Bhutan at Glance
BHUTAN? Where’s that? This is the response you can expect if you say you are going to Bhutan. Although one cannot help noticing that Bhutan has become a trendy destination as it’s becoming increasingly known for its rich unique culture, pristine environment and pure practice of Mahayana Buddhism in the tantric form.
Secluded deep in the great eastern Himalaya mountains comparatively as big as Switzerland in its size and topography sandwiched between two rising Asian giants - India in the South and China (Tibet) in the North, but sparsely inhabited (population barely 700,000) certainly exudes charm (magic, its devotees would say) living in close harmony with nature, evolved a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious & cultural heritage and fascinating history.
The Bhutanese enjoy a sustainable lifestyle which they inherited from their forefathers. More than 80% of the population still live in small villages sparsely scattered over rugged mountain terrain. Buddhism, prevalent in the country since the 7th century, continues to play an important role in their peaceful lives.
For centuries the Bhutanese have treasured the natural environment, looking upon it as the source of all life. This traditional reverence for nature has brought Bhutan into the 21st century with a pristine environment. More than 72% of the land area is under forest cover. Bhutan is one of the ten bio-diversity hotspots in the world and one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Its ecosystem harbors some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas with an estimated 770 species of birds and 50 species of rhododendrons, besides an astonishing variety of medicinal plants and orchids. Many parts of the country which have been declared as wildlife reserves, are the natural habitat of rare species of both flora and fauna. Unlike other parts of the region, Bhutan’s natural patrimony of extensive and varied forests, limited yet fertile productive farmlands and pristine water and air remain largely intact.
Druk Yul or the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” as it is referred to by the Bhutanese is a land replete with myths and legends. The mountains are magnificent, the forest are dense, the people are delightful, the air is pure, the architecture imposing, the religion exciting, the art superb. Each moment is special as one discovers a country which the people have chosen to preserve in its magical purity. The surprising fact is that it’s all true. For the occasional visitor, Bhutan is truly Shangri-La, the mythical country hidden deep in the mountains. In addition to generating hard currency revenue, tourism is also providing the much needed resources to develop the service sector and ensure a balanced and sustainable development for all the Bhutanese.
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