Druk Yul - definition of Druk Yul by The Free Dictionary Druk Yul - definition of Druk Yul by The Free Dictionary Related to Druk Yul: Bhutanese , Butan Bhutan Bhu·tan (bo͞o-tăn′, -tän′) An isolated country of South Asia in the eastern Himalaya Mountains. A Buddhist kingdom that long resisted modernization, Bhutan began a series of democratic reforms starting in the 1990s. Thimphu is the capital and the largest city. Bhutan (buːˈtɑːn) n (Placename) a kingdom in central Asia: disputed by Tibet, China, India, and Britain since the 18th century but most closely connected with India; contains inaccessible stretches of the E Himalayas in the north. Official language: Dzongka; Nepali is also spoken. Official religion: Mahayana Buddhist. Currencies: ngultrum and Indian rupee. Capital: Thimbu. Pop: 725 296 (2013 est).

Area: about 46 600 sq km (18 000 sq miles) Bhu•tan (buˈtɑn) n. a kingdom in the Himalayas, NE of India: foreign affairs under Indian jurisdiction. 1,951,965; ab. 19,300 sq. mi. (49,987 sq. km). Cap.: Thimphu. Bhu•tan•ese (ˌbut nˈiz, -ˈis) n., pl. -ese, The Living Edens: Bhutan - People Culture and History Bhutan: A Rich History For many centuries, the outside world had no name for Bhutan. Its lofty frontiers wrapped it in an impenetrable cloak of mystery. The Tibetan chroniclers of the 18th century referred to it by many names, including "Hidden Holy Land," The Southern Valley of Medicinal Herbs," and "the Lotus Garden of the Gods." However, the Bhutanese have had a name for their own country for centuries.

They still refer to their land as Druk Yul, literally meaning "The Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon." Bhutan's historical period begins at about 747 A.D., when the revered religious leader Guru Padma Sambhava came from Tibet and introduced Buddhism to the country. Known also as Guru Rimpoche, this remarkable man -- almost as highly esteemed as Buddha himself in Bhutan -- is credited with various events. It is said that he flew to Bhutan on the back of a tiger, and that at Taktsang he conquered the demon spirits that were standing in the way of the spread of Buddhism. It is more certain that he visited Bumthang in central Bhutan, where he cured the ailing King, and various places in the Paro valley, and that he and his later followers meditated in a cave on the cliff where the Taktsang monastery now stands. In Bumthang, the kurje temple was built at the spot where, after Padma Sambhava had meditated, his fingerprints and footmarks appeared etched into solid rock, and where a cypress tree (which still stands) sprouted from his staff.

The pattern of Buddhism has changed considerably over the centuries, influenced particularly by emigrants from Tibet. Later, Bhutanese sects developed their own forms of the religion. Dominant amongst these has been the Drukpa sect of Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana ("Greater Vehicle") and now the official religion of Bhutan. Apparently, Kagyupa was a somewhat ascetic and rigorous practice of Buddhism that demanded long periods of isolation; its stringency led to the formation of more lenient sub sects. (Drukpa ("Thunder Dragon") was so named because when it was being formed thunder echoed across the sky.) During the whole of the period from the first introduction of Buddhism into Bhutan, and possibly well before, it seems likely that Bhutan existed as an independent entity, within similar natural boundaries to those that exist now. However, there was no central authority, and a number of separate towns or principalities existed, often practicing different religions or different forms of the same religion, and with mutually unintelligible dialects. By 1600, Gelugpa power in Tibet had extended as far as the Ralung monastery near Lhasa, the religious center of the Drukpa sect.

The Drukpa Lamas were forced to submit or flee, and many of them found their way to Bhutan. Amongst these refugee lamas was Ngawang Namgyal, who was to have a remarkable effect on his adopted land. He arrived in Bhutan in 1616, a time when there was no central authority, no laws and no dominant religion. Yet by the time he died in 1651, the whole of western Bhutan was under one government, and five years later, the whole country had one government and one religion -- Drukpa Buddhism. When Namgyal first arrived, he realized he would need the support of many rich families in western Bhutan who already supported the Drukpas. As soon as he was assured of this support, he set about building a chain of dzongs in all the main valleys of Western Bhutan, starting with the Simtokha Dzong in the Thimpu valley. These rapidly became the focal points for civil and religious authority for each region, and remain one of the great features of the landscape and life of Bhutan today. In 1639, this unification was tested by a Tibetan invasion, which Namgyal won in a great victory.

After this victory, he assumed the title of Shabdrung and effectively became the temporal and spiritual leader of Bhutan. In 1644, the Mongol leader Gushi Khan invaded Bhutan with a vast army. He was repulsed, invaded again in 1647, and was again defeated. Unsurprisingly, these successes served to strengthen the Shabdrung's position and unite the country further. It was Namgyal who set about establishing a system of government and laws for the country. A Jey Kempo (head abbot) was appointed to manage the religious institutions, while civil power was invested in a Druk Desi, or Deb -- a sort of Prime Minister. The country was divided into regions, which were administered by governors known as Penlops, with Dzongpons appointed below them to administer civil affairs locally. Although he died in 1651, it is believed that the death of the Shabdung was kept quiet for 50 years so that a legitimate successor might be found. This system presented few problems in the first few years, but gradually, power devolved into the office of the Druk Desi, and local civil wars ensued.

The two seeds of the problem were that the system of choosing successive Shabdrungs was reincarnation, and that as the successor was chosen at birth, for the first 18 years of his birth he was a minor, and power again devolved onto the Druk Desi. Successive Druk Desis proved reluctant to part with their acquired power, and the power of the Shabdrung gradually waned. Namgyal's efforts at establishing central authority were gradually wasted as the Druk Desi lost control to the regional governors and the Penlops. The country degenerated into a series of semi-independent regions, each controlled by a Penlop. But the overall identity of Bhutan remained, and with it, the possibility of reunification. By the mid-18th century, Moghul power was declining in Northern India, and Bhutanese influence in the adjacent region of Cooch Behar increasing. By 1772, the Bhutanese held almost total control over the region. At this stage, they first came into contact with the British in India. The East India Company were anxious to secure the northern frontiers of their domain at the time, and looked upon Bhutanese activities with disfavour.

