visited the country and introduced Buddhism. Since then, Buddhism has occupied a predominant role in shaping the social, political, economic and cultural evolution of the country. In the centuries that followed, Lamas or Buddhist […]
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