Bhutan
A little bit of history...
Bhutan is believed to have been inhabited since 2,000 BC, according to archaeological evidence, while its recorded history dates back to the 8th century with the arrival of the influential Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche. The country was divided by various Buddhist sub-sects in the 10th century and it wasn’t until the 17th century that the country was unified, under the name of Druk Yul (Land of the Dragon), by Tibetan monk Ngawang Namgyal who became the religious leader. He laid down the political foundations that ran well into the 20th century, establishing a network of fortresses (known as dzongs) and brought local lords under control. His death in 1705 was followed by over 200 years of instability and conflict.
Bringing the country under uniform control and stability, Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously elected as hereditary king of the country in 1907. By 1953, under King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the country was moving toward modernisation with the implementation of the country’s legislature. Bhutan is one of the world’s most isolated countries and it wasn’t until the 1970s that it opened its doors to tourists and in 1999 a ban on television and the internet was finally lifted. In 2005, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced his desire to abdicate the thrown to move towards a democratic constitutional monarchy and a draft constitution awaits approval.
Best time to go...
The best times to visit are late March to early June and late September to late November. Elevated areas experience less rain and temperatures around the mid 20ËšsC and low 30ËšsC, while low lying regions see more rain and higher temperatures. Temperatures can dip significantly at night. The rainy season runs from May to September with monsoons impacting on trekking and travelling around during June through to August.
Getting around...
There are no domestic flights or railway services in Bhutan which means getting around is confined to walking and road transportation. An organised tour conveniently covers all these needs but if travelling independently, you will have to rely on crowded public buses and unmetered taxis. Vehicles can be hired with drivers and bikes are available to rent in the capital city of Thimphu.
Useful links
www.lonelyplanet.comwww.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas
