Bhutan

History

The Himalayan Kingdom and Bhutan lies between India and China (Tibet). The country sparsely inhabited is the country of the Thunder Dragon, a unique and exotic destination. The Kingdom of Bhutan is an exotic land of Mahayana Buddhism, pristine environment, high mountains, alpine forests and lush valleys. It is a fascinating land of immense natural beauty coupled with its unique culture and ancient traditions – as yet, untouched by outside influences. it has been open to outside tourists only since 1974; there continue to be strict limits placed on the number of tourists permitted yearly. The awesome Himalayas make Bhutan a major destination for high value. Bhutan has for years chosen to stay isolated to minimize external influences on their land and culture thus becoming the world’s most exclusive tourist destination.

Geography

Bhutan, the Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom also called the Last Shangrila, also termed as the Land of ThunderDragon, is perched High in the eastern edge of the Himalayas between China in the north & India in the south.It is land of monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic topography ranging from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. The high loftiestHimalayan peaks are Kula Kangri (7,554 m/24,783 ft) and JhomoLhari (7,314 m/23,997 ft).It has been open to outside tourists only since 1974 with 298 travelers, in 2014, 105000 tourists visited. There continue to be strict limits placed on the number of tourists permitted yearly. The awesome Himalayas make Bhutan a major destination for high value. Bhutan has for years chosen to stay isolated to minimize external influences on their land and culture thus becoming the world’s most exclusive tourist destination.

Plan Holidays has handpicked Bhutan Cultural & history Tours, Short walking Tours & Long Trekking Tours based on the experiences of seventeen years of tour operations in Bhutan.

Demography

Unspoiled Mahayana Buddhist culture, Drukpas, people of Bhutan, Dzongkha , colorful massive mask dances during Tsechus( Festival). It is a true union of the nature & manmade architecture on Dzongkha,Temples & fortresses.

The Festival of Bhutan

Bhutan Festivals also termed as Tshechus & Dromchoes are spiritual events that attending visitors could be blessed for next life. Most of the festivals are marked with classical dance performances & displaying Thongdrel, a huge sacred banner based on religion.Tshechus are dedicated to Guru Rimpoche, & Dromchoes are dedicated to Yeshe Gompo & Palden Lhamo, two main protective deities of Drukpas.Most of these tshechus are held in fall & spring, taking place in Thimpu, Paro, Punakha & Bumthang. During Tshechus, Dhongkhas courtyard is filled with the valley local people with colorful traditional dresses, & ornaments rejoicing the new harvest & removing the evil spirits. The rare mask with sword dances is performed with rituals. Most of them are from the middle-aged time, only perform twice a year. Plan Holidays arranges each year Bhutan festival tour packages; Paro Festival, Thimpu Festival, Punakha Festival & Bumthang Festival.