Having always been politically independent, it has fostered a rich and distinctive culture that has continued uninterrupted for many centuries. Knowing what history has been passed through to this age, it is evident that the most important factor in the molding of Bhutanese character and way of living has been the arrival of Buddhism in the 8th century with visit of Guru Rimpoche. Although the great Indian saint is credited for the popularity of Mahayana Buddhism, recent researches have also shown the possibility of Buddhism having reached some parts of Bhutan even earlier.

According to Mahayana Buddhist philosophy all forms of lives and existence are inter-connected. Present life is the result of past karma and the karma you accumulate now determines your future lives. As such, all ways of living are attuned to Buddhist beliefs, influencing culture, tradition, moral beliefs and regard for the environment. As a result Bhutan’s unique cultural and traditional values have always been essential embodiments of the nation’s identity.

More now than ever, for a small country sandwiched between two most populated countries of the world, India and China, the preservation and promotion of the nation’s distinct cultural identity is seen as a primary ingredient in ensuring continuity of independence and sovereignty. Bhutan recognizes that it is its unique identity that protected and sustained its past independence, and hence, the same philosophy provides the foundation for all current policies.

Architecture
In terms of quality and originality, Bhutanese architecture is without doubt one of the best expression of country’s unique character. Almost completely isolated for many centuries by its complex geography, Bhutan has seen very little external influence in its architectural style. Although the main roots of Bhutanese art and architecture is attributed to Tibet, over the many centuries it has adapted to local taste and variations that makes it unique. Displaying a great sense of innovation, dzongs, temples and monasteries were built in absolute harmony with the environment and its functions. Many of these true masterpieces dating far back as the 8th century still stand in proof. Even private dwellings maintain the same traditional forms, which lends a very unique style in the present world of concrete high rises.

The Bhutanese consider commissioning paintings and statues as pious acts, since the deliverance of the philosophy aids in other sentient beings to escape the cycle of existence. There are both religious and secular arts although religion influences both to great degree. Especially in religious art the goal is to re-produce symbolic art precisely as possible to avoid misrepresentation of its values. There fore, the excellency is judged not in innovation but the skill in reproduction following pre-defined precise rules.

In all, there are thirteen categories of art termed Zorig Chusum. These are painting, carpentry, carving - on wood, slate and stone, sculpture, casting, blacksmith, bamboo works, gold and silversmithing, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather and paper works.

Dzongs
The great fortresses known as dzongs are among the most striking example of Bhutanese architecture. Rising majestically on strategic locations, at entrance to valleys, summit of hills or at confluence of glacial fed rivers, the dzongs were built on grand scales without the help of any drawings or nails. They are examples of Bhutanese architecture at its best. Reflecting faith, social harmony and intricate spatial organization, the dzongs symbolize the history and long independence of Bhutan.

Chortens
These common religious structures in Bhutan are stupas holding embalmed in its bellies, sacred relics and artifacts. In testimony to the ingrained faith of the Bhutanese, they can be found at crossroads, near dzongs or temples and over mountain passes. Many old chortens that were built along old trade routes can still be seen spanning the high mountain ridges

Lhakhang
Lhakhangs or temples, fairly small building of simple design were the earliest forms of religious architecture. They are mostly one-floor structures surrounded by a small, enclosed courtyard and distinguished from ordinary houses by a red band encircling the upper part of the walls and ornament of gilded copper on the roof. The inside walls are usually adorned with intricate frescoes while the outside structures are a dazzling display of carved wood adornment and brilliant paintings.

NATURAL HERITAGE

Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural heritage more rich and varied than in Bhutan. In all essence Bhutan truly deserved the historical reference as the Valleys of Medicinal Herbs, a name that still applies to this day. 72.5 % of the land is still preserved in forest, which in harbors countless flora and fauna.

For centuries, Bhutanese have treasured the natural environment and have looked upon it as a valuable resource. The traditional reverence for nature has delivered Bhutan into the 20th century with an environment still richly intact. The country wishes to continue the tradition and pass the rich heritage to the future generations. And hence, maintaining a balanced natural ecosystem remains the central theme of all development process. National policies are very mindful of the damages to the environment and no sacrifices are made for short-term economic gains. The Royal Government of Bhutan has also made a national commitment to uphold its obligation to future generations by charting what it calls the Middle Path, a development approach that upholds both environmental and cultural preservation as an integral part of the development process.

Flora

In 1998, Bhutan was distinguished as one of the ten bio-diversity hot spots in the world. Bhutan is known to have 5000 species of plants, which include 300 species of medicinal plants, 600 species of orchids and more than 50 species of rhododendrons. Blue Poppy, the national flower, which was once considered a myth, also grows in the high alpine zone.

Tropical evergreen forests grow below 800 meters, subtropical grassland and forests abound between 900 – 1,800 meters, diverse temperate vegetation flourishes up to 3,000 meters and exotic alpine vegetation rises into 5,500 meters. All in all, species ranging from hardwood to giant rhododendrons, magnificent magnolias, picturesque conifers and thousands of flowering plants span the vast reserve of pristine forests.

Fauna

Due to unexploited environment, Bhutan possesses one of the greatest biological diversity of any country of its size in Asia. It certainly has some of the best remaining representative of habitat types found in the Himalayas.

Within a small but rich area Bhutan boasts as much as 165 species of mammals and 770 species of birds, and holds potentials for many more species to be discovered. It has been identified as the center of 221 globally endemic bird areas.

There are endangered species such as red panda, black-necked cranes, Bengal tigers, snow leopards, and indigenous mammals such as golden langur and takin. Some other animals are Asiatic elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, gaur, wild water buffalo, hog deer, tiger, clouded leopard, hornbills, trogon, blue sheep, takin, musk deer, wolf and many mammals and birds characteristic to Indo-Himalayan species.

NATIONAL PARK

Bhutan’s history of isolation and policy of sustainable development provides decision makers with a unique opportunity to conserve the country’s natural and cultural heritage. As a first step in conserving its natural heritage, Bhutan has established a system of nine protected areas. The system sets aside approximately 26% of country’s total land area in national parks, nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and conservation areas. These are Jigme Dorji National Park (4,349 sq. kms.), Royal Manas National Park (1,023 sq. kms.), Black Mountain National Park (1,723 sq. kms.), Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (278 sq. kms.), Thrumshing La National Park (768 sq. kms.), Kulong Chhu Wildlife Sanctuary (1,300 sq. kms.), Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (650 sq. kms.), Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary (273 sq. kms.) and Toorsa Nature Reserve (644 sq. kms.).