|
|
Bhutan
|
| Bhutan
is an extraordinary place hardly touched by the hands
of time.Nestling in the heart of the great
Himalaya,visitors have been mesmerized: the
environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture
are awesome, the people are hospitable and charming,
and the culture unique in its purity. |
 |
|
Bhutan often revered as the 'Land
of the Peaceful Dragon' is still regarded as one of
the last 'Shangri-La's' in the Himalayan region because of its
remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and
fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries.
|
|
|
General
Information |
|
Location
of Bhutan :
|
Southern
Asia, between China and India
|
|
Area
of Bhutan :
|
47,000
sq km
|
|
Area
- comparative :
|
about
half the size of Indiana
|
|
Land
Boundaries :
|
1,075
km
|
|
Border
Countries :
|
China
470 km, India 605 km
|
|
Coastline
:
|
0
km (landlocked)
|
|
Climate
of Bhutan :
|
varies;
tropical in southern plains; cool winters and
hot summers in central valleys; severe winters
and cool summers in Himalayas
|
|
Elevation
extremes :
|
Lowest
Point : Drangme Chhu 97 m Highest Point : Kula
Kangri 7,553 m
|
|
Natural
Resources:
|
timber,
hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide.
|
|
|
Tourist Places
|
Thimphu
|
| Thimphu has been the Capital
of Bhutan since 1955 and lies at an altitude of about 7,600 ft. |
| Once a small rural
settlement, today it is home to about 50,000 people. Bhutan's
administrative and religious center Tashichhodzong, on the banks of the
Wang Chu, houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan,
Government Ministries, the nation's largest monastery and headquarters of
His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Head of the Monastic Body) and the monk body.
The National Assembly hall is located in a new building across the river.
Next to the Dzong is Bhutan's only golf course. |
 |
|
|
(Click
here For More Detail)
|
|
|
|
Paro
|
| Paro valley is a living
cultural center. In spring thousands of families gather at Paro to
celebrate the Paro Tshechu, a found day religious festival of mask dances
and fold entertainment. |
| The Paro Dzong controls all
the secular and religious activities in the valley. Behind Paro Dzong, on
the high hillside is the castle shaped Ta Dzong (Bhutanís National Museum
since 1967) which houses the nationís heritage. |
|
The ruins of the Drugyal
Dzong, at the northern end of the valley, offer a view of the Jumolhari
Peak The Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during th 17th
century from this location. Other places of interests in Paro are temples
like Dungtse Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang and Taktsang. |
|
 |
|
|
(Click
here For More Detail)
|
|
|
|
Punakha
|
| Punakha is a two hours drive
from Thimphu, and the drive over the Himalayas at Dochula pass at 10,500
feet is spectacular. |
| Punakha servedas the capital
of Bhutan till 1955 and is one of the most fertile valleys in Bhutan,
abundant with crops and vast terraces of rice fields. Chime Lhakhang
located on a hillock among the rice fields is a pilgrimage site for
childless couples. The temple is associated with the famous saint Drukpa
Kuenlay who built a Chroten on the site. |
 |
|
|
(Click
here For More Detail)
|
|
|
|
Trongsa
|
| Trongsa is in the center of
Bhutan and four hours by road from Wangduephodrang. The Trongsa Dzong is a
labyrinth of temples, corridors and office holding court over the local
community. Perched on the rim of the valley, it can be seen from every
approach. |
| The Royal family has strong
links with Trongsa. Both His Majesty the King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop
of Trongsa and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from
Trongsaís ancient Dzong. |
 |
|
The Crown Prince of Bhutan
has always held the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the
throne. The present King continued this tradition as he was appointed
Trongsa Penlop in 1972 shortly before he ascended the throne of Bhutan. |
|
|
(Click
here For More Detail)
|
|
|
|
Suggested
Tours
|
|
|
|
|
