Bhutan
- perhaps the last bastion of the Mahayana Buddhism
in the Himalayas, located in the great Himalayan range
has total area of 47,000 sq. feet. Bhutan is bounded
by Tibetan regions of China in the north & the
sweltering plains of India in the south. This mountainous
kingdom is well defined by the name Last Shangri-La
or Land of the Thunder Dragon. The remarkable feature
of Bhutan is its varied climatic conditions ranging
from the sub-tropical to the cold reaches of the almost
25,000 ft snow-capped mountain ranges of the Tibetan
border.
Bhutan can be best considered as a paradise having
population around 0.6 million only. Bhutan is, therefore,
thinly populated country which follows Mahayana Buddhism.
People of the Bhutan adopt traditional way of life
& it is known for their UN-spoilt ancient cultures
and traditions. Religion is still away of life &
the past is still the present for them. In 1974, the
Kingdom was opened for tourists by Jigme Singye Wangchuk,
who is present king of Bhutan under a careful regulated
programme. Prior to 1991, in Bhutan, the tourism industry
was operated by government under one corporation.
But in 1991, in order to regulate the industry, it
was privatized partially with a Tourism Authority
of Bhutan formed.
Bhutan is rich in its natural assets & also one
of the last areas still pristine in all its nature.
The main remarkable features of Bhutan includes untainted
flora, un-hunted fauna, rare botanical plants, the
colorful bird-life & so on. The scenic beauty
of the countryside is really a treat for every young
& old. There people celebrate colorful festivals
with mask dances depicting its rich cultural past.
The great Himalayan ranges in the background definitely
deserves a visit.
Nepal, Tibet & Sikkim all are best destinations
for tourism, all concentrated in the same belt of
the Himalayas. Each country offers you rich &
unique culture with their histories dating back as
far as 2,500 B.C. People & nature live together
with harmony & obviously, great for the adventurous
& to explore wonderful natural beauty.
