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'Visit to Bhutan'
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Bhutan is an ancient kingdom secluded high in the Himalayas with unique customs and people with deeply held beliefs. It is a landlocked country, located between Tibet, China, India. It is believed that the word Bhutan is derived from the Sanskrit word ?Bhotant? which means ?the end of Tibet? or from ?Bhu-uttan? meaning ?high land?. But historically the Bhutanese have referred to their country as Drul Yul, meaning ?the Land of the Thunder Dragon?.Bhutan covers 47,000 square kilometers area and is known as the "Switzerland of Asia". Bhutan is a botanical paradise. One of the ancient names given to Bhutan was 'Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs'.There are three main ethnic groups - the Ngalongs in the western and central regions are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who arrived in Bhutan from the 9th century. The Sharchops who live in the east of the country, are recognized as the original inhabitants of Bhutan. The third group is known as Lhotshampas. They represent the Nepali speaking ethnic group. Others are Indians, Tibetans, Sikkimese, Sherpas.The official language of Bhutan is Dzonghka.The National animal is the Takin, an extremely rare bovid of the ovine-caprine family.The National Bird is the Raven. The National flower is the Blue Poppy.The National sport is Archery. The State religion is Drukpa Kagyupa a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion.Bhutan represents a Constitutional monarchy. The Wangchuk hereditary monarchy has wielded power since 1907. But Bhutan looks set to make the switch to a parliamentary democracy. The king says he will relinquish power in 2008, ushering in democratic elections and the ascendancy of the crown prince, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to the throne. A draft constitution envisages a two-chamber parliament. I started my journey to Bhutan at Paro airport
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