Bhutan

Bhutan is a kingdom in the heart of the great Himalaya, nestled between Tibet and India's Assam Plain. In its 18,000 sq. mile Bhutan offers a variety of climates, from the hot and humid jungles of the southern foothills to the temperate inner Himalayas to the frigid snow-capped peaks in the north which rises to 7700 mts. Bhutan's state religion is the Drukpa sect of Kagyupa, a school of Mahayana Buddhism.

BUMTHANG

Nestled in the barley fields and apple groves of the Bumthang valley, ancient art- filled temples dating back to the seventh century mark the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan. A rustic lodge for tourists has been built in the shadow of Jakar Dzong.

PHUNTSHOLING

From its vast views of the BHUTAN plains, this overland gateway town is the start of a breathtaking drive round hairpin turns through lush forests to the towns and valleys of the Inner Himalayas at 4,000- 8,000 feet (1,200 - 2,400 meters).

PARO

The PARO valley is more than beautiful; it is visually stunning and historically fascinating. It is also a delightful place from which to enjoy the country's most famous festival held at the Paro Dzong just across the Valley ( a Dzong is a uniquely Bhutanese Buddhist fortress/monastery. A 3 hour trek to the famous Taktsang Monastery, or a 3 day trek to Jhomolhari base camp. This beautiful terraced valley is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples-and its first airport. The National Museum is located in an ancient watchtower here and Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs 3,000 feet (900 meters) above the valley.

PUNAKHA

Spectacular views of the Himalayas can be seen on the road from Thimphu to Punakha Dzong, where the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers converge below this winter home of the central monk body.

THIMPU

Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan. This center of government, religion and commerce has grown alongside monasteries and forts. From the earliest fortress-monastery, Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627, to the active craftsmen who practice today, there is much to see.

TONGSA

TONGSA is surrounded with the incomparable Tongsa Gorge. One can enjoy the savoring vast panoramas of the gorge and the snow-clad peaks that separate the high elevations of the North with the sub- tropical jungles of the South. In the fore-ground is the ancient town of Tongsa and the largest of Bhutan's renowned dzongs. First built in 1648 the Tongsa Dzong is still home to a large community of monks. Half day tour - Through a long valley, the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family, spectacular views frame the massive, many- leveled Tongsa Dzong, strategically located to guard what has been for centuries the only east-west route through Bhutan.

For more information of Bhutan visit:-

www.bhutantravelinfo.com