Around the same size as Switzerland, Bhutan has a population of about 800,000. Climatically the country falls into three main zones: the subtropical south, with its plains and river valleys; a temperate zone with fertile, cultivated valleys in the central inner Himalaya, rising to 3000 metres and containing the main towns of interest; and the cold higher Himalayan region, with the three highest peaks towering around 7000 metres.

Bhutan’s uniqueness stems from its virtual isolation from the rest of the world until relatively recent times. Its people, culture, and religious festivals are testimony to a rich way of life which has changed little for over 1000 years. Monuments to its rich history and Buddhist tradition are visible throughout the landscape.

Thanks to the intact state of its forests an incredible variety of flora and fauna makes Bhutan a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. 

There are three distinct regions from west to east to consider in planning your trip. Each offers its own special treats. The west is famous for its beautiful mountains and fertile valleys, colourful houses, historic sites and museums at the towns of Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. A number of day hikes are possible in this area as well as a number of treks of varying lengths. Central Bhutan offers walking opportunities in the stunning Bumthang valleys and the chance to visit many important religious sites including the important historic town of Trongsa, ancestral seat of Bhutan's ruling dynasty.

Although it is the most densely populated area of Bhutan, the eastern region is also the least visited by foreigners. Tourist facilities are far more primitive than in western and central Bhutan and you need to be prepared for a lack of hot water and western toilets. However if you have the time to travel east it is well worth the effort, with its remote valleys, temperate climate, monasteries and tradition of stunning craftsmanship in woodwork and exquisite hand-woven textiles.  Don't forget though, that with no internal flights you need to be prepared for some lengthy drives on rather rugged mountain roads.

Find out ten things you didn't know about Bhutan here!

For reading material we recommend:

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Beyond the Sky and the Earth: a Journey into Bhutan (Jamie Zeppa) – if you only read one book make it this one!  A beautifully told tale of an unseasoned traveler getting to grips with life in the undeveloped world and falling in love with the country and its people.

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Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon: Journey into Bhutan (Katie Hickman) – an account of a voyage to the little visited East of the country long before Bhutan was a tourist destination.

Butter tea at Sunrise: a Year in the Bhutan Himalayas (Britta Das) - another Canadian following in the footsteps of Jamie Zeppa.

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Kingdom of the Golden Dragon (Isabel Allende) – a novel set in a mythical kingdom loosely based on Bhutan.

The Blessings of Bhutan (Russ and Blyth Carpenter) - a study of contemporary Bhutan, written in a somewhat quirky style, which gets under the surface to connect with the reality of the life and culture of Bhutan and its people.

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Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan - written by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the first wife of the fourth King and containing interesting insights into the life of the royals and their perspective on the country at large.

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Kingdoms Beyond the Clouds: Journeys in Search of the Himalayan Kings (Jonathan Gregson) - an account of his journeys through the Himalayan region and his attempts to interview the (somewhat elusive) royal families of the region, only two of whom (those of Nepal and Bhutan) remain in power.

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In the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon (Joanna Lumley) - an account of her grandparents' travels in Bhutan in the 1930s and her thoughts and impressions as she retraces their steps.

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As travel guides we recommend:

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Lonely Planet Guide to Bhutan – 3rd edition April 2007

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The Footprint Guide to Bhutan - 1st edition October 2004

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Bhutan -  A Trekker’s Guide by Bart Jordans (2008) which has maps and in depth summaries of 27 treks across the country.

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And for those brave enough to try the language:

GLOSSARY - click here for an explanation of Bhutanese words used on this website.