Sandwiched in the Himalayas between India and the Tibetan region of China Bhutan is a unique tourist destination. With its splendid scenic beauty, lofty mountains and deep valleys untempered by modernisation. it provides a relief from the fast paced life of the rest of the world.

The Bhutanese have deliberately safeguarded their ancient way of life in all aspects. The impact can be seen as soon as a visitor lands in the Paro International Airport. People can be seen going about their daily chores in their traditional (national) clothes; ghos for men and kiras for women.

The landscape is dotted with traditionally built houses and structures and even the most modern offices also bear an inconspicuous look, decorated with traditional architectural patterns.

Spread over 18,000 square miles, Bhutan is the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism in the world. Its state religion is the Drukpa sect of Kagyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism.

All visitors to Bhutan are required to enter the kingdom from Paro by the national airline, Druk Air (see Druk Air’s website for flight information).