tel: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only) international tel: +44 1453 844 400 www.himalayankingdoms.com 14 Of all the Himalayan kingdoms, Bhutan, the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, is the most mysterious. Like Tibet, its rulers followed a policy of isolationism, helped by the fact that the central valleys are surrounded on all sides by mountains. It is a land of supernatural legends, ancient monastery/fortresses and even today the Tibetan-like people still wear traditional national dress. Its mountains remain largely unmapped, unnamed, unclimbed and unexplored; many are sacred or thought to be gods in their own right. Bhutan’s ancient history is a story of struggle between reincarnate rulers, feudal lords and differing Buddhist sects vying for power, until the late 19th century when the old orders were swept away and an hereditary monarchy was established. The Kingdom Weighing chillies at Thimphu market Photo: Jude Limburn Turner

15 tel: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only) international tel: +44 1453 844 400 www.himalayankingdoms.com Approx. Miles 0 0 30 20 Approx. Kilometres Interesting Facts English name: The Kingdom of Bhutan Bhutanese name: Druk Yul (Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon) Size: 18,147 sq miles/47,000 km2 Capital: Thimphu Government: Monarchy Currency: Ngultrum. Parity with Indian Rupee Religion: Approx 70% Tibetan Buddhist Drukpa ‘Red Hat’ sect, 25% Hindu, 5% other Population: No reliable figures. Approx 700,000 Highest Mountain: Gangkar Punsum, 7,550m/24,770ft. Now the highest unclimbed peak in the world. First and only British expedition in 1986 led by our MD, Steve Berry First Briton to enter Bhutan: George Bogle in 1774 Bhutanese Rulers First ruler: Ngawang Namgyal 1594–1651. Honorary title of Shabdrung. Reincarnate figure First Hereditary King: Sir Ugyen Wangchuck. Appointed king in 1907. Died 1926 Second King: Jigme Wangchuck. Died 1952 Third King: Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Died 1972 Fourth King: Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Abdicated in 2006 Fifth (Present) King: Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck (pictured above). Coronation and Centenary monarchy celebrations are expected to take place throughout 2008, an auspicious year. Coronation & Centenary Celebration 2008 As this brochure goes to print, the Bhutanese Government has yet to publish an official list of public celebrations. We may well organise special tours to tie into these events. Please register with us if you would like to be kept informed: info@himalayankingdoms.com of Bhutan