The people of Bhutan have treasured their natural environment and have lived in harmony with its elements respecting the sanctity of life and revering the mountains, forests and rivers as abodes of gods and spirits.
Bhutan has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Almost 72% of the land is covered by forests of temperate and sub-tropical species that are a natural habitat for a diversity of flora & fauna. Its various ecosystems harbor some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas. An estimated 770 species of birds and about 55 species of rhododendron, along with an astounding variety of medicinal plants (over 300 species) and orchids are endemic to this region.
The climate in Bhutan differs greatly from one region to another because of its topography. Tropical with monsoon season in the southern plains, winter with hot summer in the central valleys and very cold winter and cool summer in the north. Bhutan’s climate is changeable and unpredictable, not only varying among the various regions, but also varying enormously from day to day or even on the same day.