Bhutan is not an ordinary place. It has many surprises and a visit to the country is a splendid adventure. It is a place hardly touched by the hands of time, with one foot in the past and one in the future. As it heads towards modernization on its own terms, Bhutan is fiercely protecting its ancient culture, its natural resources, and its Buddhist way of life. Nestled in the heart of the great Himalaya, it remained in self-imposed isolation for centuries, only cautiously opening its doors in 1974. It is a mesmerizing place with a pristine environment, awesome scenery and architecture, hospitable and charming people, and a culture unique in its purity.