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History

The history of the kingdom dates back to the 8th century, with Guru Padmasambhava’s legendary flight from Tibet to Bhutan in 747 AD on the back of a tigress. The Guru began propagation of the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism. The country was unified under the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism in the early 17th century, by the religious figure, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Shabdrung codified a comprehensive system of laws and built dzongs which guarded each valley. At the end of the 19th century, the Trongsa Penlop, Ugyen Wangchuck, who then controlled the central and eastern regions, overcame all his rivals and united the nation once more. In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously accepted as King, and a hereditary monarchy system was unanimously agreed for Bhutan.

There are many versions as to how Bhutan got its name Bhutan. One theory suggestes that the name evolved from “Bhotana” (end of Tibet) or from “Bhu – uttan” meaning “ Highland”. Some believed that the name is derieved from the word “Bhot – stan” , The land of “Bhotias” (in ancient Indian langueage Sanskrit, “Bhotia” means people originally from Tibet ). Whatever may be the case,Bhutanese proudly call their country as Druk Yul (Land of the thunder dragon) and themselves as Drukpas. Bhutan was also known by some other names as “Lho Jong” ( The southern region) and “Lho Jong Men Jong” ( The sothern region of Medicinal herbs).

Over the last decade, there have been significant political reforms in Bhutan. In 1998, the fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck stepped down as head of state and handed over this function to a prime minister assisted by a cabinet of ministers. In 2006, the fourth King handed over his responsibilities to his son King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and the formal coronation was held in November 2008. Bhutan is now a constitutional monarchy and had its first parliamentary elections in December 2007 and March 2008.

 
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Testimonials

My time in Bhutan was without doubt one of my greatest ever travel experiences and one I will never forget and I cannot wait to return, hopefully one day in the not so far future.
Date:- 23 Aug 2011

Badal Chandra Bhagat

Service offered was quite appreciating and we look forward to avail other services in the near future.

Date:- 11 Nov 2011

Aveek Pradhan

Very well organised & co-operative from beginning to end of our tour. We recommend everyone to travel with Neptune Holidays atleast once in their lifetime..

Date:- 18 Dec 2011

Kuntal Maity

Hi Neptune,
Thanks a lot to your employees for the awesome package which was really worth the cost.Your email and telephone communication was prompt, complete and friendly. It was nice to have that personal care from your wonderful team...

Darren Ryan

I was traveling in Bhutan as tourist from 19th feb to 25th feb 2011. It was indeed an amazing experience.
Date:- 26 Feb 2011

Bijoy Kumar