61. Bhutan Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide Includes maps, information about environment, history, culture, attractions and practical information for visitors. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/ind/bhu.htm

@import "/worldguide/css/dmStyle.css"; @import "/worldguide/css/dmStyle_structure.css"; @import "/worldguide/css/dmStyle_theme.css"; worldguide shop thorn tree forum travel services ... travel links Explore Bhutan Bhutan The land of the thunder dragon has shunned the rush towards modernity. View Map Click here Feature Attraction Dechenphu Lhakhang To reach Dechenphu Lhakhang involves a short climb up a stone staircase to an elevation of about... more > WORLDGUIDE Introduction See Image Gallery Transport Money Essential Info RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links At a Glance Fast Facts Bhutan, nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming. Security Issues in Assam Travel across the Assam/Bhutan border is discouraged due to security problems posed by Indian separatist groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) who are seeking their own independent homeland. This border can be closed to foreign travellers depending on the current security situation. Travel Services Flights Hostels Hotels ... Travel Insurance lonely planet 2005 about us privacy contact us worldguide ... travel links

62. Bhutan Web Links bhutan Web Links (Updated 5/13/05). Report Broken Link. Lesson Plans Geography Maps Photos history Human Rights News Portals Home http://www.aems.uiuc.edu/HTML/AsianResources/Bhutan/Bhutanweb.htm

Bhutan Web Links (Updated 5/13/05) Report Broken Link Lesson Plans Geography Maps ... Home Official Web Portal Government of Bhutan http://www.bhutan.gov.bt/ Lesson Plans Bhutan Webquest Worksheet: http://www.geocities.com/ozquest/bhutan.htm Education World: Bhutan http://db.educationworld.com/perl/browse?cat_id=3700 PBS: Teaching Bhutan http://www.pbs.org/edens/bhutan/Bhu_teach.htm Political Resources on the Net: Bhutan http://www.politicalresources.net/bhutan.htm Geography / Culture Sites Bhutan's Cultural Trust Fund http://www.ctf.gov.bt/ Bhutan's Food Culture and Recipes http://asiarecipe.com/bhuculture.html MapZones: Culture of Bhutan http://www.mapzones.com/world/asia/bhutan/cultureindex.php Medical Interpreter Services: Bits of Culture - Bhutan http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/interpreters/b_bhu.asp Political Resources on the Net: Bhutan http://www.politicalresources.net/bhutan.htm

63. ☞ Bhutan, History Bulletin Board Index bhutan history index Classifieds1000 World Message Board bhutan, history bulletin board message index. Click on a message to read or reply to it. http://board.classifieds1000.com/Bhutan/History

Bhutan Bhutan Directory Bhutan Real Estate Listings Furniture Bhutan 'History' index Classifieds1000 World Message Board All listings are the responsiblity of the posters; keep in mind, anyone can post anything! Add this site to Favorites Home Amigos! Fraud Alerts ... Fun in the Sun (Carribean Vacations and More) Bhutan History bulletin board message index. Click on a message to read or reply to it. Scroll down or click here to post a new message. We have no messages for Bhutan, History yet. Please share your thoughts or a ask a question. Add New Message to Bhutan, Expat Discussion Board Please submit a new discussion here. HTML is not allowed and you are encouraged to seperate your paragraphs with a double blank line for readablity. Please make sure your message is relevant to Bhutan and the selected topic. Everything you enter will be published. Location: Bhutan Subject: Topic: Select Topic Art and Artists Business Cars Entertainment Expat Export For Sale Gay History Import Investments Jobs Life Miscellanous News Headlines Politics Real Estate Retirement Sports Technology Travel Wanted Name: E-Mail: Optional (please add link to our directory first) Web Link: Link Title: Message: Submit Message. Please do not post the same message more than once.

