Top 4 Things to know before you go to Bhutan

Nestled in the great mountain Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most eye-catching tourist destinations that few tourists create it to due to its place. If you are planning to explore Bhutan here is list of top 4 things to know before you go to Bhutan below:

Location

The Kingdom of Bhutan or Druk Yul lies within the southern Himalaya. To the east and west imposing mountain ranges separate it from the hill districts of India, and to the north the Tibet region of China. In the south, the border lies at the foot of the mountain slopes as they join with the plains of northern India. From the 1960s Bhutan departed from a long period of self-im-posed isolation, joined a number of international organisations including the United Nations (1971), and pursuing long-range development plans within the country. In recent years tourism has received a fillip and the country has been the attraction for group visits from North America, Europe and Japan. 

Geography

The far north of Bhutan lies in the Great Himalayas, a sparsely inhabited area of giant snow peaks and deep blue glacial lakes. The bulk of the population lives in the broad fertile valleys of the inner Himalayas at altitudes of 3,500 to 10,000 feet. The land here is extensively cultivated, growing rice, wheat, maize and other crops, as well as many varieties of fruit.

Thimphu, the capital since 1961, and Paro (where the air-field is) are both in the central region, while Phuntsholing, the border town adjacent to India, is in the southern lowlands. In the south the climate is tropical ; fruits such as oranges, lemons, bananas and pineapple are grown. The high annual rainfall brings luxuriant vegetation and dense forests.

History and Religion

From very early times Bhutan has existed as an independent country. Its awesome natural boundaries provided an effective barrier against surrounding areas which helped to maintain its independence and natural rights. Buddhism has first reached to Bhutan in the 7th century with the establishment of two ancient shrines, Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jampel Lhakhang in Bumthong. Later, Padme Sambhava Introduced and firmly established the Nyingmapa (old sect) of the Buddhism in the 8th century. However, from the 12th century A D. the Drukpa Kargyud tradition became more pominent. After a long period of rivalry among various groups of major sects like Nyingmapa, Kargyudpa, Sakyapa and Gaylugpa, the country was united by a Drukpa Kargyud Lama named Ngawang Nemgyal in the 17th century A.D. by allowing the practice of Nyingmapa and Kargyudpa jointly which is known as "Kanying Zungdre " The original name of the country, DRUK. is derived from the Kargyud Sect of Maha-yana Buddhism viz DRUKPA(Kar-gyud) which is now the state religion of Bhutan. Ngawang Namgyal, who is popularly known as SHABDRUNG meaning at whose feet one submits, was the spiritual and temporal ruler of the country.

Monarchs

The power of the succeeding Shab-Drungs gradually eroded end gave way to rivalry and factionalism amongst the various governors. On December 17, 1907 Ugen Wangchuck after taking control and unifying the country established the first hereditary monarchy in Bhutan.

The present King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth in line was crowned in 1974. His father, the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, is considered the architect of modern Bhutan. Under his guidance the political and administrative machinery was restructured and modernized and a programmed of five year development plans begun Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the present King, is distinguished by His contributions in speeding up development programmers and off for administration both at the central and local government levels. His main aim is to increase the participation of the people in the development programmers and to make the country self-reliant. Bhutan launched the Fifth Five Year Plan in 1981. 

For more information on Bhutan tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India.