In 1773, a small British force was dispatched to the area with the connivance and financial backing of the pretender to the Cooch Behari throne, Khagenda Naryan. This force defeated the Bhutanese and captured two forts in the foothills. This alarmed the Bhutanese, who called on the Panchen Lama to intercede with Warren Hastings, the governor general of India at the time. This led to the signing of a treaty between the Bhutanese and the British, and a period of increased contact. Meanwhile, the Bhutanese desire for expansion turned elsewhere, particularly to the east. In Assam, still independent of the British, the Ahom dynasty was in disarray, and Bhutan found no difficulty in increasing its influence there. By 1826, the Bhutanese had gained control over all of the duars (passes) into Assam. In 1828, however, the British occupied Assam and once again came into contact with the Bhutanese. For several years, there were minor clashes as the British gradually regained control of the Duars, and eventually, this turned into the second Anglo-Bhutanese war.

By 1865, the British were in total control of all the passes in Bengal and Assam, and were in a position to push the Bhutanese back on all fronts. The war ended in 1865 with the Treaty of Sinchaula, which signalled the end of hostilities and provided for conditions of mutual peace and friendship. Trade became open and duty free, Bhutan ceded all claims to the 18 Duars, and received an annual payment of 50,000 rupees from the British government. This agreement has continued with independent India since the signing of a treaty in 1949. In the latter half of the 19th century, chaos fairly reigned in Bhutan, and the power factions had become centerd predominantly upon the Penlops of Paro and Tongsa, who had become the most powerful men in Bhutan. These two factions battled for power, with considerable disagreement between them on whether to maintain their traditional ties with Tibet or to side with the new force, Britain. The British inadvertently helped to end the conflict and establish the hereditary monarchy that rules Bhutan today.

In 1903, the Younghusband expedition passed through Bhutan on the way to Tibet. The Paro Penlop remained aloof whilst the Tongsa Penlop, Ugyen Wangchuck, welcomed them and offered them every assistance. He accompanied the expedition and helped negotiate a favourable Anglo-Tibetan agreement. Shortly after his return, having not only assisted the British but also secured enormous respect from the Tibetan's for himself, Ugyen Wangchuck was awarded the K.C.I.E. by the British (1905). The effect of his mediation in Tibet counted for an enormous amount. For the first time since 1750, when a peace mission had been sent from Bhutan to Tibet to intervene in a civil war, the chance was presented of settling an external rather than internal conflict. Both in Bhutan and Tibet, the traditional figure of the mediator is one of enormous prestige, standing above the contending parties and winning great honour from both sides. However, he declined the official headgear offered to him by the Tibetans, saying he would stick to his own crown. In Bhutan, he was welcomed home like a conquering hero.

After this, he assumed respect from the British, met the British Royal party out from Britain in Calcutta (one of only two times he ever left Bhutan), and was treated like an Indian prince, complete with a 15 gun salute. At the meeting with the Prince of Wales and the Viceroy, he brought the traditional gold coins as a gift, which symbolize allegiance, as well as a letter declaring: "As the stars and constellations never fail in loyalty attending on the sun and moon, so do we the entire Bhutanese nation resolve to do likewise to the Supreme Government, hoping that as the sun and the moon are like parents of the whole world, we also will enjoy the blessings of their beneficent rays for ever and ever till the cessation of worldly existence." Clearly, Bhutan was now operating firmly within the British sphere of influence. At this point, Bhutan took decisive steps to establish its monarchy. In 1906, Ugyen Dorje a longtime adviser to Ugyen Wangchuck, addressed a letter to the council of state. He pointed out that in the absence of a clear procedure for appointing the regent, it was difficult to protect the realms of either religion or state.

Clearly, this letter was written to test the waters and to see how far the matter could progress. While the Shabdrung's spiritual place and role were left central to the conception of the monarchy, providing ultimate legitimacy to the king's line and the whole state, the practically defunct regency was allowed to die a quiet death. Although there is no record of the deliberations, the decision to establish the monarchy appears to have been genuinely popular not only amongst those responsible for taking it, but also with the public at large. It was also the occasion on which the long standing friendship between Ugyen Dorji and Ugyen Wangchuck was formalised by the appointment of Dorji as chamberlain (a title which Wangchuck wished to be hereditary). Thus on December 17, 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned. In 1911, Dorji received the title Rajah from the Viceroy as a personal distinction, and continued in his fiefdom of the Ha valley (despite continuing to be based at his family home in Kalimpong, outside Bhutanese territory).

He died in 1916, and was replaced by his son Sonam Topgye as the King wished. The old Paro Penlop continued to make difficulties, and remained powerful enough to make considerable difficulties for Ugyen Dorji. This continued through his death in 1918 and replacement by the King's grandson, Tsering Penjor. Ugyen Wangchuck died in 1926 at the age of 64, and was replaced by his 22 year-old son the following year. Up to the present, there have been four kings of Bhutan, and the present ruler Jigme Singye Wangchuck is clearly as popular as the previous three. Because of the way in which the monarchy assumed certain aspects of the pre-existent theocracy, many customs and symbols serve to underline the sacred nature of kingship and its remote position high above the world of ordinary mortals. However, alongside this there exists a complimentary tradition requiring the King to be wholly accessible to his people. Any subject, however low, has the right to present a grievance. In cases of serious loss or affliction, welfare can always be requested.

The rural setting of the Bhutanese monarchy, in contrast to the urban locale of most others, promotes this contact between the king and his people. In comparison to other monarchies, there is an absence of hidebound ritual. The present monarch, very much like his father before him, chooses to live very simply with a minimum of ceremony, and is far more concerned with the welfare of his subjects than court ritual. Bhutan Bhutan About Bhutan Bhutan - The Country Bhutan is a small country in the heart of Himalaya. Druk Yul, as the country is called is the land of the thunder Dragon. The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu . The country is landlocked with India bordering three sides whereas in the North the towering mountains of the Chomolhari range provide the frontier with the Chumbi Valley of Tibet. Except for the southern part of the country, rest of Bhutan is mountainous, pristine beauty of which attracts travelers to this country. In 1907 a hereditary monarchy was established in the country uniting the deferent groups into the Kingdom of Bhutan. During the next few decades India became independent from British occupation whereas Tibet was taken over by the Chinese.

