The Kingdom of Bhutan is a Buddhist paradise hidden in the folds of the eastern Himalayas between two giant countries – India to the south and China to the north. Bhutan has a population of about 700,000 people comprising various ethnic groups who speak more than 19 different local dialects. It is indeed a small country exemplifying unity in diversity.  

As you must have enjoyed the aerial view of the vistas as Drukair prepared for the touchdown at the Paro International Airport, Bhutan indeed is a picture-perfect Himalayan landscape, surrounded by tall mountains, deep valleys, lush vegetation and fresh air. Chortens (stupas) and prayer flags – symbols of Buddhist spirituality – dot every nook and corner of the majestic landscape.  Bhutan is a place on earth where peace and happiness prevail effortlessly.

In the medieval times, Bhutan was known as “Lho Menjong” or the Southern Land of Medicines. Bhutanese fondly call their country ‘Druk Yul’, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. To the outside world, the country is known by the name Bhutan, which has its roots in the Sanskrit word “Boo-tan” meaning the highlands.

Bhutan has rich fauna and flora, flourishing from the southern foothills (150m above sea level) to unclimbed peaks over 7,000m. Due to its geographical location, the country can be divided into three distinct climate zones. The southern belt has a hot, humid climate while central Bhutan has a cool temperate climate and the northern region has severe alpine climate. Rainfall can differ within relatively short distances due to rain shadow effects.

Bhutan opened its door to tourism in 1974 after the coronation of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. One of the most exclusive tourist destinations in the world, Bhutan retains all the charm of the ancient tradition and travellers experience the full glory of this ancient land as embodied in the monastic fortresses, ancient temples, monasteries and chortens that dot the countryside.

Bhutan is a place that belongs to a different time – a confluence where the divine and the mundane, the real and the surreal meet – effusing a profound sense of being alive. Each moment is special as one discovers a country, which has been preserved in all its magical purity.