Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan on the eastern Himalayan edge is known for its monasteries, fortresses or dzongs and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to high mountains and valleys.

In the 16th century Ngawan Namgyal unified the valleys into a single state and since Vajrayana Buddhism became the state religion.  Like Dalai Lama in Tibet, Namgyal became the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche and his successors acted as the spiritual leaders of Bhutan. The House of Wanchuk emerged as the monarchy, after over powering other regional lords and after earning the favours of the British Empire, Ugyan Wanchuk was elected Druk Gyalpo- thus founding the dynasty.  Druk Gyalpo – who heads the royal family of Bhutan is commonly known in English as the King of Bhutan but it literally translates to “Dragon King” or “Thunder Dragon King”. The fourth and the fifth (current) monarchs have put the kingdom toward democratization, decentralization, prosperity and development. 

 
Bhutan often revered as the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' is still regarded as one the last 'Shangrilas' or Beyuls (mystical hidden valleys) in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. Bhutan-the least explored region of Asia only allows limited number of discerning travelers to enter the country in order to preserve its fragile environment and culture. Bhutan-a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom is unsurpassed in its scenic majesty and vibrant culture.