64. Travel To Bhutan, Bhutan Travel, Bhutan Hotels, Bhutan Tours, Bhutan Tourism, Vi Get information on the city of bhutan, its fast facts, history, best season, climate and clothing, Accommodations in bhutan, Hotels in bhutan, http://www.touristplacesinindia.com/bhutan/travel-to-bhutan.html

Get information on Bhutan , its fast facts history of Bhutan, best season to visit Bhutan , climate of Bhutan and clothing header("../"); Tourist Places in India toplinks("../"); leftpanel("../"); Travel to Bhutan Bhutan, nestling in the heart of the great Himalayas, is well-known as the land of the peaceful thunder dragon. The original name from the times of Marco Polo was "Bootan, but the natives prefer to call the country "Druk Yul." Many people haven't even heard about Bhutan, so quiet has been the little kingdom, perched up in the Himalayas. The nation is not involved with the Industrial Age, the World Wars, nor the arms race, and, until recently, not even cyberspace. A land with a vibrant and orthodox culture, Bhutan is often referred to as the living museum of the world. Fast Facts Area 46,620 sq km Population Capital Thimphu Languages Dzongka, English Unit of Currency Ngultrum The kingdom of Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, between Tibet to the north, the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal to the south, and Arunachal Pradesh to the east and Sikkim to the west. The kingdom has a total area of about 47,000 square kilometers. It spreads between meridians 89°E and 93°E, and latitudes 27°N and 29°N. History Bhutan has never been colonized and although recorded history mentions the country in the 7th century, its independence was recognized even before that. In the 8th century, the great Tantrik mystic, Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche came to Bhutan from Swat, in present-day Pakistan, and spread the Buddhist faith. The next defining event in Bhutan's history was the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal, the "Shabdrung" (literally, at whose feet one submits) in 1616. The Shabdrung was the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. After repelling numerous Tibetan invasions, the Shabdrung subdued the many warring feudal overlords and brought all of Bhutan under the influence of the Drukpa Kagyud School. His 35-year reign also saw the establishment of a nationwide administration, aspects of which still endure, and the building of dzongs as easily defensible fortresses and seats of local government. In fact, many of the dzongs one sees today were built during the Shabdrung's reign.

65. Bhutan - General Information Not much is identified with bhutan s history before the 7th century, which is when Buddhism was introduced. After this time, the chronicles kept by http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/bhutan/bhutan.htm

Home Cambodia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Mongolia Myanmer N.Korea Philippines Singapore S.Korea Taiwan Thailand Vietnam Bangkok Beijing Hong Kong Seoul Shanghai Tibet Tokyo References Asian Calendar Country Maps Country Profiles History Timeline ... World Statistics Publish your story on AsianInfo.org - Personal experiences, opinions, articles, or any information related to Asia. More Info... Search for AsianInfo.org Back to Home Bhutan Travel Guide Weather People The official estimate of Bhutan's population in 1990 was about 600,000 but other sources estimate the population for 2000 was just under 2 million. Those living in Bhutan of Nepali origin have been excluded from the official census since 1990 which results in such a large discrepancy in population numbers. Bhutan has four major ethic groups: Bhutia, Sharchops, Nepali, and other indigenous groups. The Bhutia, who are descended from Tibetans, live in the central and northern regions of Bhutan. This ethnic group basically dominates politics in Bhutan particularly with it's contribution of government officials and monks that come from it.

66. RAOnline Bhutan: Bhutan's History >> Recorded History - Map bhutan bhutan s history. history, history. bhutan s history . How Europe heard about bhutan . Dzongs in bhutan http://www.raonline.ch/pages/bt/visin/bt_hist01.html

You are here: RAO Home Travel Bhutan Overview ... Information > Bhutan's History Bhutan's History Bhutan's History History History Bhutan's History How Europe heard about Bhutan Dzongs in Bhutan Historical background of Chhoetse Penlop Suche in RAOnline Mypage Suche in RAOnline.ch Suche in dieser Site oder im Web powered by FreeFind Site Suche Web Search Suche in dieser Site oder im Web powered by FreeFind Site Suche Web Search

67. The History Of Bhutan View information on the history of bhutan and other world countries. http://www.factrover.com/history/Bhutan_history.html

