WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN
Many Eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to the Himalayas as the abode of the gods and home to the immortals. These descriptions did not stem merely from the majesty and grandeur of the natural surroundings but perhaps alluded to a special environment where communion with the divine was possible through contemplation and meditation, and so since time immemorial, ascetics, scholars, philosophers and pilgrims have been drawn irresistibly to these remote and rugged mountains in their personal search for wisdom, inspiration, solitude and happiness.

Bhutan is a country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. The country has been visited by a great many saints, mystics, scholars and pilgrims over the centuries who not only came for their personal elucidation, but blessed the land and its people with an invaluable spiritual and cultural legacy that has shaped every facet of Bhutanese lives. Visitors and guests to the country will be surprised that the culture and the traditional lifestyle is still richly intact and at the degree to which it permeates all strands of modern day secular life. From the traditional woven garments to the prayer flags on high mountain slopes, from the built environment to the natural environment, from the religious mask dances, this cultural heritage is proudly evident and offers a unique cultural setting.

The Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment as it is seen as a source of all life and the abode of the gods and spirits. Buddhism has been the predominant religion since the 7th century and has inculcated deeply the value that all forms of sentient life, not just human life, are precious and sacred. Given such a prevailing ethos which respects the natural environment , it is not surprising that the Bhutanese have lived in harmony with nature and the nation has its environment still pristine and intact today. The country has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Its eco-systems harbors some of the most exotic species of the Eastern Himalayas with an estimated 770 species of birds and over 50 species of rhododendron, besides an astonishing variety of medical plants and orchids. Bhutan also has a rich wildlife with animals like the Takin, Snow Leopard, Golden Langur, Blue Sheep, Tiger, water buffalo and elephant.

It is to safeguard this rich natural environment and culture that the country has consciously adopted a controlled tourism and development policy. In 2004, just under 9000 tourists entered the country and the numbers in the coming years are not expected to increase greatly. For the few who do travel to Bhutan, there are a wide variety of activities from the Snowman trek to Kayaking down the Mochhu; from witnessing the colorful festivals in the fortresses to the panoramic mountain flight on Druk Air.

We hope that visitors who make the journey to Bhutan enjoy their experience and return home with glowing memories.

BY: His Excellency Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk
MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Royal Government of Bhutan
Tashichodzong Thimphu, Bhutan
1994-2003