Bhutan Tours
Bhutan the most plausible explanation for the origin of this term is attributed to Sanskrit “Bhot-Ant” meaning end of Tibet. This obscure land is referred to as Lho-Mon the southern land of the Mons in ancient Tibetan texts that describe this fascinating domain as the land where Sandal Wood, Medicinal Herbs and paddy grows. Today the kingdom of Bhutan is popularly known as Druk Yul, the land of the peaceful dragon to its inhabitants who remained isolated from the rest of the world for the best part of its long and interesting history. This small country cradled in a secluded corner of the eastern Himalayas is bounded by two gigantic neighbours China and India. The stark and daunting insurmountable chain of Himalayan peaks on its northern fringes separates it from the Tibetan region of China and dense impenetrable tropical Jungle of the foot hill in the south criss-crossed by turbulent rivers flowing through them sets it apart from the plains of Bengal and Assam in Eastern India. In spite of such formidable natural barriers, this fabled realm of the mountain gods has lured scores of mystics philosophers and adventurers in the quest of “Shangri-La”, a mythical paradise hidden in the deep recesses of the Himalayas. Snuggled in the very bosom of the mightiest mountain range on earth, Bhutan has truly lived up-to its unblemished reputation for providing spiritual and earthly visions of the legendary abode of eternal peace and tranquility to all who seek the blissful joys of heaven on earth. Identified as one of the ten-bio diversity hotspots in the world, Bhutan is fast gaining prominence as an exclusive travel destination combining the best blends of the exotic aspects of the nature and culture co-existing in perfect harmony. The significance of this providentially preserved natural wonderland has led environmentalists to declare Bhutan a world ecological heritage site that generates significant contributions to maintain the highly vulnerable environmental balance in south Asia.
Bhutan revels in an astonishing wealth of nature’s bounty that encompasses a bewildering Diaspora of flora and fauna harbored in a resplendent verdure comprising of the most alluring vistas in all of the Himalayas. With over 70% of its area under forest cover, Bhutan is a vast repository of an exotic variety of flowers, rare orchids, medicinal plants and highly prized mushroom, fascinating animals and over seven hundred species of birds and a myriad variety of butterflies add splashes of glorious colours to enhance the splendor of its grand locales. The pristine wetlands of Bhutan are favorite roosting grounds for several species of migratory birds that flock to it every year. The most notable among them are the exotic Black Necked Cranes, a highly endangered species of which only 5000 are left. A storehouse of prime ecological importance Bhutan is a veritable treasure trove for die-hard lovers of nature and an adventurers dream come true, a country that offers unlimited scope for making enthralling discoveries and to savour the raw pleasures of interpreting the secret revelations of nature.
Being the only country in the world to adopt Mahayana or Tantrik Buddhism as its official religion, Bhutan is purported to be the last bastion of the Vajrayana Strain of Mahayana Buddhism that lays fundamental emphasis in births and rebirths. Venerated spiritual masters have magical powers that help them to reincarnate themselves time and again to provide divine guidance to their followers. The country is awash in an aura of spiritual ambience and mysticism that pervades every aspect of the day-to-day life and strange customs and traditions of the people. Religion here is a way of life for the devout people who diligently perform elaborate rituals and conduct religious ceremonies with much fervor. Ancient monasteries dedicated to various saints and spiritual masters are full of meticulously preserved religious relics believed to possess divine powers. Legends of mighty conquest by the good against evil forces repulsed back into hell are regaled through dance, drama and music, which are a source of divine inspiration that helps the people to keep their faith alive. Festivals that commemorate these fateful events are held annually on special occasions throughout the country. During such festivals, the protecting deities who guard against evil are invoked to ensure that the good shall prevail for eternity.
Every settlement has a Lhakhang (temple) that serves as a central place of worship. People regularly visit them to offer prayers as an intrinsic part of their religious obligations.
Buddhism is said to have been introduced in Bhutan by Padma Sambhabava or Guru Rimpoche (precious master), the patron saint of Bhutan. Also called the second Buddha, he introduced trantrik Buddhism in Tibet and Bhutan. He is therefore, considered to be the founder of the Nyingmapa School. In course of time, tantrik Mahayana Buddhism became the dominant religion of Bhutan as some of the most celebrated saints of the Vajrayana strain like Pema Lingpa and Milerapa extensively roamed and preached in Bhutan.
