Bhutan And Its Sacred Valleys

By anybody's reckoning, Bhutan is a most extraordinary country. Tucked away in the folds of the eastern Himalayas, and surrounded by China and India, This remote, mountain kingdom is the last place in the Himalayas where Mahayana Buddhist culture survives intact, informing every aspect of life here. First opened to the world in 1974, the present King's policy has been tailored to keep Bhutan's traditional culture and pristine environment untouched by outside influences and so far, so good.

Bumthang is a complex of four, beautiful valleys, lying at about 2,600 m (8,500 ft). Buckwheat, barley, potatoes and apples grow in profusion, and this tranquil landscape is Bhutan's scared heart, containing many of its most revered temples. Trek alongside the Chamkhar River, famed for its trout, and visit Thamshing Lhakang Temple, built in the 7th century, and Membar Tsho (Burning Lake) where Guru Rimpoche, who brought Buddhism here from Tibet, hid some sacred scriptures.

Walk through traditional villages of unique architecture, meet delightful local people, marvel at gorgeous handicrafts, and climb up to Phephela Pass through serene forests of miniature bamboo, rhododendrons and pine. Follow the course of the river up to the base camp of Gangkhar Puensum. Bhutan's highest mountain at 7,570 m (24,000 ft) is the world's highest, unclimbed mountain. Various attempts to climb it have failed, and mountaineering has been forbidden since 2003 because of local religious beliefs.

Flora and fauna flourish in this environment of respect for all living things, and over 600 bird species can be found, including ten that are endangered. There are 165 different mammals including red pandas. Himalayan black bear and tiger. Takin, the national animal, can be seen grazing in alpine meadows, also home to some of the country's remarkable flora. What with temples and fortresses, natural beauty and charming people, trekking Bhutan's Sacred Valleys is a magical experience.

When to visit

March to June, September to November

Highlights

• The colourful festivals take place in the valleys during spring and autumn.
• Thanbi Temple, was founded in 1470.
• Thimpu, Bhutan's capital city

You Should know

Bhutan, (known by its people as 'the Land of the Thunder Dragon') accords great respect to the mountain Gangkhar Puensum. According to folklore, it is the source of three major Bhutanese rivers, the Kuru, Chamkhar and Mangde. When they first appeared, the rivers proposed a race, but Chamkar said she would rather take her time and enjoy the views. This is why the Trongsa and Lhuntse valleys are narrow and steep, while the Bumthang valley is wide and lush.