Labeled the hidden kingdom, a true Shangrila, and the mystic land of Buddhist saints. Bhutan is definitely not the average holiday destination. It is the only one of the former Himalaya Kingdoms that has managed to retain its independence, as well as its unique culture and nature. But don't expect a museum: Bhutan is alive, welcoming and enchanting. Bhutan's far-sighted rulers choose to let the 21st century in only as much as deemed necessary to enhance Gross National Happiness. The erstwhile king has coined the term and declared it more important than Gross National Product. Buddhist faith, as well as a widely felt common sense that places well-being above wealth, is at the base of this remarkable attitude. Traveling around Bhutan one can't deny that happiness seems to be much more in supply here than elsewhere.

The Bhutanes form of restrained development doesn't imply that the Bhutanese are poor. The average income stands comparison with many developed country. Compared to its neighboring countries, the Bhutanese definitely stand out in terms of sustainable assets. Thanks to its low population density and its well-preserved natural resources most families own a sizable farm with sufficient farmland, forest and animals to ensure them and their children a good living. Money coming in from the sale of hydro-electricity to India and from tourism is spent on education, health care, nature conservation and the general 'cultural maintenance' of the country. Natural beauty is Bhutan's second asset. Apart form glaciated Himalaya peaks and crystal clear streams Bhutan is covered with dense primary forests. Woodlands cover 66% of the national area and it is official government policy not to let it drop below this amazing figure, the highest in Asia.

Tourism is managed in such a way that the negative side-effects which are all too obvious in other Asian countries, such as pollution, deforestation, over-use of local resources and loss of cultural identity, are prevented. The trick is simple but effective: foreigners pay a fixed amount per day for visiting the country, regardless of the itinerary and program of their journey. It ensures a steady flow of dollars and prevents mass tourism.

Bhutan can be traveled by road or on foot. Both will reward you with encounters with utterly friendly people, their unique Buddhist culture and some of the last untouched mountains of the Himalayas. But only trekkers get to see the magnificent peaks and glaciers of the Himalayan Range up-close, as well as some isolated hamlets where time literally seems arrested.

For most visitors - mind you the word tourist is not used in Bhutan - Paro Int. Airport is the place to fly in and out of Bhutan. As Paro is situated in the west of Bhutan this implies for most that they don't get to see the lower lying southern parts of Bhutan, nor the eastern parts, as traveling there and backtracking to Paro would cost valuable days.But Bhutan can also be entered by road, either at Phuentsoling in SW-Bhutan or at Samdrup Jongkar in SE-Bhutan.