41. Bhutan Guide, Bhutan Travel, Bhutan Travel Info, Bhutan Tours & Travel, Bhutan T tours travel with bhutan' best travel agent and bhutan agents info Also providingcomplete information for bookings, history , tours, map,bhutan agents, http://www.planetgypsy.com/destinations/bhutan/history.html

General Info Places of Interest Adventures Map ... Bhutan History Culture Festivals According to legend, in the 8th century CE, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava or second Buddha) made his legendary trip from Tibet to Bhutan on the back of a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits who hindered Buddhism. An after defeating them, he blessed them as guardians of the doctrine. Introducing Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. Takshang or Tigers Nest in the Paro Valley is where he landed and remains one of most sacred places in Bhutan. It is believed that the name Bhutan is derived from the Sanskrit 'Bhotant', meaning 'the end of Tibet', or from 'Bhu-uttan', meaning 'high land'. Historically the Bhutanese have refered to their country as Druk Yul, 'land of the thunder dragon'. Bhutanese refer to themselves as Drukpa people. Guru Rinpoche (Precious Master) is the father of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism practiced in Bhutan. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama of the Drukpa School, arrived in Bhutan in 1616 BC.

42. Bhutan, The Last Shangri-La Features animal archive, overview of culture and history, and teachers' resources. Companion site to the PBS program. http://www.pbs.org/edens/bhutan/

Filming Shangri-La Land of the Thunder Dragon Animal Archive People, Culture, History Filming Shangri-La Land of the Thunder Dragon Animal Archive People, Culture, History ... Bhutan Credits

43. The History Of Bhutan The history of bhutan. Till well into the 17th Century, bhutan wassplit up into small independent principalities. After the arrival http://www.ifs.univie.ac.at/~bhutan/altdye00/c-viex/j/start.php3

The history of Bhutan Till well into the 17th Century, Bhutan was split up into small independent principalities. After the arrival of Buddhism, during the seventh century, the various Buddhist schools began sharing the power in the country with the old aristocratic families. The cleric Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel united the independent principalities into one state. After his death the theocracy disintegrated and the provincial lords fought to gain control over the central power. Only the establishment of the monarchy in 1907 brought peace again. Today the fourth King of Bhutan is leading his country into modern times. Bhutan before unification The Shabdrung The Monarchy Top ... Help

44. Asiaco - Asia Search Engine bhutan directory, search engine and references to map, travel, history and news. http://bhutan.asiaco.com

Home Add Site Change URL NewSites ... Search A S I A C O , T H E A S I A S E A R C H E N G I N E Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei ... Vietnam Asia Map Click the map to search for specific destination. Large Map Options Help Help ... Privacy Notices This site is powered by Asiaco Servers

45. ZUJI Guru Rimpoche is the most important figure in bhutan's history, regardedas the second Buddha. His miraculous powers included the http://www.zuji.com.au/dest/guide/0,1277,ZUJIAU|2787|371|1,00.html

About ZUJI Travel Resource Links Travel Resources Home Research a Destination Convert Currency Check Weather Check Visa Requirements Buy Travel Insurance Flight Arrival/Departure Info Book a Flight Find a Hotel Hire a Car Log-in Log-out Become a Member Site Map Travel Resources Home Destination Guides Travel Tools Regional Guide Introduction Fast Facts Best Time to Visit Money ... Maps Useful Travel Tools Check Weather Convert Currency Check Visa Requirements Flight Arrival/Departure Information ... Asia : Bhutan Bhutan History Archeological evidence suggests Bhutan was inhabited possibly as early as 2000 BC. Buddhism was probably introduced in the 2nd century although traditionally its introduction is credited to the first visit of Guru Rimpoche in the 8th century. Guru Rimpoche is the most important figure in Bhutan's history, regarded as the second Buddha. His miraculous powers included the ability to subdue demons and evil spirits, and he preserved his teachings and wisdom by concealing them in the form of terma (hidden treasures) to be found later by enlightened treasure discoverers known as tertons. One of the best known of these tertons was Pema Lingpa; the texts and artefacts he found, the religious dances he composed, and the art he produced, are vital parts of Bhutan's living heritage. Before the 16th century, numerous clans and noble families ruled in different valleys throughout Bhutan, quarelling among themselves and with Tibet. This changed in 1616 with the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal, a monk of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism from Tibet. He taught throughout the region and soon established himself as the religious ruler of Bhutan with the title Shabdrung Rimpoche. He repelled attacks from rival lamas and Tibetan forces and transformed the southern valleys into a unified country called Druk Yul (Land of the Dragon). While the political system he established lasted until the beginning of the 20th century, the announcement of the Shabdrung's death in 1705 was followed by 200 years of internal conflict and political infighting.