This meant dramatic changes for Bhutan. The kingdom singed treaty of friendship with India whereas it closed to traditional trade routes with Tibet. The status till date remains quite the same. Currently the Kingdom is moving forward under the leadership of its king Jigme Singe Wangchuk. Tourism in the country is highly controlled by the government. Visit by foreigners is expensive and controlled by the government. Indian tourists can have easier access to the Kingdom. naturebeyond organizes regular customized tours to Bhutan with both international as well as Indian guests. This activities include adventure as well as leisure tours. People People of Bhutan The people of Bhutan are called Drukpas , derived from the name of the country, DRUK YUL, land of the Thunder Dragon. The Drukpas consist of a variety of ethnicity who are mainly categorized into three broad ethnic groups. The Sharchops are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan . Apparently Indo-Mongoloid in origin, the question of their exact origin or how they reached Bhutan, remains unsolved. Today the Sharchops live largely in the eastern regions.

The second group, known as the Ngalops, are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who migrated to Bhutan since the ninth century onwards, settling primarily in the west. The third section of the population are the nepalese, who began to settle in the south towards the end of the nineteenth century. Rugged, mountainous terrain and extremes of climate have made the Bhutanese a hardy, well-built people, accustomed to hard work. Despite the strong martial spirit which has enabled them to retain their national independence and sovereignty over the centuries, they are peaceful and fun-loving. As much as 85% of Bhutan's population live on subsistence farming, scattered throughout the countryside in sparsely populated villages across rugged mountainous terrain. In the lower valleys rice remains the staple diet whereas maize, wheat, buckwheat are more common in higher valleys. The people farm on narrow terraces cut into the slopes of the mountains. Topography largely determines the settlement patterns. History History of Bhutan Being a landlocked country, the history of Bhutan has always been influenced by its geography.

The known history of Bhutan begins with the legends of the visit of Padma Sambhava, believed to have come to Bhutan from Tibet in 747 AD. Guru Padma Sambhava is known to be the founder of Buddhism in the country. The Nyingmapa sect, literally which means ' The old Sect' of Himalayan Buddhism was founded by Padma Sambhva. The turmoil in Tibet and related migration to Bhutan started first in the 836-842 AD. This lead to several rival sects challenging the authority of the Nyingmapa sect. Although the natural frontiers of Bhutan kept outsiders away, the country was not unified till the 17th century. There were a number of independent principalities, each associated with the major ethnic and religious groups who had settled in the central valleys after migrations from the north. The descendants of the migrants today form the largest part of the population in Bhutan. By the 14th century a number of families emerged in the region who owed their position to religious prestige. The best known among them are the descendent of the saints of Nyingmapa sect.

In Tibet on the other hand, the Yellow Hat Gelugpa sect, headed by the Dalai Lama, had extended its power as far as the Ralung Monastery near Lhasa. Ngawang Namgyal, a drukpa sect lama had to take refuge to Bhutan in 1616. Soon Ngawang Namgyal ensured support from families of his own sect and went on to build a series of Dzong (monastery castle) throughout the country. These Dzongs became the center of religious and civil authority and remains a major symbol of Bhutanese culture and tradition till today. Ngawang Namgyal won victory over the Tibetans in 1639 and assumed the title of Shabdung. He unified the kingdom and established a dual theocratic system of government with himself as the first Shobdung Rimpoche. He also established an intricate and comprehensive system of governance in the country. By the time of his death in 1651, the whole of western Bhutan was united under his authority. Within the next few years, more parts of Bhutan was unified.

During the rule of Ngawang Namgyal there were several unsuccessful invasion attempts from Tibet by the King of Tibet as well as Mongol leaders. This also cemented the need for uniting the country against a common enemy. Death of Ngawang Namgyal lead to chaos in the country, although a new Shabdung was choosen, the power of the central authority was vastly diluted. During the coming years there were wars fought with the Bhitish and the Cooch kings of Coochbehar. But the Bhutanese Border remained broadly unchanged. During the early part of the 20th century the power balance in the country was divided with the Penlop of Paro and Tongsa having the strongest political clout in the country. During the expedition of Younghusbend to Tibet, the Penlop of Tongsa, Ugyen Wangchuck, came out in its support and thus came closer to the British. Later Ugyen Wangchuck was appointed by civil and monastic representatives the hereditary monarch of Bhutan, with the title Druk Gyalpo, Precious Ruler of the Dragon People.

Ugyen Wangchuck was succedded by his son Jigme Wangchuck in 1926 who ruled until his death in 1952. The next monarch of the country was Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who ruled the country between 1952 and 1972. Since his death his son Jigme Singye Wangchuck is ruling the country till date. Festivals Festivals of Bhutan The Dzongs are the centre of social and cultural activity in Bhutan. Almost every town worth a deko has its own Dzong where festivals are held every year. The objective of these festivals is to ward off evil through music, songs, dance and rituals. The common dance forms include masked dance, fire dance and sword dance. The dances are held in the main courtyards of the Dzongs. Apart from the normal Buddhist festivals such as the Lhosar, the annual festivals are celebrated with great fanfare in Bhutan. The most famous of these festivals is the Tsechu festivals held on the 10th day of the lunar calendar. The festival commemorates the deeds of Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche.

