BHUTAN
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Land of the Thunder Dragon! The Last Shangdi-La…
Bhutan is a land locked country, situated along the southern slopes of the Himalayan range, bounded by Tibet, and India. The land of the thunder dragon kingdom is a trekker’s paradise and an environmentalist’s dream. Because of its high, rugged mountains and deep valleys, which create great geographic and climatic variations, and with 72 per cent of the country under forest cover, Bhutan is rich with spectacular biodiversity. It is one of the world’s ten most important biodiversity ‘hotspots’.
Besides its stunning natural scenery, it is the strong sense of culture and extensive perpetuation of tradition that clearly distinguishes the kingdom from its neighbours. Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage has largely remained intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until relatively recently. Bhutanese continue to wear the traditional dress: the gho for men and the kira for women. This spiritual nation is the last bastion of the Vajrayana school of Mahayana Buddhism.
The fourth King of Bhutan has implemented a policy of controlled development with particular focus on the preservation of the environment and Bhutan’s unique culture. One aspect is the worldwide known Gross National Happiness. A visit to Bhutan is a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. This kingdom is an adventure like no other!