Bhutan- A Journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon

History of the City

Bhutan's history dates back to the 8th century when Guru Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist master, arrived in Bhutan and introduced Buddhism to the country. The following centuries saw the establishment of numerous monasteries and the emergence of a distinct Bhutanese culture. In the 17th century, Bhutan was unified under the leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama who fled persecution and settled in Bhutan. He established a system of governance and a unique cultural identity that continues to this day. In the 19th century, Bhutan came under the influence of the British, who signed the Treaty of Punakha with Bhutan in 1910, recognizing Bhutan's sovereignty while also establishing British influence over its foreign affairs. Bhutan remained largely isolated from the outside world until the 1960s when it began opening up to foreign visitors and modernizing its infrastructure. In 2008, Bhutan transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with the first democratic elections held, ushering in a new era of political and social change. Throughout its history, Bhutan has maintained a strong commitment to Buddhism and Gross National Happiness, a philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over economic growth. This commitment has helped shape Bhutan's unique identity and set it apart as a truly special country.