our kingdom · 100 years of monarchy · tourism · map
Our Kingdom
Bhutan is a small kingdom nestled in the Eastern Himalayas with Tibet autonomous region of China to the North. To the East, South and West lies the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Bengal, Assam and Sikkim. The landscape rises from 150 metres to 7,554 metres and, due to the enormous variations in altitude, you can expect to experience some of the most rugged terrain in the world. This diverse landscape results in a diversity of ecosystems that range from alluvial grasslands and subtropical broadleaved forests to alpine meadows above the tree line.
This great geographical diversity combined with equally diverse climate conditions contribute to Bhutan’s outstanding range of biodiversity and ecosystems. Conservation International describes Bhutan as an integral part of the Himalaya global biodiversity hotspot. Bhutan has adopted proactive conservation initiatives in order to maintain their forest cover. The decision to maintain at least 60% of the land area under forest cover helps ensure a high concentration of birds and mammals in a relatively small area and reduces the threat of habitat loss - unlike in other parts of the world.
Bhutan is an ornithologist’s paradise with over 640 bird species of which according to BirdLife International, a total of 16 bird species in Bhutan have been identified as globally threatened: Chestnut-breasted Partridge (Arborophila mandellii), Blyth’s Tragopan (Tragopan blythii), Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri), White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga), Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), Wood Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola), Dark-rumped Swift (Apus acuticauda), Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), Grey-crowned Prinia (Prinia cinereocapilla), Beautiful Nuthatch (Sitta formosa), and the White-throated Bushchat (Saxicola insignis).
The number of species which are found in the Tingtibi of Zhemang area are beyond compare, in addition to the area stretching from Ura to Lingmithang. The Tingtibi-Gongphu-Tali-Tamala areas are reputed to be among the very best birding spots in Asia. Further, Bhutan is home to numerous large birds and mammals, including vultures, tigers, leopards, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, red pandas, elephants, blue sheep, barking deers, gorals and takins.
Bhutan Celebrates 100 years of monarchy
Tourism
Tourism in Bhutan is gaining international attention due to its Buddhist culture, its majestic mountains, pristine environment, biodiversity and traditional festivals. In addition, in 2008, Bhutan will celebrate 100 years of Monarchy and will see the Coronation of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo.
Tourism has seen enormous jumps in visitor numbers since 1974 when the country first opened its doors to tourism. Bhutan hosted 17,344 tourists in 2006 and hopes to see significant increases in 2007 due to the Centennial Celebrations. A majority of tourists traveling to the Kingdom currently seek cultural tours. However, many other specialized trips exist to meet every tourist’s interests.
As a result of the vast elevation variations (from 150 - 7,554 metres) stretching across the Kingdom, the varied weather conditions in Bhutan is conducive to traveling all year round. During the winter months, Southern and Eastern Bhutan offers pleasant temperatures for a variety of activities. Some of the most spectacular festivals are held during January and February. July and August is typically considered the rainy season. The rainy season is hard to define as Mother Nature is inevitably unpredictable and some years July has proven to be an excellent time to visit Bhutan. During July a tour could experience blue skies for numerous days with only evening showers.
The birding and trekking opportunities are bounteous as you interweave with the local people and their culture into every aspect of a trip. If you are seeking a cultural tour, a trek, a mountain bike tour or an experiential trip, our parent company DragonQuest Adventures would be pleased to arrange your trip. You may contact DragonQuest Adventures by using our Contact Us Form. Please ensure you write DragonQuest Adventures as the subject line.