46. ZUJI Reading List, So Close to Heaven, The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayasby Barbara Crossette is an excellent account of bhutan's history and culture. http://www.zuji.com.au/dest/guide/0,1277,ZUJIAU|2787|369|1,00.html

About ZUJI Travel Resource Links Travel Resources Home Research a Destination Convert Currency Check Weather Check Visa Requirements Buy Travel Insurance Flight Arrival/Departure Info Book a Flight Find a Hotel Hire a Car Log-in Log-out Become a Member Site Map Travel Resources Home Destination Guides Travel Tools Regional Guide Introduction Fast Facts Best Time to Visit Money ... Maps Useful Travel Tools Check Weather Convert Currency Check Visa Requirements Flight Arrival/Departure Information ... Asia : Bhutan Bhutan Reading List So Close to Heaven, The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Barbara Crossette is an excellent account of Bhutan's history and culture. The author is a New York Times correspondent who has spent considerable time in Bhutan and other Himalayan regions. Published in 1995, the book discusses some of the current development and political problems facing Bhutan. Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon is a traveller's account of a walk across Bhutan in the 1970s, before the road between Bumthang and Mongar was completed. It gives a good picture of trekking in Bhutan. Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is by Joanna Lumley, the co-star of the BBC programme

47. Ugyen Wangchucks Deeds Lhakang Temple. As founder of the monarchy Ugyen Wangchuck holds a placein bhutan's history equal to that of the Shabdrung*. Chörten. http://timphu.bhutan.at:81/~bhutan/altdye00/c-viex/j-03-02-02/start.php3

The history of Bhutan The monarchy Ugyen Wangchuck Ugyen Wangchucks deeds Ugyen Wangchuck's deeds In the first years as sovereign, the king consolidated the monarchy. With regard to foreign politics, he entered into closer relations with the British in India. The old peace treaty of was formulated anew. Amongst other changes, it was agreed upon to double the annual British payments to Bhutan. In the course of two trips to India, Ugyen Wangchuck recognised the relevance of an educational system which would transcend existing traditions and open a wider world view. In his consistent way, the king started the first schools in the country. In his later years Ugyen Wangchuck dedicated himself more and more to religion. He supported religious studies, commissioned holy scriptures to be edited and withdrew more and more into meditation. In 1926, Bhutan's first king died at the age of 64. According to his wish, he was cremated at the Kurje Lhakang Temple As founder of the monarchy Ugyen Wangchuck holds a place in Bhutan's history equal to that of the Shabdrung The history of Bhutan Bhutan before ..

48. Bhutans Early History The history of bhutan bhutan before unification bhutans early history.bhutan’s early history. The first immigrants apparently http://timphu.bhutan.at:81/~bhutan/altdye00/c-viex/j-01-01/start.php3

The history of Bhutan Bhutan before unification Bhutans early history The first immigrants apparently reached Bhutan 2000 B.C. Until today, however, there have not been any archeological investigations in Bhutan. It is therefore difficult to shed light on its history before the arrival of Buddhism. Occasionally, while ploughing their fields, farmers found tools made out of stone, which they considered to be the weapons of gods or celestial deities which had fallen down on Earth during their wars. The only stone axe that has so far been investigated scientifically could be dated in the period from 2000 to 1500 B.C. Fields in the primeval forest The native population The history of Bhutan Bhutan before .. . . Bhutans early history First Buddhist temples Until the establishme .. Shabdrung Ngawang .. The monarchy ... Fields in the primeval forest The lush vegetation of the southern slopes of the Himalayas lured first immigrants to Bhutan very early on in history. Photo by Gerald Navara Top Home Sitemap Glossary ... Help

