About Bhutan

Bhutan, known as the land of the thunder dragon, secluded for centuries by one of the highest mountain ranges and most difficult terrain in the world, only recently opened its Himalayan doors to the outside world.

For more than 1500 years, a unique culture developed virtually undisturbed resulting in some of the most spectacular architectural, religious and natural sites found today.

Bhutan’s most unique, dominant and striking are it’s:
Dzongs: impressive forts built in the early centuries now housing the legislative and religious central administration for each of Bhutan’s dzongkhag (district). These huge fortresses were built with no architecture and nails. In addition to these are small lhakhangs and monasteries dotted throughout the country, adding more beauty to Bhutan’s majestic scenery. Adorning the inner walls of these buildings is Bhutan’s the beautiful and famous painting.
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Dzongs and temples are also the central stage for another of Bhutan’s unchanged tradition: the Tshechu or festival. Lasting for days, these festivals are a colorful display of act, dance and music, portraying all epic battles and acts. The most famous mask dances can be seen at such Tshechus. One of the most significant is the dance of the Guru and his eight manifestations and another of Guru Padma Sambhava and his conquest over the demons.

With a population of only 650000, Bhutan is one of the last places today where vast areas of forest and mountains remain untouched. Through active government policy, a remarkable 72.5 % of the kingdom is covered with forest, as a result of which, Bhutan is a home to thousands of species of plants and hosts a variety of birds and wildlife.

Architecture, art and crafts are important aspects of Bhutanese culture and they depict the spiritual depth of Bhutanese life. Bhutan’s thirteen Arts and Crafts known as Zhorig Chusum, Painting, Carpentry, Carving, Sculpture, casting, Blacksmith, Bamboo works, Glodsmithing and Silver smithing, weaving Embroidery, Masonry, leather works and Paper works are still strongly preserved. It can be seen on walls of houses, monastries and Thangkhas , paintings of gods and goddesses on huge cloth pieces. Painters use vegetables dyes to give their work the subtle beauty and warmth seen nowhere else in the world.
Bhutan has an unmatched wealth in its cottage industry. Its fine handicrafts of wood and bamboo, ornaments of gold and silver, highly developed weaving skills represent an advanced art form. The traditional and national dress which is hand woven is very intricate in design and superior in quality. The weaving is done on a small hand made structure with all simple and home made equipments.
Bhutan is a peaceful country in the heart of the Himalayas where nature, tradition and Culture are still intact. Bhutan is the only remaining Mahayana Buddhist country is the world.

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