History:
The recorded history of Bhutan prior to the 7th Century remains obscure. Only after the visit by a famous Buddhist saint, Guru Padmasambhava from India, that the history of Bhutan as a nation came to be known. After the arrival of Buddhism, during the seventh century, the various Buddhist schools began sharing the power in the country with the old aristocratic families. The cleric Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel united the independent principalities into one state. After his death the theocracy disintegrated and the provincial lords fought to gain control over the central power. Only the establishment of the monarchy in 1907 brought peace again. His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, abdicated all of his powers as King to his son, Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, with a specific intention to prepare the young King for the country's transformation to a full-fledged, democratic form of government due to occur in 2008.

Geography:
Bhutan is a very compact nation. Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas sandwiched between India and China. The country is divided into three major regions: plains and river valleys in the south; a mid-Himalayan range in the center; and the major peaks of the Himalayas ranging from 14,000 to 24,000 ft. above sea level in the north.
While the peaks are covered with snow throughout the year, and have a sub-arctic climate, the valleys in the southern and central regions enjoy a temperate climate. The southern plains and foothills are humid and subtropical. Thus Bhutan is
a landlocked country with no viable access to the sea. The forests are rich with
a diverse wildlife ranging from endangered elephants and tigers to blue sheep, leopards and cranes. They are also home to rare medicinal plants and orchids. These sectors provide a source of livelihood for 90 percent of the population.

While rice, maize and millet are the main agricultural produce. The country's rugged terrain has led to a high density of population in few areas. Thimphu, the capital of the country and Phuntsholing are the two largest cities. Phuntsholing in the south is the gateway into Bhutan for travelers over land from India.

Climate:
Bhutan's climate is as varied as its altitudes and, like most of Asia, is affected by monsoons. Western Bhutan is particularly affected by monsoons that bring between 60 and 90 percent of the region's rainfall. The climate is humid and subtropical in the southern plains and foothills, temperate in the inner Himalayan valleys of the southern and central regions, and cold in the north, with year-round snow on the main Himalayan summits.

Bhutan's generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues through the pre monsoon rains of late June. The summer monsoon lasts from late June through late September with heavy rains from the southwest. It is characterized by bright, sunny days and some early snowfalls at higher elevations. From late November until March, winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds down through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan its name-- Drukyul, which in the Dzongkha language mean Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Suitable climate:
Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cool, and winter even below freezing. Monsoon showers occur in summer (Heaviest in July and August), and sometimes even in spring and autumn. The most visited months are March, April, May, September October and November. During these months you may expect mostly warm sunny days and cool/cold nights. Whereas rain or snow is not usual at these times, it is a possibility.

People:
The people of Bhutan can be divided into four main ethnic groups - Bhutia, Sharchops, Nepali and a cluster of indigenous groups. These groups can be distinguished by language, religion, and socioeconomic characteristics. The main population is made up of Bhutia, who are direct descendants of Tibetans. They mainly live in northern and central Bhutan. They, like most Bhutanese, speak languages from the Tibeto-Burman language and practice Buddhism, which is closely related to Tibetan Buddhism.

Language:
Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan. But English is predominantly used in offices and schools. Sharchoppa-kha and Nepali is widely spoken in the country.

Religion and culture:
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.

Religious beliefs are evidenced in all aspects of life. Prayer flags flutter on hillsides offering up prayers to benefit all nearby sentient beings. Houses each fly a small white flag on the roof indicating the owner has made his offering payments to appease the local god.

Ethnicity:
Gho for men and Kira for women is the national dress of Bhutan which has been worn for the most known history of Bhutan and mandatory for all citizens at all times otherwise punishments are imposed. Suja a salted butter tea, is typically served at social gatherings. The doma (betel nut) is considered a customary offering used in greeting.

Flora and Fauna:
Around 64 percent of Bhutan is made up of forests, which are located in the Middle Himalayan ranges and foothills of central and eastern Bhutan. Vegetation is mainly governed by the altitude, slope, moisture, and drainage and gives rise to deciduous woodlands in the south, mixed forests in central Bhutan, and coniferous forests in the north. As far as fauna is concerned, the northern part of the Duars, including the foothills is home to deer, tigers, and other wild animals.

Immunization:
It is not necessary to take vaccination of any kind to enter the Kingdom of Bhutan. However, for your own concern, you may take immunization against certain preventable diseases such as typhoid, tetanus, Hepatitis, Malaria etc.

Clothing:
Comfortable clothing and sturdy, soft-soled shoes are essential for travel in Bhutan. Warm clothing is recommended; and except for summer months, down jackets and woolen sweaters are suggested. In summer, heavy cottons and lightweight woolens will be acceptable. Altitudinal differences account for a wide range of temperatures from day to night the year round. It is, therefore, suggested that clothing be layered so that you can adapt to the changing conditions.

For Trekking strong comfortable trekking boots, warm socks, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, and warm clothing, including a down Jacket for higher altitude treks and for the evenings. A sleeping bag is a most; medium too heavy is advised. ( Note: for trekking, a load of 25 kg is allowed).