Holidays in Bhutan. Buddhism came to Bhutan already in the II-nd century AD. Songtsen Gampo - the King of Tibet - has declared Buddhism as the official religion and opened in a single day 108 monasteries all over the Himalayas in order to clear the Himalayas from demonic spells. Two of them (Jamba Lhakhang in Bumthang District and Kiychu Lhakhang in Paro)are survived to present day on the territory of Bhutan and are important places of pilgrimage. Padmasambhava visited Bhutan several times in the VIII century, and after his mission Buddhism has spread widely in the form of the Nyingma school. Bhutanese Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism is a branch of the Kagyu school, which originates from Lama Tsangpa Gyari Yeshe Dorje. It was he, who has founded Druk monastery in Tibetan city of Ralung. This school has long ago entrenched in border regions of Tibet and Bhutan. Enormous role in the development of Buddhism in the country played Pema Lingpa - the Monk of Nyingma School, which once saw ritual dances, performed in monasteries in a dream.
BhutanThe Kingdom of Bhutan - is a quiet refuge for adherents of Buddhism and an exotic vacation for tourists. There are a lot of weapon, jewelry and art markets |
|
Bhutan, Buddhist FestivalsTraditions of Buddhist festival do not change for thousands of years, and today it remains a vivid manifestation of faith - an important part of Bhutanese life |
|
Bhutan, communityMost of the Bhutanese are Buddhists. There are more monks-lamas in Bhutan than in any other Buddhist country. Most Bhutanese live in small villages in valleys |
|
Bhutan, foodNational cuisine of Bhutan is fairly simple - rice is a staple food, which is used in various combinations with vegetables, sauces, saffron and butter |
|
Bhutan, landscapePredominantly mountainous landscape of Bhutan is well suited for tourists who prefer active forms of recreation |
|
Bhutan, national sportThe most popular national sport in Bhutan is Archery. Archery matches are always a grand event with dances, music, entertainment, strong drinks and huge crowds of public |
|
Bhutan, natureThe nature of Bhutan is incredibly diverse - the climate, the flora and fauna changes, as slopes of mountains raise |
|
National Institute for Zorig ChusumIn the National Institute for Zorig-Chu-Sum students are trained in traditional painting on the best classical models. The school was open in 1997 |
|
Paro TaktsangThe famous monastery hangs on the cliff, towering above the valley on 700 m. Almost totally Burned in 1998, the Paro Taktsang monastery now is restored and open for pilgrims |
|
Trongsa DzongTrongsa Dzong (1648)- an ancestral home of the royal family. Annually (December - January), the principal holiday of the country - Trongsa Festival – takes place here |