Home All Countries World Newspapers US Newspapers The History of Bhutan Below is a brief history of Bhutan. To find information other than history for Bhutan then visit the Bhutan Country Page Bhutan Government Bhutan People Bhutan Geography ... Bhutan Economy Bhutan History Bhutan's early history is steeped in mythology and remains obscure. It may have been inhabited as early as 2000 B.C., but not much was known until the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism in the 9th century A.D. when turmoil in Tibet forced many monks to flee to Bhutan. In the 12th century A.D., the Drukpa Kagyupa school was established and remains the dominant form of Buddhism in Bhutan today. The country's political history is intimately tied to its religious history and the relations among the various monastic schools and monasteries. The consolidation of Bhutan occurred in 1616 when Ngawana Namgyal, a lama from Tibet, defeated three Tibetan invasions, subjugated rival religious schools, codified an intricate and comprehensive system of law, and established himself as ruler (shabdrung) over a system of ecclesiastical and civil administrators. After his death, infighting and civil war eroded the power of the shabdrung for the next 200 years when in 1885, Ugyen Wangchuck was able to consolidate power and cultivated closer ties with the British in India. In 1972, the present king, Jigme Singye Wanchuck, ascended the throne at age 16. He has emphasized modern education, decentralization of governance, the development of hydroelectricity and tourism and improvements in rural developments. The current king has established an overarching development philosophy of "Gross National Happiness." It recognizes that there are many dimensions to development and that economic goals alone are not sufficient.

68. Books Review NOTE, Comprehensive political history and ethnic composition of bhutan TITLE, history of bhutan land of the peaceful dragon / Bikrama Jit Hasrat. http://www.bhootan.org/reviews/book_reviews_index.htm

Home Introduction Bhutan: At A Glance Background ... The Camps Books Review TITLE REFUGEES AND REGIONAL SECURITY IN SOUTH ASIA AUTHOR Muni and Baral PUBLISHED Konark Publishers Pvt Ltd, A-149, Main Vikas Marg, New Delhi. Hard cover, 245 pp, 1996, Indian Rupees 275 SUBJECT NOTE TITLE MISSION TO BHUTAN : Nation in Transition AUTHOR B.S.Das, PUBLISHED Vikas Publishing House, New Delhi, 1995 (128pp) SUBJECT NOTE TITLE The raven crown : the origins of Buddhist monarchy in Bhutan / Michael Aris AUTHOR Aris, Micheal PUBLISHED London, Seinda Publications, 1994. SUBJECT MonarchyBhutanhistory NOTE TITLE AUTHOR PUBLISHED Gartmore, Scotland : Kiscadale, c1994. SUBJECT BuddhismBhutanHistory-Social Life NOTE Collection of essays on Bhutan TITLE Bhutan: A Movement in Exile AUTHOR D.N.Dhakal /Christopher/Strawn PUBLISHED Jaipur : Nirala Publications, 1994 SUBJECT EthnicityBhutan- Politics and government NOTE Comprehensive political history and ethnic composition of Bhutan TITLE From dependency to interdependence : a study of Indo-Bhutan relations / Manorama Kohli AUTHOR Kohli, Manorama.

69. Bhutan's Crisis Of Identity: Michael Hutt bhutan s history is complex and has been influenced by developments outside its borders. Its current political problems demonstrate this fact. http://www.bhootan.org/hutt/mhcrisiindentiy_people.htm

Home Introduction Bhutan: At A Glance Nationality Issues ... The Camps Bhutan's Crisis of Identity: Michael Hutt Index Introduction Peoples of Bhutan Indian Connection Seeds of Conflict Political Unrest ... Refugee Problem Introduction The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan was isolated for 300 years. During the 1900s , it gradually established links with the outside world while preserving its culture and tradition. Now in the 1990s a political conflict has arisen that could be critical for the country's future. Bhutan, a country the size of Switzerland climbs like a staircase from the plains of northeast India to the hill plateau of Tibet. It was the last of the Himalayan kingdoms to adopt the doctrine of economic development and confront the political uncertainties of the world beyond its foothills. However, the image of an unchanging medieval idyll is a little misleading. Bhutan's history is complex and has been influenced by developments outside its borders. Its current political problems demonstrate this fact. Bhutan was unified by the Shabdrung, a Buddhist lama of the Drukpa Kagyu sect who fled from Tibet in 1616. From the 1600s until the early 1900s, Shabdrungs were Bhutan's spiritual and temporal rulers. During the 1800s they ruled decayed, and the Shabdrungs lost much of their temporal power to feuding district governors. In 1907, the office of the Shabdrungs was quietly abolished and Sir Ugyen Wangchuck became the first king with the approval of the British, whom he had supported during their incursions into Tibet.

