Bhutan, Land locked Mountain Kingdom is bordered by Tibet, China, India, near Nepal and Bangladesh. Never Heard of Bhutan? The original spelling from Marco Polo times was "Bootan" in the Roman Alphabet, but they call their country "Druk Yul." Most Asians haven't even heard about Bhutan they'ver been pretty quiet up there in the Himalayas. They were not involved with the Industrial Age, the World Wars, nor the Arms Race, and until recently not even cyberspace. They live on their own "Roof of the World" and have kept to themselves for hundreds of years.

Geography
Bhutan is a landlocked country. It is about 47,000 kilonetres - roughly the size of Switzerland. It is located between Tibet in the north, Indian states of West Bengal and Assam in the south, and Arunachal Pradesh in the east. Bhutan is a land of soaring snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows and densely forested hills and ravines abounding in exotic flora and fauna. From May to August, hills are covered with and awesome variety of flowers decorated with waterfalls and streams gushina in wild abandon.

Religion/Culture
The State religion is Drukpa Kagyupa a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. It has been institutionalized in the Dratshang ( Central Monk body ), headed by the Je Khenpo ( Chief Abbot ) who is chosen from among the most learned lamas and enjoys and equal rank with the King. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion. The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life.

People
Bhutanese are a Mongolian race of people who originally migrated into and settled the country in the 7th Century AD. A nomadic and pastoral society at first, they gradually turned to agriculture in the fertile valleys. There are three main ethnic groups - the Ngalougs in teh western and central regions are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who arrived in Bhutan from the 9th century. The Sharchops who live in the east of the country, are recognized as the original inhabitants of Bhutan. The third group is known as Lhotshampas. They represent the Nepali speaking ethnic group. The total population of Bhutan is about 600,000.

Festivals
The best known festivals are the Tsechus which are held at different times of the year in different locations. Tsechus are celebrated for three to five days with both monks and laymen taking part in the ritual mask dances.

Dzongs
These massive fortress-monasteries decorate most hill-tops and valleys. They serve as teh administrative headquarters and are the focus of secular and religious authority in each districts.

The Rural Bhutan
The first thing that a visitor to Bhutan will notices is the great expanse of green, forested hillsides. A drive or trek through the country-side of Bhutan will take you from the subtropical forests over high alpine passes and down to broad valleys with colorfully painted houses scattered across the landscape.

Trekking
For the trekking enthusiast, there are numerous routes ranging from low ( 9840 ft ) to medium ( 10,000 ft) to very high altitude ( 14,400 ft ) treks. Himal Reisen tours and Treks organizes over ten different trekking programs including Orchid Trek, Medicinal Plant Trek, Bird-Watching Trek and Eco-Trek.

WESTERN BHUTAN

	Day 01		Fly to paro from Kathmandu. Transfer to Druk Hotel for O/N.
	Day 02		Morning drive to Drukgyel Dzong 18kms, away from the hotel. On the way back visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House also a short visti to the temple built in the 7th century. After lunch visit the Ta-Dzong that house the National Museum of Bhutan followed by a short wak to Paro Timpung Dzong. Evening at leisure. O/N at Druk Hotel.
	Day 03		In the morning drive to Satsam Chorten. Trom there two hour trek to Takasang cafeteria. Hot lunch will be served at the Cafeteria followed by a short walk back to Satsam Chorten and 2 hour drive to Thimphu. O/N at Druk Hotel.
	Day 04		Sightseeing at Memorila Chorten, National Library, Nuns Monastery, Changlimithang Monastery, Indegenous Hospital. Lunch at Druk Hotel. After lunch at leisure. At 5 P.M. you will vist the Tashichdzong (Thimphu Dzsong). O/N at Druk Hotel.
	Day 05		A 3 hour drive to Punkha across the Dochula Pass. Light refresment will be served at Dochula Cafe. Lunch at Hotel Zantopelri. After lunch visit teh Punkha Dzong. O/N at Hotel Zantopelri.
	Day 06		In the morning drive 3 hour to Gantay Gompa. Pack lunch will be served. After lunch drive back to Thimphu. O/N at Druk Hotel.
	Day 07		In the morning you will witness the Folk and Mas . Dance Performed by the Royal Dance Academy. Lunch at Druk Hotel. After lunch at leisure. O/N at Druk Hotel.
	Day 08		Early morning dive to Paro to fly to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Bumtang Central Bhutan
West to East Travel
Day walking Tours
Dagala Botanical Treak
Black Mountain Treak
Chomolhari Treak
Biking Tour - Across Bhutan
Some Useful Tips