Environmental Conversation

Development came to Bhutan in the early 1960s, when the Kingdom opened its doors to the world for the first tome in its history.

Until then, Bhutan was a country shrouded in mystery, unattained by any foreign influence. Today much of the country’s culture, traditions and environment are still thriving.  Bhutan has been sustained by its vision of being a self-reliant country where its legacy of culture and traditions are intact and people live in harmony with nature and the environment. Above all, the people are happy and content.

1n 1998 Bhutan was identified by Norman Myers as one of the 10 biodiversity hotspots in the world. It has been identified as the centre of 221 global endemic bird areas.

Bhutan’s ecosystem harbors some of the most exotic, endemic species of the eastern Himalayas. It has an estimated 770 species of birds, and over 50 species of rhododendron. The mountains brim with other exotic species like Blue Poppy, the national flower and different medicinal herbs and orchids. Animals like Takin, the national animal, Snow leopards, golden langurs, tigers and elephant roam its forest.

With a relatively small population of 600,000, people in Bhutan enjoy a sustainable lifestyle which they inherited from their forefathers.

As the beliefs are based on Vajrayana Buddhism, the natural elements of the earth,wind, rocks, water, trees, lakes and mountains are seen as the abode of the gods and goddesses and spirits and demons.  These inhabit these areas and are believed to punish, with death and disease, those who disturb and pollute their domain.

For centuries, Bhutanese have treasured the natural environment and have looked upon it as the source of all life. The traditional reverence for nature has delivered Bhutan into the 20th century with an environment still richly intact.

Bhutan wishes to continue living in harmony with nature and to pass on its rich heritage to it’s future generations.

We feel strongly that all our holidays should benefit the local communities, protect the environment by minimizing pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and heritage.
Health Precautions

Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are currently required for traveling to Bhutan. However if you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you are required to have a yellow fever vaccination and should be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in Bhutan. Also if arriving from a Cholera infected area, the vaccination is strongly recommended. Anti-malarial medication is also recommended for all travelers who are visiting rural areas in the districts that border India.