70. 1Up Travel : Bhutan - History And Culture Of Bhutan. bhutan is known to the bhutanese as Druk Yul or Land of the Thunder Dragon. It is located at the south of Tibet and the north of north east of India as http://www.1uptravel.com/international/asia/bhutan/history-culture.html

Flags Maps Sightseeing Travel Warnings ... National Parks More Categories Introduction Topography Local Life Local Cuisine Local Holidays Festivals-Events Embassies Administration News Stand Worth a See !! Sight Seeing Maps Flags Shopping Eating Out Recreation Travel Essentials Country Facts Geography People Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Airline Tickets Car Rentals Cruises Hotels ... Vacations Web 1UpTravel.com You are here 1Up Travel Countries of the World Asia Bhutan ADVERTISEMENT Country At a Glance Introduction Topography Life Cuisine ... Newstand Worth a Visit !! Cities Attractions Shopping Eating Out ... Travel Links Country Facts Introduction Geography People Government ... Transnational issues Related Bhutan Guide Bhutan Maps Bhutan Hotels Bhutan Flag ... Bhutan Travel Warning Bhutan History and Culture History Bhutan is known to the Bhutanese as "Druk Yul" or "Land of the Thunder Dragon". It is located at the south of Tibet and the north of north east of India as Assam and Sikkim. It is the only independent Buddhist Monarchy in the world. It remained isolated to the Western world until 1974, when the government decided to allow the first foreign visitors to enter the country. Buddhism was introduced in the 7th century. At this time there was no central government in the country, but as Buddhism matured within Bhutan, it became a unifying element for the country. Bhutan's early history is steeped in Buddhist tradition and mythology.

71. Troovel.com bhutan / history and Government Government bhutan has no written constitution and is ruled by a monarchy. Power is shared between the King, http://troovel.com/country/bhutan/1203/HistoryGovernment/en

[english] [françâis] [español] [deutsch] ... Home / Bhutan / History and Government Bhutan Information Hotel Reservations Car rental Contact Addresses General Information ... Camping Bhutan - History and Government History : Existing archives trace Bhutanese history back to AD450, although many of the intervening events remain a mystery. Bhutan has never been conquered or ruled by another foreign power. It first became a coherent political entity around the 17th century, under the direction of a succession of Tibetan lamas who established an administrative and political structure over the area, relying principally on the appointment of a set of regional governors. Spiritual and temporal roles were subsequently divided among the leadership (known as dharma raja and deb raja The refugee issue also dominates relations with Bhutan's other neighbour, Nepal, which hosts an estimated 100,000 Bhutanese refugees housed in camps in the east of the country. Most are ethnic Nepalis whose citizenship is in dispute. (The Bhutanese population is divided between two main ethnic groups ? the Nepalis and the Drupka). The Nepali government wants them to return to Bhutan; the Bhutanese refuse to take them. Talks to resolve the issue have been underway since November 2001. However, as of May 2003, these had still made no progress. Government : Bhutan has no written constitution and is ruled by a monarchy. Power is shared between the King, the

