Land of the Thunder Dragon: Bhutan is a very compact nation, but with just a small bit more length than width. The nation’s territory totals an approximate 46,500 square kilometers. Because of its inland, landlocked status, it controls no territorial waters. It is known as the “Switzerland of Asia” since its shape, area, and mountainous location are comparable to that of Switzerland.

Land of The Thunder Dragon : The legendary land of Bhutan was first settled in the 9th century by wandering migrants from the Tibet region of China.

Called Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon) by its people, the strikingly beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, sandwiched between China and India.

This small, landlocked country, literally surrounded by mountains, is most difficult to navigate as there are few roads and no domestic (in-country) airlines or trains. The country accommodates international travel via Druk-Air, and the only ground entry into the country is through the southern border town of Phuentsholing.

Long influenced by the culture of India and the British government, it gained its independence from India in 1949. Today its major trading partner is India, however much of its people still live in poverty, with wide-spread illiteracy a major social problem.

The capital city of Thimphu sits at an altitude of 7000 feet, on the banks of the Wong Chu river, and remains the site of royal government offices, and serves as a powerful magnet for adventure travelers from around the world.