Welcome to Bhutan

The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, and Sikkim to the east, south, and west, respectively. With an area of 38,394 square kilometers, Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland in both its size and topography. The mighty Himalayas protected Bhutan from the rest of the world, leaving it blissfully untouched for centuries. The Drukpa Kagyupa School of Mahayana Buddhism shaped a rich culture and fascinating history. The Bhutanese people have protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain isolated.

The kingdom is sparsely populated, with a population approaching 700,000. The written history of the kingdom dates back to the 8th century, when Guru Padmasambhava, also known as the second Buddha, made a legendary journey from Tibet to Bhutan in 747 AD on the back of a tigress. The Guru arrived at Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) on the cliffs above the Paro Valley, where he began to spread the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism. In the following centuries, many great masters preached the faith, leading to the flourishing of Buddhism in the country by the Middle Ages. Although sectarian at first, the country was eventually unified under the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism in the early 17th century by the religious figure Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Zhabdrung codified a comprehensive system of laws and built dzongs, which guarded each valley during unsettled times and now serve as religious and administrative centers of their respective regions. At the end of the 19th century, the Trongsa Penlop, Ugyen Wangchuk, who controlled the central and eastern regions, overcame all his rivals and united the nation once again. He was unanimously accepted as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan in 1907.

Bhutan is the only remaining Mahayana Buddhist kingdom in the world today, and the teachings of this school of Buddhism are a living faith among its people. Spirituality is pervasive even in urban centers, where the spinning of prayer wheels, the murmur of mantras, and the glow of butter lamps are still common features of everyday life. Bhutan’s religious sites and institutions are not museums but the daily refuge of the people.

One of the most striking features of Bhutan is its architecture. The distinct style and color of every building and house in the kingdom are a source of aesthetic pleasure. The dzongs, imposing 17th-century structures built on a grand scale without the help of drawings and constructed entirely without nails, are outstanding examples of Bhutanese architecture. Patterns of rich colors adorn walls, beams, pillars, and doors in traditional splendor.

As with its architecture, art and painting are important aspects of Bhutanese culture and reflect the spiritual depth of Bhutanese life. Whether on walls or in the renowned thangkas, painters use vegetable dyes to give their work an unparalleled subtle beauty and warmth. Bhutan also has a wealth of cottage industries, and the skills of its wood carvers, gold and silversmiths, and weavers (to name only a few) are all representative of highly developed art forms.

Festivals, known as “Tshechu,” are held throughout the year in different regions or districts of Bhutan. These festivals take place outdoors or in the courtyards of dzongs, which are fortified monasteries that serve as centers for government and religion in each district. The festivals celebrate the faith, legends, myths, and history of the Bhutanese people. The dancers, consisting of monks or highly trained laymen, represent wrathful and compassionate deities, heroes, demons, and animals. These dances are performed to bless the people, instruct them, protect them, and abolish evil influences. People travel miles to attend the festivals, wearing their most beautiful clothing, creating a festive and joyful experience that mingles with the mystic spirit of the occasion. In Bhutan, festivals are not staged for visitors; rather, visitors are privileged to witness them.

Attending one of these religious events provides an outsider with an extraordinary experience.

Euthra Tours and Treks explores hidden corners of Bhutan that are not usually seen on other tours. We follow a leisurely route, stopping along the way to absorb the atmosphere of each locality and study its ancient culture. We visit villages, homes, and sacred and legendary monasteries.

Bhutanese cuisine is a fascinating blend of aromas and influences from India, Tibet, and China. A typical household staple and the national dish of Bhutan is Ema Datshi with red rice. Bhutan is culturally rich, offering diverse and unique cultural experiences. You can observe differences in culture, traditions, customs, languages, religion, food, and traditional dress among the Bhutanese people.

Trekking in Bhutan offers a rare opportunity to experience true high-mountain wilderness. The trails are unspoiled and are often shared with few or no other people. There are treks of varying lengths and difficulty, each with its own special attractions and characteristics. The treasures of the Himalayas are innumerable: alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers, forests filled with birds, butterflies, orchids, and high rhododendrons, thundering glacial rivers, amazing snow-capped mountains, and delicate waterfalls. These are the rewards awaiting those who are able to reach the places where they are hidden in Bhutan.

This version uses simpler language while keeping the content engaging and informative.

Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom known for its untouched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With majestic mountains, sacred monasteries, and vibrant traditions, Bhutan remains the world's last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom. Visitors are captivated by the unique architecture, including the imposing 17th-century dzongs, and the deep spirituality that pervades everyday life.