Tiger Nest  

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Welcome To Snow Leopard Trekking Co....
 
 
 
 
 
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
 
Area: - 47,000 sq km.
Altitude: - Varying from 150 m – 7550m above Sea level
Population:- 700,000 Approx.
Capital:- Thimphu
Religion:- Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism
Currency:- Ngultrum(Nu) 
 
 
Geography
The total land area of Bhutan is 47,000/-sq. km. Bhutan is situated between longitude 88 45’ and 92 10’ East and latitude 26 40’ and 28 15’ North. The altitude ranges from 300 meters in the south to 7300 meters in the north. Bhutan is surrounded high mountains and deep valleys and it is also protected by the greater Himalayas to the border of Tibet.   
 
 
History

Some stone implements that are discovered in Bhutan tells us that our country dates back as early as 4000 - 500 BC. Throughout its history Bhutan has always existed as an independent entity. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel arrived in Bhutan from Tibet and unified the country. He established a theocracy and set up a dual system of religious and secular government. This system of government came to an end when Gonsar Ugyen Wangchuck, was elected by popular consensus as the first King (Druk Gyalpo) of Bhutan in 1907. Since then there have been four hereditary kings. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck the present king who has ruled since 1972.
 
 
People & Religion
Bhutan consists of 700, 000 population and they are mainly three people groups popularly known as Sharchopas, Ngalops, and Lhotsampa.  Dzongkha is the National language. English is the medium of instruction in schools and is widely spoken in Bhutan.
Bhutan is the Mahayana form of Buddhism today. It was in the 7th century AD that Guru Padma Sambhava introduced Buddhism to the country. The important sect that came to be established in the country was the Drukpa Kargyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism, which is now the official religion of Bhutan.
 
 
Flora and Fauna

Bhutan contains the rich diversity of flora and fauna. Bhutan is marked with abundant blessing of beauty and Blessed of majestic snow capped peaks, green valleys and large are of untouch forests, Bhutan is home to many of rare and endangered species of wildlife such as the blue sheep, musk deer, red panda, snow leopard, black bear, golden langur and the unique Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The Black Necked Cranes also migrate to Bhutan from Tibet.

 
 
Currency & Time

Bhutan's unit of currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is at par to the Indian Rupee (100 Chetrums = 1 Ngultrum). One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 44.50 Ngultrums*. Most major foreign currencies are accepted. Travellers cheques, American Express cards and Visa cards are also accepted in certain establishments.

* Exchange rate pertains to March, 2006

Bhutanese time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and half and hour ahead of the Indian Standard Time.

 
 
Photography & Filming
Photography is permitted nearly everywhere in Bhutan. However it is not permitted in the Dzongs (Fortresses) and monasteries. Any commercial filming in Bhutan requires prior permission to be sought from the Royal Government and the payment of a royalty. We will assist you with all the formalities.
 
 
Custom Regulation
The Bhutanese authorities strictly prohibit the export of any religious antiquity or antiques of any type. Cameras, video camera, computers and personal electronic equipment may be brought into the country but they must be listed on the customs form provided on arrival at Paro and will be checked at departure.Cigerate is banned inside the country.