The guru is known to have introduced the Nyingma school of Buddhism which is dominant in Bhutan. Normally these festivals last for 5 days. A tentative calender of the festivals are given below. Bhutan Festival Calender About National Flower : Blue Poppy National Flag The national flag is rectangular and divided diagonally into two parts with a white dragon in the middle. The upper yellow half signifies the country's secular authority of the King in fruitful action in the affairs of religion and state. The lower saffron-orange half signifies the religious practices and spiritual power of Buddhism manifested in the Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingma traditions. The dragon symbolizes the name of the country, locally known as Druk Yul, meaning land of the thunder dragon and its white colour signifies purity and loyalty of the Bhutanese people. The snarling mouth of the dragon expresses the strength of the male and female deities protecting Bhutan, white the jewels in its claws represent the wealth, prosperity and perfection of the country and the people. National Emblem The national emblem, contained in a circle, comprises a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons.

The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power; which results from the Buddhist religion in its Vajrayana from. The lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel – sovereign power; and the two dragons – a male and female stand for the name of the country – the thunder dragon (Druk Yul). People Bhutanese are friendly and hospitable people. Large majority of Bhutanese are a homogeneous group devided linguistically into three broad sub-groups. These are Sharchops, Ngalong and Lhotshampa. Besides there are number of smaller groups, many with their own language which form about one percent of the population. Some of these groups are: Bumthap in Bumthang, Tsangho in the east, Layapa in the north-west, Brokpa in the north-east and the Doya in the south-west Bhutan. The last century has witnessed a greater variety of Bhutanese mosaic with the addition of the people of Nepalese origin comprising many ethnic groups who now form a large section of the Bhutanese population.

National Day National day is celebrated on 17th of December in commemoration of the accession of Gongsar Ugyen Wanchuck, the first king of Bhutan to the throne, in Punakha dzong. Currency Ngultrum, the currency of Bhutan, has the same value as the Indian rupee, which is also a legal tender. One US$ is roughly equal to 40 NU. Food Staple diet is red rice, buck-wheat, wheat, maize, pork, beef, chicken, yak meat, cheese and chilies which are taken as a vegetable and not as a spice. Arts and Crafts Bhutan is known for handicraft items in bronze, silver and other metals. Sculpting of religious figures is widely practiced and every temple houses large brightly painted and gilded statues of the Buddha and other saints. Economy Agriculture and livestock raising are the mainstay of the economy. They contribute about 45 percent to the GNP. More than 90 percent of the people live in on subsistence farming. The farms are narrow pieces of land cut into terraces on hill slopes. Forestry contributes 15 percent to the GNP and industry and mining 10 percent.

Dress Bhutanese men's wear gho, which are longish robes tied around the waist by a cloth belt, known as kera. The women's ankle-length dress is known as kira, which is made of bright colored fine woven fabric with traditional patterns. Sports The national sport of Bhutan is archery. Other traditional sports include digor – a kind of shotput, darts and wrestling. The international sports, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis and table tennis are also popular. Media Kuensel, a bi-weekly newspaper, is published in Dzongkha, Nepalese and English. An online English version, updated daily, is available on the Internet. There are also two privately owned English weeklies – Bhutan Times and Bhutan Observer. Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS), a national radio and TV station, broadcasts news and other programmes daily on current affairs. Private Cable operators throughout the country provide access to several regional and international TV channels. Architecture The castle-like dzongs, with their gently tapering walls, classic lines, large countryards and beautiful galleries are among the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.

Containing large monasteries inside and set in commanding position on hilltops or at the confluence of rivers, dzongs are also the administrative centers of their districts. But, the most common architectural sight in Bhutan are the chortens or stupas which are small shrines built to house sacred channels. Land of the Thunder Dragon Bhutan Holiday Summary Land of the Thunder Dragon Bhutan Holiday Summary Travel Articles | May 17, 2016 The Bhutan name for their country is Druk Yul which means "Land of the Thunder Dragon". Druk, the thunder dragon is the national symbol for Bhutan even appearing on their flag. It is a part of Bhutanese mythology. The pioneer in Bhutan are called, Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon Kings. Bhutan was exceptionally confined and social unadulterated for so long that they are viewed as the last Shangri-la. This resemble a sort of heavenly land.

They could clutch their antiquated conventions and mythology making the name "Place where there is the Thunder Dragon" a fanciful authentic name essential to the root of the Bhutanese individuals The journey from Delhi started with a flight to Delhi where we stayed the night at Indira Gandhi International Airport hotel for next morning’s 5.00 am flight to Paro, Bhutan. The check-in counter at Indira Gandhi International Airport Airport opens at 4.00am so be there early morning if you want to select your preferred seats – As a Drukair- Royal Bhutan Airlines guest, you may avail of our 'Through Check-in' facility when you fly within Delhi, India, or if you have a connecting flight to or from India provided your complete flight is on the same ticket. This means that your boarding passes and luggage tags will be issued up to your final destination* at the first port of check-in itself.

Bring along your sovereign travellers from India, and just about the only information I've got is that as an Indian citizen I do not need a Visa, and only perhaps a valid passport, Request for a seat on the left side of the plane for your flight into Paro if you poverty to get a great dream of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Bhutan Packages from Delhi Upon landing in Paro, we then left on 60 minutes lengthy drive to Bhutan's capital – Thimpu. The following few days of our visit were then loaded with visits to Dzongs, encountering nearby culture and life and also lengthy drives to Punakha valley. Don't hesitate to download this schedule of our 5 Day 4 Night Magical Bhutan experience arranged by Swantour.com. A portion of the visits have been rescheduled and supplanted with other fascinating exercises e.g. visit to a neighborhood farmhouse. The accompanying guide highlighted the voyage we took amid this excursion: Of all the visits we had encountered the world over, the visit guide administration we encountered in Bhutan is certainly the best!

DrukAsia had orchestrated Lhawang Dorji and Tenzing to be our aide and driver separately for this 5-day trip (see picture – third from left is Lhawang and to one side is Tenzing). It is the consideration paid to the little points of interest that truly inspired us. We should begin with our driver, Tenzing. He is a peaceful person who is not kidding and honest in his work. He guarantees that every, prior day we begin our visit, the van is in its best conditions – it doesn't make a difference in the event that we had did a sloppy climb the earlier day and left the vehicle wrecked with mud, grass on the floor, the following day the state of the vehicle is as new as when we initially begun this visit. On days of lengthy drives e.g. the 4-hour drive from Thimpu to Punakha valley, cushions will be set up at our seats in the event that we need to snooze off amid the adventure. What's more, most vital of every one of, his years of involvement in exploring the long twisting streets of Bhutan had kept us safe all through the whole excursion.

