The Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by the Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim on the east, south and west respectively. Open for tourism in 1974, after the coronation of 4th king, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan is perhaps the world’s most exclusive tourist destination. The country still retains all the charm of the world, and travelers experience the full glory of this ancient land as embodied in the monistic fortresses, ancient temples and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags fluttering above farmhouses and on the hillsides, lush green forests, rushing glacial rivers, and perhaps most important of all the warm smiles and genuine friendliness of the people. The history of Bhutan dates back to 8th century, with Guru Padmasambhava’s legendary flight from Tibet to Bhutan in 747 AD on the back of tigress. The country was unified under the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism in the early 17 the century, by the religious figure, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. At the end of the 19th century, the Trongsa Penlop. Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, who then controlled the central and eastern regions, overcome all his rivals and united the nation as one. In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously accepted as king, and a hereditary monarchy system was unanimously agreed for Bhutan. In 2006 the 4th king stepped down as head of the state and handed over this function to a prime minister assisted by a cabinet of ministers. In 2008, Bhutan held its first parliamentary elections, making a new era in the political history of Bhutan. As part of the move towards democracy, the 4th king handed over his responsibilities to his son king Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in 2006.The 5th king’s formal coronation took place in 2008. In the same year as the first election and also the year that marked the centenary of the kingdom.