49. TDS; Passports, Visas, Travel Documents - Bhutan Page bhutan. history. bhutan's early history is obscure. The country mayhave been inhabited as early as 2,000 BC, but not much is known http://www.traveldocs.com/bt/history.htm

Bhutan HISTORY Bhutan's early history is obscure. The country may have been inhabited as early as 2,000 B.C., but not much is known about it until Tantric Buddhism was introduced in the 8th century A.D. The country's political history is intimately tied to its religious history and relations among the various monastic schools and monasteries. The consolidation of Bhutan began 300 years ago. Ngawang Namgyal, a lama from Tibet, defeated three Tibetan invasions, subjugated rival religious schools, codified an intricate and comprehensive system of laws, and established himself as ruler (shabdung) over a system of ecclesiastical and civil administrators. After his death civil strife broke out, which, over the next 200 years, eroded shabdungs' power to the advantage of regional governors and local leaders. In 1885, the central authority recruited Chinese aid to crush the most powerful governors. This move was countered by a local Tongsa leader, Ugyen Wangchuck, who arranged for a British presence in the area. In 1907, after the shabdung's death, Ugyen became Bhutan's first hereditary king. In 1910, King Ugyen and the British signed the Treaty of Punakha, which provided that British India would not interfere in the internal affairs of Bhutan if the country accepted British advice in its external relations. Similar provisions were included in the 1949 Indo-Bhutan Treaty signed with independent India.

50. A BRIEF HISTORY OF BHUTAN IndexBack to Main Page A BRIEF history OF bhutan. The greatest event in the historyof bhutan was the arrival of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel from Tibet in 1616. http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/6708/documents/bhutan_hist.html

Back to Main Page A BRIEF HISTORY OF BHUTAN The people of Bhutan call their country 'Druk-Yul'. In Bhutanese language, Druk means dragon and 'Druk-Yul' means 'the land of the Dragon'. This is because when the sect of Buddhism, which was later to become the dominant religion in Bhutan was founded by the Shabdrung (see picture on the left) at the Ralung monastery in Tibet, 'a loud roar of the thunder dragon' was heard echoing to the south. This was taken as an auspicious sign that the sect would fluorish in the south of Tibet, where Bhutan is, and the sect was named as the 'Drukpa sect'. The country where this sect later flourished was thenceforth known as 'Druk-yul'. To this day, the state religion of Bhutan is 'Drukpa Kargyud' although other sects are almost equally popular and tolerated. One thing that all Bhutanese are proud of is that Bhutan was never colonised. Despite many wars with Tibet, and some rough encounters with the British, Bhutan always managed to remain independent. Recorded histroy begins from around the 8th century AD. In the 8th century, the great Tantric mystic Guru Padmasambhava (more popularly known as Guru Rimpoche in Bhutan) came to Bhutan from Swat, present-day Pakistan, and spread the Buddhist faith through the land, planting the seeds of the culture that flourishes today. Temples and monasteries dating from the 8th century still stand as honoured places in contemporary Bhutan. The greatest event in the history of Bhutan was the arrival of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel from Tibet in 1616. He was aged 23. He was to become the first person to bring all parts of Bhutan under one central authority and unify the 'country'.

51. Bhutan Maps, Pictures, History And More bhutan maps, facts and travel guides.Category Regional Asia bhutan Guides and Directories...... bhutan. Click on a link below to find travel guides, embassy info,flags, maps, brief history, facts, and more. Please email us if http://www.worldrover.com/country/bhutan_main.html

Search The Web! Search The Web! Search The Web! Search The Web! Free Travel Cheap Tickets Auction ... Make Money Bhutan Click on a link below to find travel guides, embassy info, flags, maps, brief history, facts, and more. Please email us if you have any questions or suggestions. Search the Net for: Travel Guides source: CIA World Factbook 1999 Vital Statistics Brief History Travel Guides Search Net: Term Paper Search Net: Travel Free Clip Art w/ Flags! Slash your student loans 53%!! Thanks Uncle Sam!! home ... embassies