Religion holds sway as a factor of prime importance in the every day lives of the people of Bhutan from being a vital force behind providential condiments that shapes the history of this country. Its influence is conspicuous in almost all facets of Bhutanese life style like architecture, arts & crafts, culture & tradition, virtually every aspect of the Bhutanese way of life even to the extent of governing the behavior and attitude of the Bhutanese society at large. Religion is also a crucial factor that has sustained their will to remain united as a nation of one people “The indomitable Drukpas”, who have always fiercely guarded their independence and have never been subjugated by any foreign power. The people of Bhutan are called Drukpas after the Drukpa Kagyu linage that they inherited as a legacy of Shabdrung Nawang Namagyel, a great religious teacher and head of the Drukpa School of Mahayana Buddhism. Shabdrung (at whose feet one submits) Nawang Namgyel was also a statesman par excellence, he united the whole country under a strong central authority in the 16th Century and ruled Bhutan as its spiritual and temporal head for many years. He is credited with establishing a transparent system of governance introducing reforms and building impressive structures called “Dzongs” at strategic locations to quell internal rebellion and serve as fortress in times of war. During times of peace they were centers of administration and religious headquarters housing important members of the clergy, monks and soldiers. These Dzongs are of immense relevance even today.
History
The ancient history of Bhutan is shrouded in mystery. Most of the documents were either lost or perished in devastating earthquakes and fire. Whatever documented evidence that have survived in some of its Dzongs, pertains to the establishment of a Dual System of Government by the Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, who unified the country under the folds of the Drukpa School of Mahayana Buddhism. Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel died in the 17thCentury, although his death was kept secret for many years, Bhutan entered into a period of conflict and turmoil for the next couple of centuries. The “Penlops” self styled governors of different regions were constantly engaged in incessant fighting against one another in a bid to exert their political influence over the territories of their rivals in a bid to expand their sphere of control. Prominent among them were the Tongsa and the Paro penlops, the two most powerful clans who exercised equal control over each half of the territory of Bhutan. Other regional powerful families tended to side with one or the other.
Finally at the end of the 19th Century AD, the Tongsa Penlop, who controlled central and eastern Bhutan defeated the Paro Penlop, who controlled the western province, in a historic battle fought in the plains of Chamlingthang below Thimphu. The victorious Tongsa Penlop Ugyen Wangchuk was unanimously elected King of unified Bhutan by the representatives of the powerful clergy, civil servants and prominent members of the society. Sir Ugyen Wangchuk was accorded with the title of Knight Commander of the British Empire for his tacit powers of negotiations and tactful diplomatic skills. This visionary leader of the Bhutanese people further strengthened the country by laying the foundations of a strong central authority that has governed the country ever since. His successors have provided a stable and progressive system of government to the country. Today Bhutan is one of the fastest developing nations prospering under the dynamic leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the fourth hereditary monarch of Bhutan.
Geography
The Kingdom of Bhutan is located between 88°45'and 92°10' longitude east and between 26°40' and 28°15' latitude north in the eastern part of the great Himalayan range. Nepal to the west, Chine to the north, the Indian states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Bengal and Assam surrounding it. Having an area of approximately 47,000 sq.km Bhutan is a mountainous country that stretches from the foot hill in the south to the towering peaks of the inner Himalayas in the north with varying climatic conditions ranging from the hot and humid tropical type sub-temperate and alpine.
Bhutan has a population of roughly 7,50,000 comprised of three main groups the Ngalongs in the north western part, the Sharchops in the eastern part and the Lhotshampas in the south. They are collectively called the Drukpas, who speak Dzongkha the national language of Bhutan.
People and way of life
The inhabitants of Bhutan are a peace loving and god fearing people who have consistently imbibed the values of Buddhism into their everyday lives. The Bhutanese civilization has nurtured a unique culture famous for its rich and vibrant forms of dance, costumes, architecture, arts & crafts distinguished by their expressions in bold vivid colours and intricate designs. The Bhutanese society is inculcated with a strong sense of discipline, duty, and integrity. Adherence to the cardinal principals of Buddhist philosophy like non-violence and compassion towards all sentient beings is firmly instilled in them. Their belief in the doctrine of ‘Karma’ motivates them to accumulate as many virtues possible in their present lives to lessen the degree of suffering to their souls in their next births. All their actions are defined by the teachings of Buddha who advocates virtuous living as the path to the attainment of “Nirvana”, a state of non suffering and eternal bliss.
An unshakable conviction in the ethos of Buddhist belief has enabled the inhabitants of Bhutan to live in close communion with nature. Love and respect for nature is inherent in every Bhutanese who for generations have accepted the endowments of nature with remarkable complacency. Creation bears religious significance, as life is held secret. All living things are considered precious embodiments of life while nature is venerated as the source of all life. This traditional reverence for nature coupled with a need to compensate nature for all its bounties has helped in preserving state of its intact natural environment.
Above all, the inhabitants of Bhutan are cheerful, jovial and pious. These simple people have endeared themselves to thousands of visitors by their lavish and overwhelming hospitality, vivacious sense of humour, genial warmth and naivety. Every single moment spent with them are cherished by tourists who keep coming
