Physically, Bhutan can be divided into three zones: Alpine Zone (4000m and above) with no forest cover; the Temperate Zone (2000 to 4000m) with conifer or broadleaf forests; and the Subtropical Zone (150m to 2000m) with Tropical or Subtropical vegetation. Because of its wide attitudinal and climatic range, the flora and fauna is diverse and rich.

Forest types in Bhutan are Fir Forests, Mixed Conifer Forest, Blue Pine Forest, Chirpine Forest, Broadleaf mixed with Conifer, Upland Hardwood Forest, Lowland Hardwood Forest, and Tropical Lowland Forests. Almost 60% of the plant species that is found in the eastern Himalayan region can be found in Bhutan as well.

Bhutan boasts of about 300 species of medicinal plants and about 46 species of rhododendrons. Some common sights for the visitors are the magnolias, junipers, orchids of varied hues, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, the blue poppy which is the national flower and tropical trees such as pine and oaks.

A wide range of animal could also be found frequenting the jungles of Bhutan. Some high altitude species are the snow leopards, the Bengal tigers that are found at altitude ranging 3000 to 4000 meters, the red panda, the gorals and the langurs, the Himalayan black bear and sambars, the wild pigs and the barking deer, the blue sheep and the musk deer. In the tropical forests of Southern Bhutan one can come across the clouded leopards, the one horned rhinoceros, elephants, golden langur that is unique to Bhutan, the water buffaloes and the swamp deer.

Bhutan also has a great variety of bird species. It is recognized as an area of high biological diversity and is known as the East Himalayan ‘hot spot’ situated as it is at the hub of 221 global endemic bird areas. The recorded number of bird species is over 670 and there are chances that this number could still go up.

In addition, 57% of Bhutan’s globally threatened birds and 90% of the country’s restricted rare birds are dependent on forests. Bhutan has about 415 resident bird species. These inhabitant birds are attitudinal refugees, moving up and down the mountains depending upon the seasons and weather conditions. Of about 50 species of birds that migrate in winters are the buntings, waders and ducks, thrushes and the birds of prey. Some 40 species are partial migrants and they include species such as swifts, cuckoos, the bee-eaters, fly catchers and the warblers.

Bhutan is also home to about 16 bird species that are endangered worldwide. These include the White bellied heron, Pallas Fish eagle, Blyth’s King fisher to name a few. Phobjikha valley in Wangdue Phodrang and Bomdeling in Trashi Yangtse are also two important places in Bhutan that is visited by the endangered Black Necked Crane.

As one of the ten global hotspots Bhutan is all set to preserve and protect the rich environment through environmental organizations.

Some of the proactive organizations are the:

• National Environmental Commission
• Royal society for protection of nature clubs throughout the country.
• Department of Forestry Services.
• Nature Conservation Department
• Bhutan Trust Fund.
• Donor Organization.
• Association of Bhutan Tour Operators.

At various times of the year, Bhutanese people in towns and villages congregate to witness the masked dance festivals known as Tshechus. These colorful events draw thousands of locals, some of whom walk for days to attend them. There is inevitably a great deal of socializing; it is an opportunity for people to relax and forget the daily routine, to dress in their finest clothes and jewelry but, more importantly, it is an occasion for prayer and blessings. The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one accumulates merit.

The Tshechu is a festival honoring Guru Padsambhava – ‘one who was born from lotus flower’. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan etc. around 800 A.D. He is the founder of the Nyingmapa, the ‘old school’ of Lamaism which still has numerous followers. The biography of Guru is highlighted by 12 episodes of the model of Buddha’s (Shakyamuni’s) life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by the ‘Tshechu’.

The dates and duration of the festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar.

Tshechu mainly comprises of mask of dances in addition to some folk dance entertainment in between. Festivals are not pageants or entertainment events and definitely not held as tourists’ attraction. They are genuine manifestations of religious traditions which are thousands of years old and which outsiders are given the privilege to attend.

Experiencing Bhutan is a dream for many, and we at the BKTT are fully committed to help realizing this. We provide the best of services, customized to the needs of our clients. Our services includes trekking in different exotic and pristine locations of the country and cultural tours to most sacred places of historical significances. Our client’s needs and interest are our priorities. BKTT is an organization that is fully committed to extend the best to our clients in every aspect.

We are fully equipped in all infrastructure and logistical needs to ensure your stay with us is unique and exclusive. We have with us some of the best professional guides whose commitment and dedication are truly extra-ordinary, yet very much Bhutanese. Home stay is also one of the special arrangements we make introducing to our client to the core of the Bhutanese family life and living. BKTT assures you to give the best of everything that Bhutan has for the peoples in the world.

Bhutan with its unexplored pristine environment, rich architecture, the unique Bhutanese culture and tradition is one of the most exotic travel destinations. Bhutan indeed is a land representing the last Shangri- la.