Bhutan is a small kingdom wedged between the two most populated countries of China and India. The limit to visitors is restricted by a government regulated tariff system. This policy ensures that every Bhutanese benefits from the income generated by tourism. Ecologically, Bhutan is a hot spot in the Himalayas. And 65-73% of the land is decreed to be kept under forest cover. Clean air, pristine flora and fauna, unique architecture, smiling people and preserved social and cultural heritage makes this country an exotic destination. Geographically, Bhutan is an interesting place with the sub-tropics in the south (150m above sea level); to temperate vegetation (2000-3000m) and then to Alpine vegetation (above 3000m). This variation gave many species of fauna and flora to thrive in Bhutan. Since hunting is prohibited, the fauna is well protected. Our Wildlife & Nature program will take you through the beautiful valley of Paro to the mountain-rimmed capital of Thimphu. From there to the warm valleys of Punakha and then to the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park and from there into the Black Mountain glacial valleys of Gangtey. Ideal for travelling in the winter months of November to February with guaranteed clear blue skies and guaranteed wildlife sightings– some of which will be the capped langur, rhesus monkeys, goral, takin (national animal of Bhutan), the graceful black-necked cranes and the beautiful white-bellied heron (both endangered birds in the world) and some deer species. Other possible sightings will be panthers, red pandas, leopards, serow, Himalayan wild dogs, musk deer, pine martins, wild boars, otters and Hibernating Himalayan Bears. And– even tigers. Recently, tigers were actually captured in triggered cameras in Bhutan at altitudes of over 14,000ft –for the first time. Of course, the locals always had “stories” of tiger sightseeing and sometimes even attackings– but no one believed them !
Culturally speaking, nothing can be a richer kingdom than this Himalayan kingdom of the Thunder Dragon….with an ancient religion and looking towards a future with the happiness for all its citizens – including its wildlife.