Our aide, Lhawang is extremely learned in all matters to do with Bhutan – get some information about the idea of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan and he would gladly talk about it with you. Any truths you need to know on Bhutan or pretty much anything about Bhutan, he ought to have the capacity to help you with it and on the off chance that he can't, he would Google it out and about (utilizing his versatile broadband) to give you the answer! He is additionally fantastically fit and knows the ground well i.e. regardless of sloppy trails or soak slants; he can explore them with no trouble and even help you with it. He imparted to us a story where he needed to convey an elderly woman traveler (who was in his visit bunch) on his withdraw the street from the Tiger's Nest cloister! Thankfully, we didn't require this administration amid our investigation of the Tiger's Nest. Due to his wellness, you do need to deal with your own desires when he say certain climb takes a couple of minutes – basic twofold whatever he says and that will be the definite time expected to achieve that destination.

ï¿½For go on vehicle, there is no compelling reason to twofold the time as his estimation are very exact. Stay tuned to swantour.com as we share highlights from our Bhutan stumble throughout the following couple of weeks.

(The accompanying will be redesigned with connections when the particular posts are up): Debunking myths on Travel to Bhutan – Cost, Travel Restrictions and Weather Flying with Drukair – Food locally available, awesome perspective on the flight into and out of the air terminal, strange experience of being in an air terminal that serves just 1-2 flights day by day An Introduction to Bhutanese Cuisine What to Expect from Hotels in Bhutan – Review of Thimpu Kisa Hotel and Punakha Meri Puensum Hotel Luxurious Villa Stay at Uma Paro Travel to Bhutan -The Land of Thunder Dragon - Stunning Adventure Travel to Bhutan -The Land of Thunder Dragon Travel to Bhutan -The Land of Thunder Dragon FAQ Travel To Bhutan, The best You Can Get The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, signifies "Place that is known for the Land of Thunder Dragon" of antiquated sanctuaries and forts and it just started to open up to untouchables in the 1970s. The Bhutanese refer to themselves as Drukpa people. For a fresh change try travel to Bhutan. Because it is a country of breathtaking natural beauty and man made cultural treasures.

This amazing nation is flanked by the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the East, Nepal in the West, and Tibet in the north.An area of merely 38,000 Square kilometer, it is populated by 770 thousand, is predominantly Buddhist and is famous for its beautiful treks, unforgettable culture, natural sights and much more and it is considered the best getaway for families, friends, romantic travelers, adventure lovers and nature lovers. Dzongkha, meaning the language of the fort, is the national language means the official language of Bhutan and Ngultrum (BTN) is the currency of Bhutan. Bhutan has three main ethnic groups, Tshanglas or the Sharchops, Ngalongs and Lhotsampas. The Tshanglas or the Sharchops are viewed as the native tenants of eastern Bhutan. The Ngalongs settle mostly in western, said to be origin from Tibet. The Lhotsampas settle in the southern foothills. It is accepted that they relocated from Nepal before all else of the 19th century who talks for the most part Nepali.

The best time to travel to Bhutan You can travel to Bhutan (The land of thunder dragon) any time of the year, it's warm and temperate climate, the festivals and plentiful heritage sites provide tourists with a wide variety of experiences throughout the year across the nation. The Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate can vary dramatically depending upon altitude. Spring (March- May) is thought to be the loveliest time and can witness the popular Paro- tsechu celebration. Autumn (Sep-Nov), the climate is cool and temperate when the skies are clear and you can get stunning views of the mountain peaks. It is the best time for trekking and travelling. Rainstorm (Jun-Aug) amid these months, nation gets more precipitation than any other district in the Himalayas. Winter (Dec-Feb) is sunny and cool. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to travel the western locale of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu and Haa. In Thimphu and Paro valleys, the temperature ranges from -3°C in January to 25°C in July (summer).

In the high mountain regions the normal temperature from 0°C in winter to 10°C in summer, with a normal of 350mm of downpour. Mid December to right on time January can be wonderfully clear and dry in Western Bhutan. The Punakha and the central valley have a tend to be warmer. FAQs of Bhutan (Land of thunder dragon) How would I get to the Bhutan? By Air: So as to fly directly to Bhutan from your home town, Paro Airport (PBH) is only the international airport. Druk-air and Bhutan Airlines only the, national carrier, can fly to Paro from Thailand (Bangkok), India (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati), Bangladesh (Dhaka), Nepal (Kathmandu) and Singapore. By Land: There are three land border, all crossing are along the Indian border only- Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. When is the best time to travel to Bhutan? Each season has its own appeal.

Be that as it may, the most well-known time to travel to Bhutan are harvest time, autumn and spring seasons which fall on the month from September - November and March-May individually. The climate is hotter and skies are clearer on this season and a large number of the sensational celebration falls on this period. For travel to Bhutan, do I require a visa to enter? Every foreigner require a visa to enter into Bhutan. The visa must be pre-arranged through Local Tour Operator, Like, Our Company Stunning Adventure. No foreign mission or consulate or embassy abroad allows Tourist Visa for land of thunder dragon. What documents do I require for entering? Passport: You must have at least 6 months valid passport to travel to Bhutan. Visa/Entry Permit: It is imperative that travelers must have Bhutan's visa approval letter or visa approval number while embarking Druk air flights to Paro. Visa for Bhutan will be specified for a dated of your travel as per your Bhutan Tour program and itinerary. For the visa system, you have to send us two passport size color photographs and a color copy of your passport. Air Tickets: You will get your ticket by your tour operator.

