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			Bhutan Bhutan, land of the Thunder Dragon, is the most mysterious and unknown of all the Himalayan kingdoms. Hidden in isolation behind the high peaks of the Himalayas, and for centuries forbidden to foreigners, this Buddhist kingdom has succeeded in preserving its timeless traditions and ancestral way of life. This is due in no small part to the present hereditary monarchy, who continues to restrict the number of tourists entering Bhutan. Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product, and this policy is designed to protect the heritage of this profoundly traditional and religious society. Bhutan is both beautiful and fascinating. Sacred mountains, often unnamed and un-climbed, soar above tropical forests and richly cultivated valleys. Spectacular fortified monasteries clinging to cliff tops, ancient legends and colourful festivals echo the unwavering Buddhist beliefs of the local people. The former Queen Mother perhaps described Bhutan best, as ‘a natural environment of beauty, peace and tranquillity, where cultural and spiritual values have been allowed to grow and flourish’. Centuries of self-imposed isolation have left the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan virtually untouched by the influences of the modern world, and the traditional way of life, inseparable from a deep-rooted belief in Buddhism, continues virtually unchanged to this day. Modernisation is strictly monitored - new buildings must be made in the age-old Bhutanese style, and people are obliged to wear national dress in public. Remoteness and a profound and time-honoured reverence for nature has led this ‘land of the Thunder Dragon’ to be one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and a leader in environmental conservation. Urban settlements like Thimpu have sprung up in the last few decades, but the majority still live in small rural villages, the pace of life is slow and businesses open depending on the mood of their owners. You should not be surprised if your tour plans are changed at the last minute following an auspicious sign or warning from a monk or perhaps even a generous invitation to join a religious celebration. It is this adherence to Buddhism and the dismissal of the material world that make Bhutan such a fascinating place. For those with an interest in Buddhist culture or the prospect of visiting a country little known beyond its borders, Bhutan provides a unique experience.