52. Bhutan - Government, History, Population, Geography And Maps Search the Net history; 100% Free Clip Art including world flags and 1000's moreimages and photos! bhutan source CIA World Factbook 1998, bhutan. Geography. http://www.worldrover.com/vital/bhutan.html

Search the Net: History 100% Free Clip Art including world flags and 1000's more images and photos! Bhutan source: CIA World Factbook 1998 Bhutan Geography [Top of Page] Location: Southern Asia, between China and India Geographic coordinates: 27 30 N, 90 30 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 47,000 sq km land: 47,000 sq km water: sq km about half the size of Indiana Land boundaries: total: 1,075 km border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km Coastline: km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna Elevation extremes: lowest point: Dangme Chu 97 m highest point: Khula Kangri I 7,553 m Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide Land use: arable land: permanent crops: permanent pastures: forests and woodland: other: 26% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 340 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season

53. Bhutan - General Information history. Not much is identified with bhutan's history before the 7thcentury, which is when Buddhism was introduced. After this time http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/bhutan/bhutan.htm

Countries / Regions Home Cambodia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Mongolia Myanmer N.Korea Philippines Singapore S.Korea Taiwan Thailand Vietnam Bangkok Beijing Hong Kong Seoul Shanghai Tibet Tokyo References Asian Calendar Country Maps Country Profiles History Timeline ... World Statistics Viewer's Corner Publish your story on AsianInfo.org - Personal experiences, opinions, articles, or any information related to Asia. More Info... Recommended Search Engine Back to Home Bhutan People The official estimate of Bhutan's population in 1990 was about 600,000 but other sources estimate the population for 2000 was just under 2 million. Those living in Bhutan of Nepali origin have been excluded from the official census since 1990 which results in such a large discrepancy in population numbers. Bhutan has four major ethic groups: Bhutia, Sharchops, Nepali, and other indigenous groups. The Bhutia, who are descended from Tibetans, live in the central and northern regions of Bhutan. This ethnic group basically dominates politics in Bhutan particularly with it's contribution of government officials and monks that come from it.

54. Bhutan, Bhutan Tour Operator, Travel Agent, Bhutan Hotel Booking, Thimphu, Bumth Features tourist and general information, including briefs on history, geography, government, cuisine, Category Regional Asia bhutan Travel and Tourism Travel Guides...... The next defining event in bhutan's history was the arrival of Ngawang Namgyal,the Shabdrung (literally, at whose feet one submits) in 1616. http://www.indianvisit.com/ivnew/destinationguides/neighboursofindia/bhutan.htm

header('../../../'); leftpanel('../../../'); Bhutan Area 46,620 sq km Population Capital Thimphu Languages Dzongka, English Currency Ngultrum INTRODUCTION Bhutan, the land of the peaceful thunder dragon, is known by many names. The original name from the times of Marco Polo was "Bootan,” but the natives prefer to call the country "Druk Yul." Many people haven't even heard about Bhutan, so quiet has been the little kingdom, perched up in the Himalayas. The nation is not involved with the Industrial Age, the World Wars, nor the arms race, and, until recently, not even cyberspace. A land with a vibrant and orthodox culture, Bhutan is often referred to as the “living museum” of the world. GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Location The kingdom of Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, between Tibet to the north, the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal to the south, and Arunachal Pradesh to the east and Sikkim to the west. The kingdom has a total area of about 47,000 square kilometers. It spreads between meridians 89°E and 93°E, and latitudes 27°N and 29°N. Physical Features Climate The climate is variable. It is tropical in the southern plains. In the central valleys, one experiences cool winters and hot summers, while in the Himalayas severe winters and cool summers are prevalent.

