Bhutan
History
Ngawang Namgyal arrived from Tibet and unified Bhutan under the Drukpa school.
The Druk Desi office began governing Bhutan's secular affairs alongside the Zhabdrung.
Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned first Druk Gyalpo, founding the present dynasty.
Bhutan–India treaty set new terms for sovereignty or administration.
A written constitution made Bhutan a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament.
Bhutan and India settled into a partnership of equals, with no outside say over Bhutanese foreign policy.
Part ofAsiaMore countries, cities and routes.Short facts
RegionSouth Asia / Himalayas
LanguageDzongkha
Time zoneBTT (UTC+6)
Drives onLeft
Worth seeing
- Tiger's Nest Monastery: Paro Taktsang monastery clinging to a cliff at 3,120 m, Bhutan's most iconic site.
- Gross National Happiness: Bhutan prioritizes citizen wellbeing over GDP, a unique national philosophy.
- Punakha Dzong: Majestic fortress-monastery at the confluence of two rivers, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
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ThimphuPlanning questions
What is Bhutan known for?Tiger's Nest Monastery, Gross National Happiness, Punakha Dzong.
What is the capital?Thimphu.
Which language is useful?Dzongkha.
When is the national day?17 December.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.
Upcoming events
Use Thimphu as the first planning anchor for Bhutan, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.
Food & drink
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TeaKnown for
Tiger's Nest MonasteryGross National HappinessPunakha DzongThimphuStreet foodTea
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