72. History Of Bhutan - MavicaNET bhutan s history English URL http//www.ctf.gov.bt/history.htm. Although mystery surrounds the distant past of bhutan, the known history of bhutan begins http://www.mavicanet.com/directory/eng/23864.html

selCatSelAlt="Deselect category"; selCatDesAlt="Select category"; selSitSelAlt="Deselect site"; selSitDesAlt="Select site"; MavicaNET - Multilingual Search Catalog MavicaNet Lite - Light version Catalog Belarusian Bulgarian Croatian Czech Danish Dutch English Estonian Finnish French German Greek Hungarian Icelandic Irish Italian Latvian Lithuanian Norwegian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Serbian (cyr.) Serbian (lat.) Slovak Spanish Swedish Turkish Ukrainian Regional Asia Bhutan History of Bhutan Sites Sister categories ... Economy: Bhutan Search Systems: Bhutan State and Law: Bhutan Travel: Bhutan Sites No filters selected ... Web Resources News Job Education Personalia Organizations References and Indices Humor and entertainment Publications Chats and Forums Shopping History of Bhutan Sites total: 8 Categories No Sorting Quality Title Rating Language Last Edit Time Bhutan: History - English URL: http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0856915.html eng - English URL: http://www.ctf.gov.bt/history.htm Although mystery surrounds the distant past of Bhutan, the known history of Bhutan begins with the introduction of Buddhism in the country. It can be gleaned from available records that the people of Bhutan followed a kind of Shamanistic faith called "Bon" prior to the advent of Buddhism in the country. eng Bhutans early history - English URL: http://www.ifs.univie.ac.at/~bhutan/altdye00/c-viex/j-01-01/start.php3

73. ZUJI Destination Guides Asia bhutan Aris, who lived in bhutan from 1967 to 1972, is the leading western authority on bhutan s history. http://www.zuji.com/dest/guide/0,1277,LNPLAU|2787|369|1,00.html

Feedback My ZUJI About ZUJI Help ... Log-in Regional Guide Introduction Fast Facts Best Time to Visit Money ... Asia : Bhutan Bhutan Reading List So Close to Heaven, The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Barbara Crossette is an excellent account of Bhutan's history and culture. The author is a New York Times correspondent who has spent considerable time in Bhutan and other Himalayan regions. Published in 1995, the book discusses some of the current development and political problems facing Bhutan. Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon is a traveller's account of a walk across Bhutan in the 1970s, before the road between Bumthang and Mongar was completed. It gives a good picture of trekking in Bhutan. Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is by Joanna Lumley, the co-star of the BBC program Absolutely Fabulous . Her grandfather was a political officer in Sikkim; the book is based on a TV program that traced his trek through the country in the 1930s. The Raven Crown by the late Michael Aris is the definitive history of Bhutan's monarchy. Aris, who lived in Bhutan from 1967 to 1972, is the leading western authority on Bhutan's history. The book is lavishly illustrated with rare photographs of the early days of Bhutan that help show what a unique civilisation existed in the early 20th century. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rimpoche is a translation of Guru Rimpoche's Tibetan Book of the Dead. It's a sophisticated Himalayan Buddhist text, but worth a look if you are especially interested in learning about some of Bhutan's religious foundations.

74. ZUJI Destination Guides Asia bhutan Guru Rinpoche is the most important figure in bhutan s history, regarded as the second Buddha. http://www.zuji.com/dest/guide/0,1277,LNPLAU|2787|371|1,00.html

Feedback My ZUJI About ZUJI Help ... Log-in Regional Guide Introduction Fast Facts Best Time to Visit Money ... Asia : Bhutan Bhutan History Archaeological evidence suggests Bhutan was inhabited possibly as early as 2000 BC. Buddhism was probably introduced in the 2nd century although traditionally its introduction is credited to the first visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Guru Rinpoche is the most important figure in Bhutan's history, regarded as the second Buddha. His miraculous powers included the ability to subdue demons and evil spirits, and he preserved his teachings and wisdom by concealing them in the form of terma (hidden treasures) to be found later by enlightened treasure discoverers known as tertons. One of the best known of these tertons was Pema Lingpa; the texts and artefacts he found, the religious dances he composed, and the art he produced, are vital parts of Bhutan's living heritage. Before the 16th century, numerous clans and noble families ruled in different valleys throughout Bhutan, quarelling among themselves and with Tibet. This changed in 1616 with the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal, a monk of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism from Tibet. He taught throughout the region and soon established himself as the religious ruler of Bhutan with the title Shabdrung Rinpoche. He repelled attacks from rival lamas and Tibetan forces and transformed the southern valleys into a unified country called Druk Yul (Land of the Dragon). While the political system he established lasted until the beginning of the 20th century, the announcement of the Shabdrung's death in 1705 was followed by 200 years of internal conflict and political infighting.