The only Airlines Druk Air and Bhutan Air fly there commencing from different city and country. What about the Currency Exchange/Credit Cards/ATM? In Kathmandu: Nepal official currency is Nepalese rupees (NPR). So, the most major currency you can change at Kathmandu Air terminal or at Bank or at Exchange Counters in the city. All major credit cards are accepted and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are available throughout all cities and cash is given out only in the Nepalese Rupees. In Bhutan: Bhutan official currency is Ngultrum (BTN). Bring hard U.S. currency with you and exchange on arrival at Paro Air terminal or at banks or at hotels in Thimphu. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and few tourist shop, but they charge some commission. ATM (Automated Teller Machine) withdrawals and Credit cards cash advance are not accessible or available. You cannot conversion BTN outside Bhutan. But, if you will have excess Ngultrum (BTN) to exchange into USD before leaving from Paro then it is possible to exchange on production of the original exchange receipts. Do we have to cover the travel Insurance?

We strongly recommend that, take out a comprehensive travel insurance prior to visit from your home country. Your Travel insurance must cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and personal liability (theft of items and materials). We also recommend that it must covers cancellation, loss of luggage and personal effects. What about the food? The most particular normal for Bhutanese cooking is its hotness. Chilly are a key piece of about every dish and are considered so vital that most Bhutanese individuals would not appreciate a meal that was not spicy. Rice is the fundamental Meals of the Bhutanese. One side or two side dishes comprising of meat or vegetables. Beef, chicken and pork are the meats that are eaten frequently. A wide determination of western and Indian food is additionally accessible in a hefty portion of eateries around nation. Can I do the private tour? Of course. We can arrange you a private visit. We additionally arrange private visits according to the interest. We have been flexible according to the wish of our client and will be in nearing days moreover. Bhutan Adventure Holidays, Bhutan Family Holidays.

Bhutan Adventure Holidays, Bhutan Family Holidays Bhutan (or Druk Yul) Ancient stone tools and weapons, remnants of large stone structures, and megaliths that may have been used for boundary markers or rituals, provide evidence of civilization as early as 2000 B.C. Many historical references to Bhutan have called it land of the South or, Lhomon Tsendenjong (southern sandalwood or medicinal country). Bhutan's origin has been traced to the Sanskrit words Bhota-ant, meaning highlands country. The name Bhutan came to be used more widely in the late nineteenth century in English-language correspondence. The traditional name of the country, since the seventeenth century, has been Drukyul- country of the Drukpa, the Dragon People. In 1907, Bhutan's 300-year-old dual system of government ended. In November of that year, an assembly of leading Buddhist clergy, government officials, and heads of important families established a new absolute monarchy.

Sir Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the first hereditary Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King, who reigned 1907-26) of Bhutan. This marked beginning of Monarchy in a unified Bhutan. The present King, His majesty Jigme Khesar namgyel Wangchuck is the fifth hereditary King of Bhutan. Druk Yul and Buddhism Bhutan is the land where people believe that fluttering prayer flag, hoisted on mountain passes, carry messages and prayers for peace and happiness of all sentient beings in the valley.It is a land where agreement is strong amongst all citizen that protecting, preserving and existing side by side with nature, and its fauna and flora can help attain increasing Gross National Happiness for the country. Bhutan is the land, among the least frequented travel destinationon on earth, thus the level of excitement, adventure, and satisfaction from journeying to Bhutan will not be encountered elsewhere. Druk Yul is the last surviving bastion of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism, maintained in the form and practiced since the 8th Century AD.

This mystical Kingdom mystified the outside world for centuries by remaining secluded from the outside world hidden in its high Mountains, developing on its own terms the utmost care and caution. Culturally rich and unique with strong Buddhist beliefs incorporated in people's day to day life, this sparsely populated Kingdom, surrounded on three sides by lovely snow-capped Mountains has existed for centuries in close harmony with nature. Most Bhutanese are farmers, and their farms are irrigatedby perennial streams fed by crystal clear glacial lakes filled by melting ice. Bhutan's prestine ecology and protected wildlife are found amongst high Himalayan peaks, within lush forested valleys. Land, People and the Traditions Often known as “Last Shangri-La" to the West, Bhutan is truly a place where material possessions are placed above people's happiness. This is the country whose Government tries to measure the impact of development in terms of achievement of Gross National Happiness. This is the country where 97% of its people are found to be happy. With about 69% of the population still living in rural Bhutan, farming is the occupation of the majority of Bhutanese.

A barter system and close bonds within the family which may contain more than 50 members still exist in Bhutan. Those visiting Bhutan are guaranteed a series of wonderful experiences, through seeing and living in the Bhutanese surrounding, and being a witness to centuries old festivals and unchanged medieval way of life in most Bhutanese. This medieval setting is alive, where farmers still practice subsistence farming to raise their family. The travel host will help you have life time experience of traveling through different cultural places in Bhutan. The country’s most beautiful Himalayan valleys of Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang, Punakha, Phobjikha, and Trashigang will be canvassed during the trip. Meeting people at all wakes of your tour, and taking pictures of many blooming wild flowers, alpine trees, and wild animal would be experience worth taking. AHKE Adventure Travel is a licensed Adventure Tour Operator and travel guide in Bhutan offers you and your family a unique and customized Adventure Holidays and trekking trips to Bhutan.

Take an adventure holidays to Bhutan with your family and explore culture and traditions of Bhutan with AHKE Areas of Northern Bhutan bordering China are inhabited by wandering Yak herders, still pitching tents woven from yak hair, following ancient grazing trails. Bhutan's art and architecture are unique, incorporating Buddhist values in many forms. Paintings, signs and symbols on walls, windows, doors, and inside of homes and monasteries embody sacred stories, signifying people's trust and beliefs in Buddhist values. Bhutanese houses generally have a room on the upper floor where families keep a Buddhist shrine for daily prayers. Bhutan, being one of the ten designated Biodiversity Hotspot on earth, has more than what you might expect. Seeing of Musk deer, Blue sheep, Snow Leopards, Takin (the National Animal), Monal Pheasants, Black-necked Cranes and Wild birds are not uncommon. All Itineraries listed in the links allow you to further customize your own adventure with our help. Be the one to experience the real joy and peace traveling to the last Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom.