55. History Of Bhutan Brief history of bhutan, Updated on January 25, 2003. It is roughly the sizeof Switzerland. The origin of bhutan and its earlier history is unknown. http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/history.html

Menu Monarchy Political System Economy Hydroelectricity ... Security Travel Information Bhutan Map Travel Information Travel Agencies Hotels ... Tourism Department Government Links Ministries Agriculture Finance Foreign Affairs National Assembly ... Planning Departments Broadcasting Bhutanese Studies Bhutan telecom Druknet ISP ... Diplomatic Mission Bhutanese Non Government Links Articles on Bhutan Bhutanese refugees CEMARD Bhutan Druk National Congress DNC ... Student Union Related Links Bhutanese Cuisine CIA Fact Book Nepal research Newslook ... Andrews Bhutan Brief History of Bhutan Updated on January 25, 2003 Bhutan, is traditionally called ‘Druk Yul’. It is a

56. The Land Of The Thunder Dragon: Bhutan - Suite101.com Perhaps the most historically significant person in bhutan’s history, in termsof how modern bhutan has developed, was Ngawang Namgyal, who united the http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/3760/88133

Topics Articles Links BEST OF WEB ONLINE COURSES COMMUNITIES BOOK CIRCLE ... MY SUITE Search Within: Asian History History and Politics Suite101.com Member Central Join Our Community! Login Member Update What's New ... TravelSuite Suite University About Suite University Visit the University Course Listing New Courses ... Featured Courses New Topics Basketball Teaching Creative Writing to Children Maine People Organic Vegetable Gardening ... More... Suite Events My Favorite Place War and Peace Spring Into Health! Earth Day 2003 More about Suite101 About Suite101.com - Select a related topic - African History Alternative History Ancient British History British Social History Canadian Politics Crimean War Great American Plains History For Children India Probe Inspirational Biographies International Affairs and Kids British History Liechtenstein Life in Canada Louisiana Maine People Native American History North American Genealogy Peace Process Pirates and Privateers Politics - Democratic Politics Conservative Politics East Asia Short Stories and Tales Shropshire Past and Prese Stalin The American Civil War The Cold War The Old West The Roman Empire The Underground Railroad Tudor England United States Labor Histo US History 1929-1945 Women's History World War II - Select a related course - Châteaus of France Early Arthurian Britain Genealogy for Beginners Genealogy: Researching Im Henry VIII and his Wives King or Parliament? - The

57. Bhutan Travel: Bhutan Tour, Bhutan Travel Agency Season October to May. Destination Nepal, bhutan. Activity Archeology/history,Art/Architecture, Cultural Expeditions. Duration 15 days. Price $3395 and above. http://www.biztravel.com/TRAVEL/SIT/sit_pages/Bhutan.html

Home Categories Active Adventure Affinity Family Hobby ... Sports Destination Africa Asia Australia Caribbean ... South America Unique Stays Castle Hotel Eco Lodge Resorts Diving Bhutan Travel Himalayan KIingdoms - Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan Season: October to May Destination: Nepal Bhutan Activity: Archeology/History Art/Architecture Cultural Expeditions Duration: 15 days Price: $3395 and above Bhutan Season: January to December Destination: Bhutan Activity: Art/Architecture Archeology/History Cultural Expeditions Duration: 7 days Price: $2155 and above 8-Day BHUTAN CULTURAL Tour - The tradition and historic highlights of Bhutan. Season: September to June Destination: Bhutan Bhutan Bhutan Activity: Cultural Expeditions Holiday Tours Nature Trips Duration: 8 days Price: $1610 and above Season: March to November Destination: Bhutan Bhutan Bhutan Activity: Trekking Hiking Cultural Expeditions Duration: 15 days Price: $2660 and above Season: September to October Destination: Bhutan Bhutan Bhutan Activity: Festival Tours Cultural Expeditions Anthropology Duration: 8 days Price: $1400 and above Season: March to April Destination: Bhutan Nepal Tibet Activity: Festival Tours Anthropology Cultural Expeditions Duration: 13 days Price: $1625 and above 7-Day BHUTAN PARO FESTIVAL Tour - Bhutan at its best during the Paro Tsechu Festival.

