Hidden deep within the majestic folds of the towering Himalayan mountains for centuries, Bhutan nurtured its distinctive civilization. With a population of approximately 700,000 individuals, residing in symbiotic communion with the environment, the nation cultivated a singular identity rooted in its abundant religious and cultural legacy. Presently, the world is captivated by the myriad wonders of this realm.
Bhutan is gaining global recognition for its unwavering adherence to Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric manifestation, its unspoiled cultural ethos, its pristine natural habitats, and the unmatched splendor of its towering summits and verdant valleys. In many respects, it remains an enchanting realm frozen in time.
People
Bhutan’s populace embodies a profound sense of familial unity. Nearly 70 percent of its inhabitants engage in subsistence agriculture, dwelling in scattered villages across the rugged expanse of the Himalayan terrain. Rice serves as the staple diet in the lower regions, while wheat, buckwheat, and maize flourish in other valleys, cultivated on narrow terraces etched into the steep hill slopes.
Historically, Bhutanese communities settled in isolated valleys, fostering limited communication. This isolation has fostered a robust sense of individuality and self-reliance among the people.
This geographical isolation has also contributed to the development of a multitude of languages and dialects within the country, despite its modest population. Bhutanese individuals are renowned for their physical resilience and unwavering independence, coupled with a warm and readily accessible sense of humor. Hospitality is ingrained deeply within Bhutanese social values.
Flora and Fauna
Bhutan is home to more than 200 mammal species, ranging from iconic animals like tigers and elephants to rare ones like snow leopards and Takin. Some are in danger, with one critically endangered, 10 endangered, 14 vulnerable, and three near-threatened.
This variety is because Bhutan sits where two major regions meet, and its wide range of altitudes—from sea level to over 23,000 feet—provides diverse habitats for mammals to thrive.
The Eastern Himalayas are famous for their abundant plant life. Bhutan alone boasts over 5,400 plant species, including 300 types of medicinal plants, with some resilient species thriving even at altitudes exceeding 3,700 meters.
Below 800 meters, lush sub-tropical evergreen forests harbor a unique diversity of plants. Moving up, between 900 to 1,800 meters, you’ll find sub-tropical grasslands and forests. As you ascend further, the tropical vegetation transitions into dense forests featuring oak, birch, maple, magnolia, and laurel.
Beyond 2,400 meters, you’ll encounter spruce, yew, and weeping cypress trees. Higher still, up to the tree line at about 5,500 meters, you’ll find low shrubs, rhododendrons, Himalayan grasses, and colorful flowering herbs.
Some of the endangered species found in Bhutan include:
- Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
- Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
- Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
- Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)
- Takin (Budorcas taxicolor whitei)
- White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)
- Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)
- Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster)
- Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei)
- Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)
- White-winged Duck (Asarcornis scutulata)
Bhutan’s diverse terrain and abundant biodiversity provide a home for a wide variety of exquisite and unusual flowers. Bhutan has a variety of unusual flowers, some of which are:
- Blue Poppy (Meconopsis grandis): Known as the national flower of Bhutan, the Blue Poppy is a rare and elusive flower that blooms in high-altitude regions, particularly in the Himalayas.
- Rhododendrons
- Himalayan Blue Sheep (Delphinium brunonianum)
- Cobra Lily (Arisaema nepenthoides)
- Himalayan Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum fairrieanum)
- Primula denticulata
- Edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale)