Bhutan's early history is steeped in Buddhist tradition and mythology. The medieval and modern times were a time of warlords, feuds, giant fortresses and castles. The visit of Padma Sambhava in AD 747 is an important landmark in the history of the country. The recent history of the kingdom begins with a hereditary monarchy, founded in the last century. It continued the country's policy of isolationism. Under the leadership of the third king Bhutan emerged from the medieval past of serfdom and reclusion.

Despite the speed of modernisation, Bhutan has maintained a policy of careful, controlled policy of development in order to preserve its national identity. Though known as Bhutan to the outside world, for Bhutanese Drukpa, the country known as Druk Yul: The land of thunder dragon.

Bhutan is a landlocked country with a land area of 47,000 sq. km. Bordered with Tibet to the north, Indian states of West Bengal and Assam in the south and Arunachal Pradesh in the east, Bhutan is a land of soaring snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and densely forested hills and ravines abounding in exotic flora and fauna, waterfalls and streams that gush in wild abandon. From May to August, an awesome variety of flowers decorate the hills.

Bhutan's climate is quite unpredictable and varies dramatically, with tropical climate in the south, temperate at the middle and cold to the north of the country. In Thimpu and Paro valleys, the winter daytime temperature averages 60 degrees Fahrenheit during clear winter days but drops below freezing during the night. Western Bhutan during mid December to early January can be beautifully clear and dry. Late December to mid February is the period of heaviest snowfall in the higher elevations.

One can visit to Bhutan any time of the year but mid September to November and March to June are considered the best season. During these months, colorful festivals brighten up the country.

One of the ancient names given to Bhutan, a botanical paradise, was 'Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs'. To name a few floras in Bhutan — rhododendron, junipers and magnolias several metres high, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, danphe, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical tress, pine etc.

Among the rare and exotic faunas found in Bhutan are — Golden Languor, Red Pandas, black-necked Crane, Snow Leopard, Takin, Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Marten, Tiger, Hornbills, Pheasants, Mountain Goats and timid Blue Sheep.

The state religion is Drukpa Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, has been institutionalized in the Dratshang (Central Monk body), headed by the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot), who is chosen from among the most learned Lamas and enjoys an equal rank with the King. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion.

The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life.

• The total population of Bhutan is about 600,000. Bhutanese are a Mongolic race of people who originally migrated into and settled the country in the 7th Century AD. A nomadic and pastoral society at first, they gradually turned to agriculture in the fertile valleys.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 known as Lhotshampas represents the Nepali speaking ethnic group.

• Dzongkha, "the language of the dzong", belongs to the Tibetan families of languages. Originally spoken only in western Bhutan, it is the Bhutan's national language. The written form of the language was only devised a little over 30 years ago, and is based on Classical Tibetan (known as Choekey in Bhutan). It has prevailed as a religious language throughout a vast geographical area (Tibet, Nepal, Ladakh, Sikkim, Mongolia and Bhutan) since as long as the eighth century.

• What to bring:
  Bhutan's changeable climate means you have to bring an assortment of clothes, including rain gear. Good walking shoes or hiking boots are essential even if you are not hiking. Because of the altitude, headgear, a hat or cap, bug repellent and a good pair of sunglasses are essential. Warm clothes are recommended for the evening, dress-up clothes for festivals. First aid supplies, flashlight, Swiss knife, earplugs (and spares) for when you sleep. There are many stray dogs in Bhutan as the Bhutanese consider them as next humankind in the cycle of life. Please do not wear shorts in public buildings or monasteries.
• For trekkers:
  Sturdy trekking / hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen (highest possible), headgear, rain gear, sleeping bag, torch (flashlight), insect repellent, cotton trousers, cotton skirt for women (at least one), down jacket — in winter, T-shirts or short-sleeved cotton shirts and sandals.
  Note: April & October are high season because there are full of colourful festivals with excellent weather.

• Environment Conscious:
  Our Company is environmentally very conscious. All non-biodegradable items are brought back to the township for the disposal at the dumping sites. Our staff respect ecological and cultural heritage of our country. We would appreciate if our guests co-operate us in this aspect.

• Risk & Liability:
  Sampurna Aventura will put every effort to make your journey very smooth and pleasant. However, all the programs in BHUTAN are conducted strictly under the rules and regulations of BHUTAN TOURISM AUTHORITY. Therefore, Sampurna Aventura Travel & Tours (P) LTD. or its Bhutanese counterpart shall not be responsible for any changes and alterations in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as landslides, road blockade, flood, snow and unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurring thereof shall be borne by the client on the spot. It is most advisable that all clients have full insurance.
  
  Note: For trekking in Bhutan, a group of minimum of 2 pax is required.
• For Tour Cost:
  Tour cost will be calculated according to tour and number of pax.
• The Settled Cost Will Includes:
  Twin sharing room in the best available accommodation mode (hotel or tourist cottage), all meals, overland transportation within BHUTAN (Japanese vehicles), sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide, necessary airport / hotel / airport transfer. In TREKS, accommodation in the best available tents (MOSS), with all meals air pillows, sheet, hot water bottle, dinning tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents etc. backed by our skilful and experienced crew.
• Cost Does Not Include:
  Airfare, airport taxes, BHUTAN VISA fee (USD 30 payable at airport upon arrival), NEPAL re-entry visa fee, drinks at hotel / lodge and expenses of personal nature such as laundry, tips, insurance etc.