58. Trip To Bhutan.com ::: History Shortcuts About bhutan Travel Info Tours Indian Traveller Hotels SuggestedReadings Other Links What's New? Feedback Contact Us! history. http://www.triptobhutan.com/history.htm

Eco Planners Presents TriptoBhutan.com in association with EthoMetho Tours About Us Contact Us Shortcuts... About Bhutan Travel Info Tours Indian Traveller Hotels Suggested Readings Other Links What's New? Feedback Contact Us! History Bhutan Facts Tourist destinations Cultural Heritage Natural Heritage Government ... Maps The name ‘Bhutan’ appears to derive from the Sanskrit ‘Bhotant’ meaning ‘the end of Tibet’ or from ‘Bhu-uttan’ meaning ‘high land’. Though known as Bhutan to the outside world, the Bhutanese themselves refer to their country as Druk Yul or the Land of the Thunder Dragon. ‘Druk’ meaning ‘Dragon’ and extending from the predominant Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The documented history of the Kingdom begins with 747 A.D. with Guru Padsambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche who made his legendary trip from Tibet across the mountains flying on a tigress’s back. He arrived in Paro valley at Taktsang Lhakhang also known as Tiger’s Nest. Guru Rinpoche is not only recognized as the founder of the Nyingmapa religious school but also considered to be second Buddha. In the ensuing centuries, many great masters preached the faith resulting in full bloom of Buddhism by the middle ages. Although sectarian at first, the country was eventually unified under Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism by saint/administrator Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17 th century. Ngawang Namgyal codified a comprehensive system of laws and built a chain of Dzongs which guarded each valley during unsettled times and now serving as the religious and administrative centre of the region.

59. The Hindu : Socio-political History Of Bhutan Sociopolitical history of bhutan. 450. THE BOOK under review is literally a Himalayanwork in terms of the socio-political history of the Kingdom of bhutan. http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/br/2002/01/22/stories/2002012200240400.htm

Online edition of India's National Newspaper Tuesday, Jan 22, 2002 Group Publications Business Line The Sportstar Frontline The Hindu About Us Contact Us Book Review Published on Tuesdays Features: Magazine Literary Review Metro Plus Open Page ... Book Review Socio-political history of Bhutan THE BOOK under review is literally a Himalayan work in terms of the socio-political history of the Kingdom of Bhutan. This scholarly work is the result of the tenacity and perseverance of Dr. A. C. Sinha. It is also a combination of exploratory and analytical methodology, including field study par excellence. It is an admirable work on the Bhutanese theocratic community turning into a nation-state. This veritable "gazetteer'' on Bhutan is divided into three parts. Part one on "Tradition'' consists of environment and ethnicity, religion and history and the given political system under theocracy, monarchy and administration. Part two on "Transition'' from the traditional structure deals with the emergence of the Wangchuk principality, managing the frontiers, advent of the "Lhotshampas" and introduction of modern education as an instrument of effective transition in society. Part three on "Transformation" reports on the contemporary Bhutanese scenario in terms of political culture and national dilemma, ethnic stalemate and nation building. The book is further divided into 10 chapters, each of them dealing with separate micro themes in a detailed and critical manner.

60. History Of Bhutan bhutan’s history parallels Buddhism’s following in the Himalayas and the properlyunderstand bhutan’s history one also needs to understand its religion. http://www.snowwhitetours.com.bt/Bhutan_info/history.htm

History The name Bhutan appears to derive from the ancient Indian terms Bhotanta, which means the end of the land of the Bhots. Bhot was the Bhutan was not unified under a central authority until the 17th century; however, the religious presence in the country had been acting as a spiritual cohesion for many years. It was in 747 AD that Padma Sambhava who is known as Guru Rinpoche made his legendary trip from Tibet across the mountains flying on a tigress’s back. He arrived in the Paro valley at Takstang Ljakang, Tiger’s nest. A monastery now perches precariously on the cliff’s face as a permanent memory to his name. Guru Rinpoche is the father of the tantric strain of Mahayana Buddhism practiced in Bhutan. His eight manifestations are worshipped throughout the kingdom and wherever he visited in the kingdom is today a pilgrimage site highly revered by Bhutanese. Guru Rinpoche is not only recognized as the father of the Nyingmapa religious school but he is also considered to be the second Buddha. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a Tibetan lama of the Drukpa School, designed the present system of intertwined religious and secular government. He was invited to Bhutan in 1616. At that time no central authority existed and regional conflict had persisted intermittently for centuries. In his quest to unify the country, he gained the support of many powerful families of his school and constructed Dzongs (fortress monasteries) in the main valleys of western Bhutan. Designed to scare aggressors, the Dzongs command a powerful presence over the valleys in which they are still the center of religious and civil authority.

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