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Friday
min: 23
max: 34 |
Saturday
min: 23
max: 34 |
Friday
min: 23
max: 34 |
Saturday
min: 23
max: 34 |
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The leaders of DPT |
The country can be divided into three climatic zones. The north alpine region that includes mountains higher than 3000 meters above sea level, the temperate zone known as the inner Himalayas of altitudes ranging between 2000 to 3000 meters where most of the Bhutanese live, and the southern tropical belt 100-2000) that receives around 5000 millimeter of summer monsoon rain. The southern belt is hot and humid in summer but pleasant in winter. The climate is moderate in the temperate zone where the day temperature never gets to the extreme. The northern region is cold and dry. However, climate can vary considerably between valleys and within valleys depending on the altitude. Thimphu for example is cold and dry in winter while Punakha is warm.
Bhutan has four seasons. Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), Autumn (September-November), Winter (December-February)
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Monks |
Bhutan's people fall into three broad groups. The first, Sharchops, are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the country and occupy the eastern part of the country. The second- the Ngalops, are the descendants of Tibetan immigrants who came to Bhutan from about the 9th century, and primarily live in the west. The third section are "Lhotsampas" of recent Nepalese origin.
The contrasting ethnic diversity of the Bhutanese people has meant that a number of different languages and dialects are spoken throughout the kingdom. The national language is Dzongkha, which is taught at all schools. A growing proportion of the people, especially in the urban areas, speak English. However, increasing efforts are being made to write more textbooks and to standardize Dzongkha as the principle language of instruction.
Rugged, mountainous terrain and extremes of climate have made the Bhutanese a hardy, well built people accustomed to hard work. Despite the strong martial spirit the Bhutanese are peaceful and fun loving.
Bhutan has never had a rigid class system and social and educational opportunities are not affected by rank or birth. Bhutanese women enjoy equal rights with men, including the right to vote and take an active part in the affairs of the country. While the family system is basically patriarchal, family estates are divided equally between sons and daughters. Both men and women are free to choose whom to marry and both can initiate divorce.
Most people live in small rural villages on river banks or gently sloping hills, overlooking a patchwork of terraced fields and pasture land. Largely self-sufficient in food they grow crops and graze animals for butter, cheese and milk.
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The state religion of Bhutan is the Drukpa Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, institutionalised by Shadrung Ngawang Namgyel in the early 17th century. Since its introduction, Buddhism has shaped the nation's history and played a vital part in the lives of the people. Throughout Bhutan, from the most densely populated valleys to the remote mountain tops, religious monuments and symbols bear witness to a deep and respected faith.
Prayer wheels turn and prayer flags wave in the breeze to carry the the message of Buddhism forth on the winds. Every Bhutanese home has a "Choesum" or chapel where the family prays each day. Monks are held in great respect and play an active part in the community life. Until recently it was usual for one son of the family to enter the monastic order, a custom less prevalent today.
Buddhism came to Bhutan as early as 2nd century AD. However it was only after the arrival of Guru Padma Sambhava that the religion flourished from Bumthang to Haa in the west and Tashiyangtse in the east. In the centuries that followed Bhutan was home to many saints including Milarepa, Longchen Ramjam, Phajo Drugom and Drukpa Kinley. The aspiration towards enlightment and the belief in the innate goodness of human beings are widely shared among Buddhists and majority of Bhutanese are Buddhists.
Hinduism is another religion, practiced in southern Bhutan. The Hindu religion as practiced by the southern Bhutanese has many common saints and divinity with Vajrayana, the school of Buddhism prevalent in Bhutan.
Several temples are associated with Padma Sambhava, among them - Taktsang or "Tiger's Nest" located in Paro valley. Legend has it that he flew to Bhutan on the back of a Tiger and here he subdued the demons standing on his way. Taktsang is perched on the ledge of a sheer 3000 foot cliff above the Paro valley.
The Kurje Lhakang in Bumthang is built on the site where after Padma Sambhava had meditated. Legend has it that his footprints and bodymarks appeared etched on a solid rock and a cyprus tree, which still stands, grew from his wooden staff. |
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| Notes |
Buy |
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| US Dollar |
39.75 |
40.90 |
| UK Pound |
80.70 |
82.95 |
| Euro |
54.35 |
55.85 |
| Japanese Yen (100) |
33.50 |
34.45 |
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33.00 |
33.95 |
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5.10 |
5.20 |
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37.55 |
38.65 |
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34.00 |
34.95 |
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26.90 |
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7.50 |
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7.00 |
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5.90 |
6.05 |
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