Bhutan is the last Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom, and the teachings of this school of Buddhism are a living faith among its people. The air of spirituality is pervasive even in the urban centres where the spinning of prayer wheels, the murmur of mantras and the glow of butter lamps in the houses are still important features of everyday life.

The most striking physical features of Bhutan are its architecture - the characteristic style and colour of every building and house in the kingdom is a distinct source of aesthetic pleasure. The Dzongs themselves - imposing 17th century structures built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings and held without a single nail - are outstanding examples of the best Bhutanese architecture.

Bhutan's art and paintings are also important aspects of Bhutanese culture and they depict the spiritual depth of Bhutanese life. Whether it is on a wall, or one of the renowned Thangkhas or murals, painters use vegetable dyes to give their work the subtle beauty and warmth seen nowhere else in the world.

Bhutan also boasts an unparalleled wealth in its cottage industry. Its fine handicrafts of wood and bamboo, ornaments of gold and silver and highly developed weaving skills represent an advanced art form.