Bhutan Today Today, the world is discovering the more exotic side of this kingdom, increasingly known for its pure practice of Mahayana Buddhism, its undiluted culture, traditions, and pristine environment. These days, it is not uncommon to see mention of Bhutan as one of the best holiday destinations in many travel magazines and other news media. This is a land which is truly majestic and pure, marked by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the ten global biodiversity "hot spots" on Earth. It is still in many way, the magical kingdom that contains scenes similar the West's medieval past which only a few lucky traveler experience. The National flag is rectangular and divided diagonally into two parts, with a white dragon across the middle. The upper yellow half signifies the country's secular authority of the King in the affairs of religion and state. The lower saffron-orange signifies the religious practices and spiritual power of Buddhism manifested in the Drukpa Kagyud and Nyingma traditions. The dragon symbolises the name of the country, Druk Yul, and its white colour signifies the purity and loyalty of the Bhutanese people.

The snarling mouth of the dragon expresses the strength of the male and female deities protecting Bhutan, while the jewels in its claws represent the wealth, prosperity and perfection of the country and the people. The National Emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between the secular and religious powers; which results from the Buddhist religion in its Vijrayana form. The lotus symbolises purity; and the two dragons, male and female, stand for the name of the country- the Thunder Dragon (Druk Yul). Geography About Bhutan About Bhutan About Bhutan HISTORY It is believed that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000 B.C. due to the presence of early stone implements discovered in the region. The country was originally known by many names including Lho Jong, ‘The Valleys of the South’, Lho Mon Kha Shi, ‘The Southern Mon Country of Four Approaches’, Lho Jong Men Jong, ‘The Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs and Lho Mon Tsenden Jong, ‘The Southern Mon Valleys where Sandlewood Grows’.

Mon was a term used by the Tibetans to refer to Mongoloid, non-Buddhist peoples that populated the Southern Himalayas. The country came to be known as Druk Yul or The Land of the Drukpas sometime in the 17th century. The name refers to the Drukpa sect of Buddhism that has been the dominant religion in the region since that period. Initially Bonism was the dominant religion in the region that would come to be known as Bhutan. Buddhism was introduced in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and further strengthened by the arrival of Guru Rimpoche, a Buddhist Master that is widely considered to be the Second Buddha. The country was first unified in 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. After arriving in Bhutan from Tibet he consolidated his power, defeated three Tibetan invasions and established a comprehensive system of law and governance. His system of rule eroded after his death and the country fell into in-fighting and civil war between the various local rulers.

This continued until the Trongsa Poenlop Ugyen Wangchuck was able to gain control and with the support of the people establish himself as Bhutan’s first hereditary King in 1907. His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck became the first Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) and set up the Wangchuck Dynasty that still rules today. In 2008 Bhutan enacted its Constitution and converted to a democracy in order to better safeguard the rights of its citizens. Later in November of the same year, the currently reigning 5th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was crowned. POLITICAL SYSTEM OF BHUTAN The political system of Bhutan has evolved over time together with its tradition and culture. It has developed from a fragmented and a disoriented rule of the different regions by local chieftains, lords and clans into the parliamentary democracy we have in place today. The first move towards a systematic scheme of governance came in 1616 with the arrival of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal from Tibet.

He introduced the dual system of governance with the Je Khenpo as the spiritual head of the nation and the Desis, as the head of the temporal aspects. But a major breakthrough came about in 1907 when the people unanimously enthroned Ugyen Wangchuck as the fist hereditary King of Bhutan. He was the man who had proven his mettle by banding together the different Dzongpons and Penlops (governors of fortress), ending centuries of strife and bringing much needed stability and peace to the country. Since then, the country has been ruled by successive monarchs of the Wangchuck dynasty. In a move to ensure a more democratic governance of the country, the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck instituted the National Assembly (Tshogdu) in 1953. Every gewog has an elected member representing it in the National assembly. It became a platform where the people’s representatives enacted laws and discussed issues of national importance. The establishment of the Royal Advisory Council (Lodoe Tshogde) in 1963 as a link between the king, council of ministers and the people was another move towards democratization.

It also advised the king and the council of ministers on important issues and ensured that projects were implemented successfully. The institution of Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdu (District Development Assembly) in 1981 and Gewog Yargay Tshogchung (County Development Assembly) in 1991 by the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was another move towards decentralization. But the devolution of the power of the King in 1998 to the cabinet ministers was the highest form of decentralization. The King, thereafter, began to serve as the Head of the State while the government was managed by the Prime Minister. In November 2001, on the advice of the Fourth king, a committee chaired by the Chief Justice of Bhutan, was formed to draft the constitution of Bhutan. The constitution was launched in 2008 and with it a parliamentary democracy introduced. The progression from Hereditary Monarchy to that of a Parliamentary Democracy has been a carefully managed process that culminated in 2008 when Bhutan held its first elections country wide.

From 2008-2013, the Druk Phunsum Tshogpa political party ruled the government with 45 elected members, Lyonchen Jigme Y Thinley steered the government with just two opposition members from the People’s Democratic Party. From 2014 the second democratically elected Prime Minister, Lyonchen, Tshering Tobgay of People's Democratic Party (PDP) with 32 out of 47 seats of elected members, steers the government with just one opposition party, DPT. The organs of the Bhutanese government comprise of the Legislature, Judiciary and the Executive. The ruling political party, the opposition and the National Council now forms the legislative body. BHUTANESE PEOPLE BHUTANESE PEOPLE, are friendly and hospitable people. There are three main ethnic groups viz., Sharchop, largely live in eastern Bhutan; Ngalop in western and Lhotshampa in southern Bhutan respectively. Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduismsm are the major religion of the country. Bhutan’s culture is influenced by Buddhism and is highly visible in everyday life and is a major reason for Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural legacy.

