Where is Bhutan?
It is as if the creator took his time in molding the land of Bhutan that its variation in landscapes leaves people awestruck. People often wonder where is Bhutan, despite a mere 38394 sq. km Bhutan has one of the most diverse geographies in South East Asia. We have it all, from the plains of southern foothills to the mountains of the Himalayas and the beautiful curves of central valleys.
Bhutan lies in 27°30′N90°30′E and inhabits numerous mountain peaks. The nation is home to the highest unclimbed mountain of the world Jomolhari, which lies at a height of 7326m. The mountain peaks in the country are a stunning display of natural embellishment.
Some of the other mountain peaks include Jichudrakey and Jowodurshing. The country also houses plenty of glacial lakes with an estimate of 2674 glacial lakes and 59 natural mountain lakes.
The North Star
Navigating through the dense mountainous region of the country would have been arduous if not for the various passes. These passes used to be like a north star for the inhabitants of the country in the olden days.
Today, it’s still in use through the modern platform of transportation. It is a visual spectacle when one travels through the mountainous region. The passes in Bhutan are as follows:
Chele La between the Haa valley and Paro valley (3,810 m /13000 ft), It is the highest pass crossed by Bhutanese highway.
Dochu La between Thimphu and Punakha (3,116 m/10,223 ft),
Pele La at (3,390 m/ 1122 ft)
Yotong La, (3450m/ 11318 ft)
Thrumshing La (3752m/ 12309 ft)
Is Bhutan a Cold Place?
Due to the difference in elevation, the climate varies in different regions of the country. The southern foothills are nearer to the Indian ocean and bay of Bengal. The region holds a humid weather with annual monsoon season.
The temperature gets loser as elevation increases to the inner Himalaya. The temperature in the southern region usually ranges from 150C in winter to 300C in winter. It makes make the region much ideal for visit during the winter season.
The central region of Bhutan is usually the densely populated region due to its much favorable climate. It enjoys cold yet bearable winters with light snowfall and warm summers with decent rainfall of 350mm in average. The temperature in the capital ranges from -2.50C during the winter to 250C in the summer.
The northern region is has cold weather with the average temperature dipping below freezing point in winter. The northern region is usually beyond the tree-line and encompasses snowcapped mountains throughout the year.
Seasons in Bhutan
There are four seasons in Bhutan in the range of 3 months every year.
- Spring- March, April, and May.
- Summer/ Monsoon- June, July, and August
- Autumn- September, October, November
- Winter- December, January, February.
What Flows in this Country?
Bhutan has four river systems which has a glacial source in the northern region. Drangme chhu is the largest river system in Bhutan with a span of 376 kilometers from Bhutan to states of Assam. It originates from Kameng District if Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Wang Chhu Originates from Himalayan glaciers in Tibet. It flows through districts like Thimphu, Paro, and Haa. The river is quite popular for recreation activities as it falls in a generally warm climatic region.
Mo Chhu River originates from Gasa Dzongkhag in Northern Bhutan. Mo chu meets Pho chu in Punakha District and forms into Puna Tsang chu. Amo chhu or Toorsa River is the smallest river system in Bhutan. It is 358 km Long out of which 145 Kilometer of it lies in Bhutan.
