Staying in Bhutan

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked nation in the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and India to the south. It operates as a democratic constitutional monarchy with a King as head of state and a Prime Minister as head of government. The country is renowned for its preservation of Vajrayana Buddhism, led by the Je Khenpo, and its unique cultural identity often measured by Gross National Happiness rather than just economic growth. Geographically, Bhutan presents a dramatic vertical landscape, rising from lush subtropical plains in the south to peaks exceeding 7,000 meters in the north. Gangkhar Puensum stands as the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The capital, Thimphu, is the largest city, hosting nearly 15% of the population. Historically, Bhutan was never colonized, though it served as a British protectorate before establishing sovereign relations with India and joining the UN in 1971. The 2008 Constitution established a parliamentary system. Wildlife here is notable for species like the Himalayan takin and golden langur. For frequent travelers, Bhutan offers a distinct blend of spiritual heritage, pristine nature, and structured tourism policies that require careful planning regarding entry and accommodation.