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Hidden in the
mighty Himalayas, between India and China, the independent Bhutan have largely lived a
life of isolation from the world. They have succeeded in maintaining their cultural and
spiritual heritage preserved in age-old traditions.
With the coming
of the first surfaced road in the 1960s, Bhutan opened its door to a handful of tourists
in 1974, mostly at the invitation of the government. Today, only a little over 5000
tourists visit every year and the Royal Governments policy is to continue maintaining the
country's traditions and protecting the natural environment.
Bhutan exudes a
special charm, a feeling of calm and serenity, which envelops
each visitor the very instant
they set foot in the kingdom. The people are deeply religious, following the Lamaist
form
of Buddhism. The air of spirituality is evident, even in the urban centers where spinning
of prayer wheels, the murmur of mantras and the glow of butter lamps in the houses are
still important features of everyday life. Monasteries, temples and religious monuments
are dotted across the landscape, bearing witness to the importance of Buddhism, while
red-robed monks , young and old, are everywhere, mingling freely in towns, villages and
markets.
Bhutan boasts a
wealth of bio-diversity with nearly three quarters of the total area covered by forests,
which has led to it being declared one of the 10 global hot-spots for environmental
conservation. This rich Himalayan flora and fauna, dazzling snowcapped peaks, lush valleys
and unbelievably beautiful rural landscapes imprint
themselves upon the mind of the
visitors forever.
It is often
said that even the most experienced travelers
will find Bhutan to be a
revelation and will feel
themselves drawn back again & again to experience the beauty, charm and spirituality
of the kingdom and its people. Very few travelers have the privilege of visiting this
remarkable country and experiencing the warmth of its people.
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