The unique cultural identity is reflected in the traditional woven attire and shoes worn by the people, the architecture and vibrant cultural festivals celebrated throughout the country. Besides there are a number of smaller groups, many with their own language which form about one percent of the population. Some of these groups are: “Bumthap” in Bumthang, “Tsangho” in the east, “Layapa” in the north-west, “Brokpa” in the north-east and “Doya” in the south-west Bhutan. As a traditional society, the Bhutanese follow a highly refined system of etiquette, which is called "driglam namzha." This traditional code of conduct supports respect for authority, devotion to the institution of marriage and family, and dedication to civic duty. It governs many different sorts of behavior, including how to send and receive gifts, how to speak to those in authority, how to serve and eat food at public occasions, and how to dress. A royal decree issued in 1989 promoted the driglam namzha as a means of preserving a distinct national identity and instituted a national dress code.

Men and women mix and converse freely, without the restrictions that separate the sexes among other groups in South Asia. NATIONAL FLAG The National Flag is rectangular and divided diagonally into two parts with a white dragon in the middle. The upper yellow half signifies the country’s secular authority of the King in fruitful action in the affairs of religion and state. The lower saffron orange half signifies the religious practice and spiritual power of Buddhism manifested in the Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingmapa traditions. The Dragon symbolizes the name of the country, locally known as Druk Yul meaning the land of Thunder Dragon and its white colour signifies purity and loyalty of the Bhutanese people. National Day of Bhutan is celebrated on 17 December in commemoration of the accession of the First King of Bhutan to the throne giving birth to the Hereditary Monarchy Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.), with 100 Chetrums = 1 Ngultrum. The currency was introduced in 1974. The climate in Bhutan is extremely varied.

This variation in the climatic conditions and average temperature can be attributed to two main factors, the vast differences in altitude present in the country and the influence of the north Indian monsoons. The Average Temperature Calendar may help you plan your trip to Bhutan. It should be noted that average temperatures are recorded from valley floors. There can be considerable divergences from the recorded figures depending upon elevation. AVERAGE WEATHER TEMPRATURE IN BHUTAN (DISTRICTS) MONTHS 9.5 11.6 The National Emblem, contained in a circle is composed of double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power. The lotus symbolizes purity, the jewel – sovereign power and the two dragons – a male and a female stand for the name of the country – the Land of Thunder Dragon (Druk Yul) Traditional Bhutanese food always features spicy red and green chilies. Most Bhutanese love eating spicy food. Rice, buckwheat, and maize, are the staple foods of the country. The hotels and restaurant serve non-vegetarians and vegetarians.

The most popular Bhutanese dish is “Ema Datsi” prepared entirely from chilies and cheese. This dish is distinctly Bhutanese and is very hot. Each region in Bhutan has its specialty and you will get plenty of opportunity to taste its each delicacy that is truly Bhutanese. Liquor is easily available in most of the hotels and restaurant. The national sport is the Archery (Dha). The bow and arrow play a significant role in many Bhutanese myths and legends; images of the gods holding a bow and arrows are considered especially favorable. Archery was declared the national sport in 1971 when Bhutan became a member of the United Nations. Bhutan also maintains an Olympic archery team. Archery tournaments and competitions are held throughout the country, and is played during religious and secular public holidays in Bhutan, local festivals (tsechu), between public ministries and departments, and between the dzonkhag and the regional teams. The national bird is the raven. It adorns the royal crown. The raven represents the deity Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven headed Mahakala), one of the chief guardian deities of Bhutan.

The national animal is the Takin (Burdorcastaxicolor) that is associated with religious history and mythology. It is a very rare mammal with a thick neck and short muscular legs. It lives in groups and is found above 4000 meters on the north-western and far north eastern parts of the country. They feed on bamboo. The adult Takin can weigh over 200 kgs. The national flower is the Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Grandis). It is a delicate blue or purple tinged blossom with a white filament. It grows to a height of 1 meter, and is found above the tree line (3500-4500 meters) on rocky mountain terrain. It was discovered in 1933 by a British Botanist, George Sherriff in a remote part of Sakteng in eastern Bhutan. The national tree is the cypress (Cupressustorolusa). Cypresses are found in abundance and one may notice large cypresses near temples and monasteries. This tree is found in the temperate climate zone, between 1800 and 3500 meters.

Its capacity to survive on rugged harsh terrain is compared to bravery and simplicity. Bhutan is one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Bhutan enjoys a reputation for authenticity, remoteness and a well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment. Bhutan is a land locked country in South Asia located at the eastern end of the Himalayas nestling in between its powerful neighbours, south, east and west by India and to the north by China. To the west, it is separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim, while further south it is separated from Bangladesh by the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Bhutan’s other names in use are Druk Gyalkhap and Druk Yul. The Total surface area of the country is 38,394 sq.km. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. The other major cities are Geylephug, Phuntsholing and Samdrupjongkhar. The official language is Dzongkha and English and other commonly spoken languages are Lotshamkha (Nepali) and Tibetan.

The economy of Bhutan is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Farmers supplement their income through the sale of animal products such as cheese, butter and milk. Farmers’ markets are common throughout the country, supplying the people with fresh, organic, local produce. The main staple crops are rice, maize, wheat and buckwheat while cash crops are predominantly potatoes, apples, oranges, cardamom, ginger, and chilies. Most production in the industrial sector is of the cottage industry type. Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north, where some peaks exceed 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). Its total surface is 38,394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi) in 2002. Human settlement is confined mostly to interior river valleys and a strip of southern plains; nomads and other tribes live in the north, raising sheep, cattle and yak. Bhutan has all four seasons, Spring: March-May, Summer: June-August, Autumn: September-November, Winter: December-February.

You can visit Bhutan any time of the year. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Due to Bhutan’s location and unique geographical and climatic variations, it is one of the world’s last remaining biodiversity hotspots. Bhutan pristine environment, with high rugged mountains and deep valleys, offers ecosystems that are both rich and diverse. The government has enacted a law that shall maintain at least 60% of its forest cover for all time. Today, approximately 72% of the total land area of Bhutan is under forest cover and approximately 60% of the land area falls under protected areas comprising of 10 national parks and sanctuaries.

Question: Which country's name in its own language is Druk Yul – i.e. 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'?
Answer: BHUTAN