Our Services

News & Upcoming Events

  • Thimphu Drubchen, Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu, 20th to 24th September
  • Wangdue Tshechu, Wangdi Dzong, Wangduephodrang, 23rd to 25th September
  • Gangtey Tshechu, Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, 23rd to 25th September
  • Tamshing Phala Chhoepa, Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang, 24th to 26th September
  • Thimphu Tshechu, Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu, 25th to 27th September
  • Gasa Tshechu, Gasa Dzong, Gasa, 25th to 27th September
  • Thangbi Mani, Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang, 29th September to 01st October
  • Shingkhar Rabney, Ura, Bumthang, 20th to 24th October
  • Jakar Tshechu, Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang, 22nd to 25th October
  • Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang, 29th October to 02nd November
  • Prakhar Duchhoed, Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, Bumthang,30th October to 1st November
  • Sumdrang Kangsol, Sumdrang Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang, 11th to 13th November
    •

History & Geography

History:

Not much is known about the early history of Bhutan as there are no written records of it. Although studies suggest that Bhutan was inhibited as early as the 2000 BC, it can be said that history of Bhutan took shape with the arrival of Guru Rinpoche. Then it was Zhabdrung and the Wangchuck Dynasty who consolidated Bhutan’s place as a sovereign nation.

 

Arrival of Guru Rinpoche

Guru Rinpoche plays a great historical and religious role as the national patron saint. In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the Second Buddha, came to Bhutan from India at the invitation of an ailing local king, Sindhu Raja. After arriving in Bumthang, he subdued the demons responsible for the king’s ailment. This was done through a series of religious dances whereby Guru’s eight manifestations were displayed. The King was restored to health and became a Buddhist. He made a vow to rebuild the temples and help the spread of Buddhism throughout the country. This marked the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

 

Zhabdrung

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel came to Bhutan in 1616 marking the start to the emergence of a unified state of Bhutan, Palden Drukpa. Until that period, there were several regional leaders fighting amongst themselves for supremacy. After his arrival, he built strategically located fortresses or Dzongs which were spread over the country. The Dzongs were instrumental in warding off Tibetan invasions and acted as the link between the different regions. He established the dual system of governance whereby the rule was shared between the spiritual and the secular leader. By 1639 Zhabdrung had unified the regions under one state.

 

Zhabdrung was dynamic and a visionary leader who is credited not only for unifying Bhutan, but also for crafting a unique identity which distinguishes Bhutan from rest of the world.

 

Wangchuck Dynasty

After Zhabdrung’s death, rivalry between different lords and fight for power broke up, which took Bhutan through a tumultuous period until 1907.

 

A new era began in 1907 when the people of Bhutan unanimously presented the historic genja (oath of allegiance) to Sir Ugyen Wangchuck making him the first king of Bhutan. This was start to the peaceful reign of the Wangchuck dynasty which has proven its merit and dynamism over the century. King Ugyen Wangchuck fortified the sovereignty of the nation by strengthening the governance, promoting religion and culture, and establishing cordial relations with India by signing the Treaty of Punakha in 1910.

 

The second King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was a great reformist and a moralist. He ruled the country from 1926 to 1952. He is credited for introducing many social reforms in the areas of health, education and taxation. His Majesty strengthened Bhutan’s sovereign status and her relation with India by updating the Treaty of Punakha in 1949.

 

He was succeeded in 1952 by his son, the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The third King built on his father’s achievements and made major policy changes. Firstly, he strengthened the kingdom’s security relations with India. Then he gradually opened the kingdom to the outside world while preserving her national identity. Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971, and during his tenure the National Assembly was established and a new code of law, as well as the Royal Bhutanese Army and the High Court. Therefore, he is rightly remembered as the ‘father of modern Bhutan’.

 

In 1972, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck ascended the throne at a young age of 16. He emphasized modern education, decentralization of governance, the development of hydroelectricity and tourism and improvements in rural developments. He is the author of the internationally acclaimed and unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness. It is a concept where socio-economic development in the country carried out without hampering the country’s unique cultural and rich natural heritage.

 

His Majesty abdicated the Golden Throne in December 2006, and gifted to the Bhutanese people a Parliamentary Democracy.

 

In 2008, the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, took the throne as the fifth King. Within the three years of his reign, His Majesty has proven himself as an open, positive and selfless leader, deeply devoted to the cause of his people. He is now known as the ‘People’s King’

 

Geography:

Bhutan is a landlocked country situated on the southeast slope of the Himalayas with the geographical co-ordinates of 27 30 N and 90 30 E. It is sandwiched between the two South Asian giants, China in the North and India in the East, West and South. It is a small country with an area of 38,394 sq km. The landscape consists of a succession of lofty and rugged mountains and deep valleys. In the north, towering peaks reach a height of 24,000 ft (7,315 m). The fertile regions are found at the southern foothills of the Himalayas.