Bhutan

Welcome to Bhutan

Capital of Bhutan: Thimphu
Population of Bhutan: 0.8 million - 47th in Asia
Size of Bhutan: 38,394 km2 - 36th in Asia
Languages in Bhutan: Dzongkha

Thanks to its location in the Himalayas, tiny Bhutan's main tourist attraction is its stunning natural scenery. The last of the world's Buddhist kingdoms, this mountainous country boasts stretches of fertile land and a small population surviving on subsistence farming. Visitors seeking culturally enriching experiences take a trip to Bhutan to discover a mysterious and magic mountain kingdom where traditional Buddhism slowly and carefully accepts the developments of the modern world. Popular things to do in this "Last Shangrila" include bird-watching, hiking, and biking through some of the planet's least-spoiled wilderness areas, where commercial tourism still seems a concept from a distant future.

Highlights

Eastern Bhutan, recently opened to visitors, is an unspoiled haven of natural wonders
Zhemgang, mostly unexplored is a breathtaking location for wildlife
Taktsang Monastery clings to a sheer cliff and is one of the world’s holiest Buddhist sites
Thimphu is the seat of the royal family, with temples, monasteries, and palaces
Jakar, in lovely Choekor Valley, was the birthplace of Bhutanese Buddhism
Thrumshingla National Park is magnificent, home to red pandas, tigers, and snow leopards