Bhutan or Druk Yul is known as the "Land of the thundering Dragon". The original name Bhutan may have evolved from Sanskrit 'Bhotant' meaning ' the end of Tibet' or from 'Bhu-uttan' meaning ' highland'. Bhutan's early history is steeped in Buddhist tradition and mythology. The medieval and modern history is better documented than its ancient history; it was a time of warlords, feuds, giant fortress es and castles. The modern history is no less amazing, with intrigue, treachery, fierce, battles and extraordinary pageantry all paying and important part. Bhutan is also known as the last domain of Tantric Buddhism.

The estimated population of Bhutan is 600,000.00 with 43% of the population under 15 years of age. The population can be categorized into three main ethnic groups: the Sharshops [people who live in the east], Agalong [the descendants of Tibetan immigrants] and the Lhotshampa [Nepalese who settled in the south].

Bhutan is a landlocked country encompassing 46, 500 sq. km. The country is bound in the north and northwest by Tibet and surrounded by India in the east and south. It can be divided into three major geographic regions: the high Himalayas of the north, the hills and valleys of the center and the foothill and plains of the south.

Bhutan lies between 80? 45' and 92? 10' east longitude and between 26? 40' and 28? 15' north latitude. The three relief zones [the foothills, the central Himalayan valleys and the High Himalayas] define the three climatic regions: tropical, temperate with monsoon and alpine with monsoon.

Ecology could not find a better balance than within the lush natural environment of Bhutan. More than 72% of the country's rugged terrain is under forest. As the mountain ranges climb from sea level to the highest peaks on north, the trees range from the tropical hardwoods to numerous alpine species. The seasons in Bhutan can be identified by the foliage that colors the hillsides.

Bhutan is a home to rare wildlife, including the rarest protected species like the snow leopard, the Himalayan bear, the black-necked crane, the national animal Golden Takin and the golden langur.

Cultural Treks provide an insight into the religion, culture, ecology and life in this beautiful country. This unique identity comes from the ancient cultural heritage, which the kingdom has carefully preserve over the centuries. The distinct architecture, the intricate paintings, unusual handicrafts and the cottage industries like the legendary textiles are very impressive and inspiring. The Bhutanese wear colorful hand-woven traditional dress, speak languages derived from the classical scriptures of the past, enjoy a diet which comes from the natural surroundings and are happy in peaceful existence with close harmony to the nature. The best season for cultural tours is during spring and autumn.

How to reach Bhutan

BY AIR:
Bhutan's only airport is located at Paro. Bhutan's national airline Druk Air flies from Paro Airport in Bhutan to New Delhi, Calcutta, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka and Rangoon ( Myanmar). Please check the flight schedule at Druk Air's official website.

BY ROAD:
The visitors can fly to the nearest Indian airport, Bagdogra in North Bengal. From Bagdogra, they can travel by road. It takes 3-4 hours drive to reach Phuentsholing located on Indo-Bhutan border, the gateway to Bhutan. The visitors from Nepal can also travel by road through Kakrivitta, the eastern border town of Nepal. It takes about 5 hours drive from Panitanki, the Indian Customs check post. It takes about 7-8 hours drive from from Sikkim and Darjeeling to reach Phuentsholing. It takes 6-7 hours drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro airport. However, one side journey ( entry/exit) needs to be taken by air. If travelling overland via Indian territories, a transit pass from the government of India is required to travel through prohibited areas of India on Bhutan's border. You are required to apply to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi some months before departure to Bhutan. The travel time/distance chart is given at the end of this page.

VISA AND PASSPORT:
The visitors are required to possess valid passport and visa for entry to Bhutan, except for Indian nationals. Visitors to Bhutan must have a visa approved prior to arriving in the kingdom. Those who have not had a visa approved will not be permitted to board their Druk Air flight to Bhutan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thimphu issues visa to all foreign travelers.

Bhutanese embassies or consulate abroad do not issue tourist visa. The Druk Air ticket cannot be purchased without first obtaining visa. Visa application at least three months in advance is advisable. 
A two-week visa costs US$20 and is stamped on the passport at Paro Airport ( or entry port) during the immigration process. Visas are approved and issued prior to entry, with the pre-payment of travel itinerary. The visitors are required to produce two passport size photographs. The visa can be extended upto six months in Thimphu. The visitors to Bhutan are advised to finalize their travel plans well in advance. Visa applications must reach the Thimphu,