Bhutan's early history is shrouded in the mists of Buddhist tradition and mythology. As most important events of the period involved saints and religious leaders, they were therefore chronicled only in scriptures. Unfortunately, due to natural calamities like earthquake and fire, most of these original documents were destroyed and much of this early history relies on reports from British explorers, and on legend and folklore. Archaeological evidence suggests Bhutan was inhabited as early as 1500 BC or possibly even 2000 BC. These early inhabitants were followers of Bon, an animistic tradition that was the main religion of the Himalayan region before the advent of Buddhism. Though Buddhism was introduced as early as the 2nd century, the first Buddhist temples were built only in the 7th century during the reign of the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in which era the influence of Tibet began to spread to Bhutan. However, it was only with the first visit of Padma Sambhava or Guru Rinpoche to Bhutan in the 8th century that Buddhism was truly introduced to Bhutan. Between the 9th and 17th centuries numerous ruling clans and noble families of Tibet settled in different valleys throughout. Bhutan following internecine strife in Tibet it was during this period that the Bhutanese variety of Buddhism, the Drukpa Kagyup, established itself in Bhutan after escaping persecution at the hands of the Gelugpas.

By the 16th century, the country was fragmented between many local chiefs. The arrival of the Shabrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651) brought an end through bitter struggle to this division. During his reign, many dzongs and monasteries were constructed. He devised many of Bhutan's customs, traditions and ceremonies to forge a unique cultural identity distinct from Tibet. Following the Shabrung's demise, which was kept secret for more than 50 years, the country fell apart in the throes of civil war. This fractious state of affairs continued for centuries till the modern period was initiated at the onset of the 20th century with the instalment of the Trongsa Penlop as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan.

GEOGRAPHY
Bhutan is a landlocked kingdom about 300 km long and 150 km wide with an area of 46,500 sq km. It is bounded on the north by Tibet and surrounded by Indian states; on the east by Arunachal Pradesh, on the south by Assam and West Bengal, on the west by Sikkim. Virtually the entire country is mountainous, and ranges in elevation from 100 m in the tropical south to the 7554 m Kula Kangri on the mountainous Tibetan border. The country can be divided into three major geographic regions, from north to south: the high Himalayas of the north, the hills and valleys of the center, and the foothills of the south. Rivers plat an important role in the landscape and their enormous potential for hydroelectric power has helped shape the economy. Flowing south, they have created deep valleys making east-west travel arduous. There are four major river systems in Bhutan. The climate varies widely depending on the elevation. In the south, it is tropical; at the northern extreme, there is perpetual snow. Very little rain falls in the autumn from October through December making it ideal for trekking.

THE LIFESTYLE
Most Bhutanese live on farms, in remote hamlets, amidst sylvan settings. The fast life that is both the badge and bane of modern living is alien to the season-paced lifestyle of these agrarian folk. Bhutanese society is egalitarian in its apparel; regardless of social stratum, everybody dresses alike. The national dress is a distinctive one, finely woven from multicoloured, vibrant-hued wool, cotton or silk. The male attire is called a "gho" and the female, the "kira". Jewellery is primarily coral, turquoise, pearls and agate set in exquisitely crafted gold and silver. The cuisine of the country is robust with lots of meat, cereals and vegetables, liberally spiced with chillies. Salted butter tea, called "suja", which may sit strangely on occidental tongues, is customarily and frequently served along with puffed or pounded rice and maize. Potent rice, wheat and barley wines are brewed locally. Archery is the popular and perennial national sport played usually with bamboo bows and arrows. An integral part of most festivities, archery matches are gala affairs with music, dances, drinks and fun. The ancient and traditional forms of music and dance of the different regions in Bhutan, usually loaded with sacred symbolism, have been scrupulously preserved. The gentle grace of the folk dances and the dramatic gusto of the energetic and resplendent masked dances are bound to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

RELIGION AND CULTURE
Bhutan is the only country in the world to retain the Vajrayana form of Mahayana Buddhism as its religion. The Buddhist faith has played a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. Annual festivals (Tsechus and Dromchoes) are spritual occasions in each district. The Dzongs which were built in every districts in the middle ages as fortresses function as the centre of both religious and secular activities now a days. The district monk body practices their faith through dzongs. The dzongs remain most of the time closed and are open to visitors during festival time for preserving kingdom's religious environment. Chortens (Stupas) are most common throughout the kingdom and they ward off evil spirits and protect from imminent danger. They represent the mind of Buddha symbolically and remind people of the possibility of and the path of enlightenment. Even more common are the prayer flags on mountain slopes, bridges and high passes. Transmitting prayers to the Gods and keeping up a constant communication with the heavens, prayer flags fluttering in the wind are a simple reminder of the clarity of the Buddhist faith.

TREKKING
Trekking in Bhutan is for the true adventurer. Bhutan is really off-the-beaten-track, has wonderful landscapes, amazing flora and kind, affectionate people who are very proud of their life-style. Treks can be long and arduous, but Bhutan's incredible beauty, clean unspoiled trials and bracing mountain air offer the trekker an exhilarating and memorable experience! Treks range from short excursions, with easy walking to enjoy the flora, fauna, culture and scenic beauty, to the most challenging treks in the entire Himalayas, such as the legendary 24 day Snowman Trek. The well known Jhomolhari Trek into north western Bhutan passes scattered hamlets, forested valleys and high alpine meadows where yak herders live in solitude. The popular Laya-Gasa Trek yields spectacular mountain views of Mt Masang Gang, and rest stops at the hospitable village of Laya and the Gasa hot spring makes the trek one of our favourites. The lower altitude treks through pine forests, alive with rhododendron, birds and butterflies and visits to farm houses and temples offer a delightful experience of the Bhutanese country-side and culture. The Bumthang Trek in the gentle valleys of Bumthang is especially recommended for lovers of nature. Equally enchanting is the Gantey Trek through Phobjikha, one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan, which in spring is brilliantly coloured with rhododendrons and magnolia. The Druk Path, between Thimphu and Paro, with its fabulous views of the Himalayas on a clear day, mountain lakes teeming with fish, and rhododendron forests makes this a popular trail for those visiting Paro and Thimphu. The best months for trekking are March, April, May and September, October, November. In northern Bhutan the climate is colder and wetter than in Nepal. The weather can change in a matter of hours and when it moves in bad weather can last for days. The starting points of the treks are also generally higher than in Nepal. Detailed trekking maps are not available and as Bhutan is sparsely populated, provisions have to be carried on ponies or yaks, which must be arranged well in advance. BTB's experience in trekking logistics and its diverse resources can overcome these problem to offer you memorable trekking. We can also customize an itinerary to match virtually any set of criteria and objectives that you may have. If you are looking for something special, in the Himalayan's most pristine country, look to Bhutan Travel Bureau for your needs.