75. Lonely Planet's Guide To Bhutan bhutan. Recommended Reading. So Close to Heaven, The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of Crossette is an excellent account of bhutan s history and culture. http://webcenter.travel.aol.com/travel/lonely_planet/asia/bhutan/read.html

You are here: Home Web Centers > Travel From Lonely Planet Lonely Planet guide to Bhutan and the world Order Now Get a Free Lonely Planet Travel Journal with a purchase over UK£25/ US$40/ A$65 of products in the LP Shop. Bhutan Recommended Reading So Close to Heaven, The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Barbara Crossette is an excellent account of Bhutan's history and culture. The author is a New York Times correspondent who has spent considerable time in Bhutan and other Himalayan regions. Published in 1995, the book discusses some of the current development and political problems facing Bhutan. Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon is a traveller's account of a walk across Bhutan in the 1970s, before the road between Bumthang and Mongar was completed. It gives a good picture of trekking in Bhutan. Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is by Joanna Lumley, the co-star of the BBC program Absolutely Fabulous . Her grandfather was a political officer in Sikkim; the book is based on a TV program that traced his trek through the country in the 1930s. The Raven Crown by the late Michael Aris is the definitive history of Bhutan's monarchy. Aris, who lived in Bhutan from 1967 to 1972, is the leading western authority on Bhutan's history. The book is lavishly illustrated with rare photographs of the early days of Bhutan that help show what a unique civilisation existed in the early 20th century.

76. Lonely Planet's Guide To Bhutan bhutan. history. Archaeological evidence suggests bhutan was possibly inhabited as early Guru Rinpoche is the most important figure in bhutan s history, http://webcenter.travel.aol.com/travel/lonely_planet/asia/bhutan/history.html

You are here: Home Web Centers > Travel From Lonely Planet Lonely Planet guide to Bhutan and the world Order Now Get a Free Lonely Planet Travel Journal with a purchase over UK£25/ US$40/ A$65 of products in the LP Shop. Bhutan History Archaeological evidence suggests Bhutan was possibly inhabited as early as 2000 BC. Buddhism was probably introduced in the 2nd century although traditionally its introduction is credited to the first visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Guru Rinpoche is the most important figure in Bhutan's history, regarded as the second Buddha. His miraculous powers included the ability to subdue demons and evil spirits, and he preserved his teachings and wisdom by concealing them in the form of terma (hidden treasures) to be found later by enlightened treasure discoverers known as tertons . One of the best known of these tertons was Pema Lingpa; the texts and artefacts he found, the religious dances he composed, and the art he produced, are vital parts of Bhutan's living heritage. Before the 16th century, numerous clans and noble families ruled in different valleys throughout Bhutan, quarelling among themselves and with Tibet. This changed in 1616 with the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal, a monk of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism from Tibet. He taught throughout the region and soon established himself as the religious ruler of Bhutan with the title Shabdrung Rinpoche. He repelled attacks from rival lamas and Tibetan forces and transformed the southern valleys into a unified country called Druk Yul (Land of the Dragon). While the political system he established lasted until the beginning of the 20th century, the announcement of the Shabdrung's death in 1705 was followed by 200 years of internal conflict and political infighting.

77. DrukNet: Bhutan's Internet Service Provider - Web Links bhutan s history parallels Buddhism s spread in the Himalayas and to properly understand bhutan s history one needs to understand its religion. http://www.druknet.bt/modules.php?name=Web_Links&l_op=viewlink&cid=7

78. The Living Edens: Bhutan - People Culture And History The People and Culture of bhutan bhutan A Rich history Forerign bhutan A Rich history For many centuries, the outside world had no name for bhutan. http://www.pbs.org/edens/bhutan/Bhu_people2.htm

