NATURE

Serene Mystic Beauty

While in many other parts of the Himalayas the destruction of forests and loss of habitats have severely reduced wildlife population, Bhutan harbours many endangered species mainly due to the intact forests and the fact that this small country stretches from the subtropics in the south to the perennially frozen regions of the Himalayas in the north. Bhutan has 770 species of birds (15 globally threatened), 165 mammals (among them 24 internationally protected wild animal species) and 5500 species of vascular plants (among them 152 medical plants).

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Each of Bhutan’s National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries is an essential part of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex – a system of national parks, protected areas and forest corridors covering 35 percent of the country. Each of these parks and sanctuaries has its own special character and is home to endangered animals, birds and plants.

Takin, Tiger and More

Animals have, ever since Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan, had a special meaning in the life of the Bhutanese. For example, the “Four Power Animals” (tiger, snow leopard, mythical eagle and thunder dragon) are believed to embody the mind, strength, wisdom and voice of great renown. The “Four Friends” (a bird, a rabbit, a monkey and an elephant) represents the great value of good cooperation. Bhutan is now one of the last remaining refuges for many species and an ecological treasure trove important to the world heritage.

Flowers

Botanists consider the whole country as one beautiful park. Bhutan is home of 7000 vascular plants, 360 orchid species, 46 species of rhododendron, and other rare and endemic species, including over 500 species of medicinal plants. Flowers being rare and therefore considered very valuable in the European Alps such as Edelweiss are growing at thousands in Bhutan.

Butterflies

Out of the many species of butterflies in Bhutan the famous “Bhutan Glory” is just one special butterfly, endemic to Bhutan. Also swallowtail, snow apollo, fritillary, red admiral, common satyr, blues, skipper, bumble bee, Paris rose, common rose, great mormon, orange albatross, pine white, blue triangle, red lacewing, common map, monarch, stripe blue crow, etc. can be found in Bhutan. Best time to spot butterflies is spring.

Water - Source of All Life

Starting off from the glacial lakes below the ever frozen peaks in the Himalayas water appears in all kinds of different forms all over Bhutan. Stunningly beautiful and holy lakes, rivers forming awesome gorges and caves or natural hot springs, all of them are part of the enchanting landscape of Bhutan. Last not least, the hot stone bath – a natural bathtub with on fire heated stones warming up the water – is part of the unique way of life of the Bhutanese.