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Recognized by
Ministry of Tourism

Behind the great natural barriers of the Himalayas lies the hidden Kingdom of Druk Yul, the land of the Thunder Dragon.

Known to the world as Bhutan, the last of the Mahayana Buddhist Kingdoms, the remote, mystical country is still one of the most unspoiled places in the world. Wedged between India and China, the kingdom covers approximately 46,000 sq kms with an eco system ranging from the sub-tropical to alpine.

For years, Bhutan lay hidden from the western tourist. Today, however, Bhutan welcomes the discerning traveller in search of a rare and singular experience. The spectacular landscapes are some of the most awe-inspiring to be found on earth. The grandeur of the mountain peaks, the terraced hills, the lush green valleys, the dense forests filled with rare flowers and diverse wildlife, the fast flowing crystal clear rivers, the pure and clean air, the unique architecture, art and culture and above all the delightful people who make the soul smile. A trip to Bhutan teaches one of life and real living.

PHUNTSHOLING
This small modern town in the south is the gateway of Bhutan for overland travellers. It is a fascinating mixture of Bhutanese and Indian, a lively center for the mingling people, languages, costumes and goods. On top of a low hill at nearby Kharbandi, a small Gompa situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, overlooks the town and surrounding plains.

The Amo Chu, commonly known as the Torsa river flows alongside this town and it is favourite spot for fishermen and picnickers. From Phuntsholing, the road winds north over the southern foothills, through lush forested valleys and around the rugged north-south ridges of the inner Himalayas to the central valleys of Thimpu and Paro. It is a scenic journey; forests festooned with orchids cover the mountains on either side and exciting hairpin curves greet travellers with colourful sculptures of Tashi Tagye (the eight auspicious sign of Buddhism).

THIMPU
The capital city of Thimpu lies in the broad fertile valley of the Wang Chu river at an altitude of 7,500 ft. Once a rustic village, Thimpu today has a population of over 34,000 people.

At the entrance to the valley, 7 kms from the capital, on a breezy hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress. A striking example of the preservation of ancient skill in Bhutan is Tashichho Dzong, standing in the valley alongside the river bank, surrounded by groves of fresh young willows and poplars and an ornamental garden of roses.

Another landmark that rises above the shingles and more recently constructed green-weathered roofs of Thimpu, is the gold topped Stupa built in memory of the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, popularly known as the Father of modern Bhutan.

Thimpu's main shopping street is a delight not so much for what you can buy there, but for the picturesqueness of the architecture, national costume. Beautiful weaves in wool, silk and cotton, basket ware, silver jewellery, thangkhas and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available in various handicrafts emporia.

PARO
Amid a patchwork of rice paddies, wheat fields, trout filled streams and scattered settlements lies the lush green, historic Paro valley where the Paro Chu flows from the watershed in the Jhumolhari range. On a hillside stands Paro Dzong at an altitude of just over 7,000 ft.

On a ridge immediately above the Paro Dzong is the small, circular "Ta Dzong". Once a fortified lookout tower, now the National Museum which houses ancient Bhutanese treasures and artifacts, as well as a collection of Bhutan's exquisite and world renowned postage stamps.

A short drive to the north overlooking Paro Chu is Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.

Further up the valley, like an outgrowth of the terrain itself, the gem like Taktsang Monastery clings to a cliff of sheer 3,000 foot rock face. At the end of the valley lies Drukgyel Dzong, built by Ngawang Namgyal commemorating early military victories.

PUNAKHA
The Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan, is set on a split of land just above the junction where the rivers Pho Chu and Mo Chu meet. Built by Ngawang Namgyal in 1637, this sacred Dzong has played a prominent part in the civil and religious life of the country.

A low lying sub-tropical valley, Punakha was once the capital of Bhutan and is still the winter seat of the Je Khenpa (Chief Abbot). The road that leads to Punakha from Thimpu crosses the 10,218 feet high Dochu La Pass that heralds the most enchanting view of Bhutan. Soft green herbs and riotous canvas of flowers, make the view breathtaking.

WANGDIPHODRANG
The valley of Wangdiphodrang is situated at the junction of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. At the confluence of the rivers stands the Wangdiphodrang Dzong. Wangdophodrang, a district that is known for its fine bamboo work and slate and stone carving, also houses a yak dairy research station and its higher plains provide rich cattle pasture.

PHOBJIKHA
130 kms and 5 hrs drive from Thimpu lie Phobjikha valley at an elevation of 9,500 feet. On the drive into the valley you can encounter the historic Gangtey Gompa monastery built in the 17th century.

Phobjikha is a wide, beautiful alpine valley where the Black necked cranes fly down from Tibet to spend the winter. The hill side vegetation is mostly pine forests, interspersed with Rhododendron trees, with thick brush-like bamboo carpeting the floor.

TONGSA
It is home to the striking Tonga Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal family. A many levelled structure that contours the hill slope, this Dzong was built by Ngawang Namgyal in 1648 and was later enlarged and redecorated. Among the Dzong's treasures is a magnificent collection of Rhino horn sculptures.