Bhutan: A Rich History For many centuries, the outside world had no name for Bhutan. Its lofty frontiers wrapped it in an impenetrable cloak of mystery. The Tibetan chroniclers of the 18th century referred to it by many names, including "Hidden Holy Land," The Southern Valley of Medicinal Herbs," and "the Lotus Garden of the Gods." However, the Bhutanese have had a name for their own country for centuries. They still refer to their land as Druk Yul, literally meaning "The Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon." The pattern of Buddhism has changed considerably over the centuries, influenced particularly by emigrants from Tibet. Later, Bhutanese sects developed their own forms of the religion. Dominant amongst these has been the Drukpa sect of Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana ("Greater Vehicle") and now the official religion of Bhutan. Apparently, Kagyupa was a somewhat ascetic and rigorous practice of Buddhism that demanded long periods of isolation; its stringency led to the formation of more lenient sub sects. (Drukpa ("Thunder Dragon") was so named because when it was being formed thunder echoed across the sky.) When Namgyal first arrived, he realized he would need the support of many rich families in western Bhutan who already supported the Drukpas. As soon as he was assured of this support, he set about building a chain of dzongs in all the main valleys of Western Bhutan, starting with the Simtokha Dzong in the Thimpu valley. These rapidly became the focal points for civil and religious authority for each region, and remain one of the great features of the landscape and life of Bhutan today. In 1639, this unification was tested by a Tibetan invasion, which Namgyal won in a great victory. After this victory, he assumed the title of Shabdrung and effectively became the temporal and spiritual leader of Bhutan.

79. Bhutan Info bhutan has never been colonized and although recorded history mentions the The next defining event in bhutan s history was the arrival of Ngawang http://www.sikkimtravellers.com/bhutan_info.htm

Area : 46,620 sq km Population : Capital : Thimphu Languages : Dzongka, English Currency : Ngultrum INTRODUCTION Bhutan, the land of the peaceful thunder dragon, is known by many names. The original name from the times of Marco Polo was "Bootan,” but the natives prefer to call the country "Druk Yul." Many people haven't even heard about Bhutan, so quiet has been the little kingdom, perched up in the Himalayas. The nation is not involved with the Industrial Age, the World Wars, nor the arms race, and, until recently, not even cyberspace. A land with a vibrant and orthodox culture, Bhutan is often referred to as the “living museum” of the world. HOW TO REACH There are only two entry points to Bhutan. Most travelers arrive by air at Paro; some arrive by road at Phuntsholing on the southern border with India. In either case, one has to fly by the national carrier, Druk Air, either in or out. Druk Air has no interline agreements with other carriers. Hence, tourists will need to arrange for their own tickets to and from wherever they connect with them, as they are the only airlines that fly into Bhutan. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro provides the most spectacular view of Himalayan vistas of any scheduled flight. Druk Air does not issue tickets until they have received the visa clearance. Paro airport is less than two hours from Thimphu. The best way to journey by road is to start at Kathmandu.

80. Recommended Reading The Raven Crown by Michael Aris is the definitive history of bhutan s monarchy. Aris, who lived in bhutan from 1967 to 1972, is the leading western http://www.axn-travel.com/himalaya/destinations/buthan/info/literature.shtml

Discover Bhutan Recommended Reading So Close to Heaven, The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Barbara Crossette is an excellent account of Bhutan's history and culture. The author is a New York Times correspondent who has spent considerable time in Bhutan and other Himalayan regions. Published in 1995, the book discusses some of the current development and political problems facing Bhutan. Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon is a traveller's account of a walk across Bhutan in the 1970s, before the road between Bumthang and Mongar was completed. It gives a good picture of trekking in Bhutan. Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is by Joanna Lumley, the co-star of the BBC programme Absolutely Fabulous . Her grandfather was a political officer in Sikkim; the book is based on a TV programme that traced his trek through the country in the 1930s. The Raven Crown by Michael Aris is the definitive history of Bhutan's monarchy. Aris, who lived in Bhutan from 1967 to 1972, is the leading western authority on Bhutan's history. The book is lavishly illustrated with rare photographs of the early days of Bhutan that help show what a unique civilisation existed in the early 20th century.

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