Bhutan
Bhutan, a hidden jewel nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (dzongs), and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. This Buddhist kingdom on the edge of the world prioritizes Gross National Happiness over GDP, reflecting its commitment to preserving its culture, environment, and spiritual traditions. Bhutan's history of isolation has helped protect its unique identity, with the name Bhutan possibly deriving from the Sanskrit 'Bhu-Uttan,' meaning 'High Land.' The country slowly opened to the outside world in the 1970s, maintaining a delicate balance between modernization and tradition.
