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Hereditary Monchary & Democracy

Hereditary Monarchy & Democracy


Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal introduced unique dual system of Governance called the Chhoesid. This system functioned well during the time of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal and continued till the establishment of Hereditary Monarchy in the year 1907.

Hereditary Monchary & Democracy

First King – King Ugyen Wangchuk

Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, son of Trongsa Penlop, Jigme Namgyal, was elected as the first Hereditary King of Bhutan in December 17, 1907. He was married to Queen Ashi Tshedue Lhamo. He was a wise diplomat and a good administrator. During his reign he introduced western education system and made several reforms. He also signed a new treaty with the British India known as "Treaty of Punakha" which ensured that British India would not interfere with internal affairs of Bhutan provided Bhutan accepts external advise in its external relation.  He ruled Bhutan for 19 years and died in the year 1926.

Hereditary Monchary & Democracy

Second King – King Jigme Wangchuk

The second King of Bhutan was His Majesty King Jigme Wangchuck. He was crowned in the year 1926 at the age of 20. He was born in the year 1905. He was married to Queen Ashi Phuntsho Chhoedon. During his reign, Bhutan participated in the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi in the year 1947 slowly started to show itself to the outside world. When India gained independence in 1947, the new Indian Government recognized Bhutan as an independent country. A treaty known as “The Treaty for Peace and Friendship” was signed in the year 1947 with the Independent India which governs the current Indo- Bhutan relations

Hereditary Monchary & Democracy

Third King – King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk

In the year 1928, the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was born. He was crowned as the King of Bhutan in the year 1952. He is also known as the Father of the Modern Bhutan. He was a far sighted Monarch. He gradually led Bhutan out of isolation and began a program of Planned Development. He banned slavery and distributed land to the land less. Under his reign, Bhutan joined the United Nations in 1971 and also many other International Organizations. He established high court and reformed the judicial system of Bhutan and started the National Assembly in 1953. In the year 1961 the five year planned economic development system was started. He ruled till the year 1972. He was the main architect of Modern Bhutan and was married to Queen Ashi Kelzang Chhoedon Wangchuck.

Hereditary Monchary & Democracy

Fourth King – King Jigme Singye Wangchuk

The fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the youngest Monarch in 1972 at a very young age of 17. He was born on 11th November 1955. However the official coronation was held on June 02, 1974. He married four sisters - Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck and Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as queens in the year 1979. The official Royal wedding was held in 1988. Under his reign Bhutan developed foreign relations with many more countries and joined many other international organizations. He decentralized the governing system and made many other reforms. He was perhaps best known internationally for his overarching development philosophy of "Gross National Happiness".

Hereditary Monchary & Democracy

Fifth King – King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk

On the National day of 2007, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck was crowned as the fifth hereditary King of Bhutan. His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, abdicated all of his powers as King to his son, Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, with a specific intention to prepare the young King for the country's transformation to a full-fledged, democratic form of government due to occur in 2008. Bhutan had its first Poll Day in 2008. Bhutan is now a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy.

Featured Tours and Treks


Testimonials


  • Thilo and Cordula
  • Very good guide/driver team, we had a lot of fun with them. Very special thanks for the visa support to get back to India We had a lot of luck during our tour with N.B. as we were able to see the Kankar Punsum and also wild monkeys eating and jumping in the trees above us. Please find our selected photos of that attached. Thank you very much again for letting us join together for dinner with your wife, for your hospitality and your gifts. We still find us very surprised at Bhutan, from its cultural spots and landscape.

  • Ms. Margaret and Friends
  • Had an extremely amazing time! Lobzang and Subba were great & hospitality 2nd to none! Thank you for such a great time and we definitely encourage more people to come visit Bhutan via your travel guides. Thank you for all your hospitality. Our Trip to Bhutan was better than what we expected. It was great to meet Lobzang and Sanman every morning there to greet us with a smile. Lobzang’s knowledge of Bhutan and all the historical places is fantastic. Also Sanman’s driving made us feel safe at all times and very comfortable. Whenever we talk about Bhutan we will always recommend you all.

  • Mr. Christoph A. Riedweg
  • Tika and Mohan went out of their way to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. For all of our requests they tried there very best to arrange (food, sightseeing, shopping). The trip offered a great mix of sightseeing, history, nature and daily life in Bhutan. We truly enjoyed our stay.

  • Aveek Pradhan
  • Service offered was quite appreciating and we look forward to avail other services in the near future.

  • Ms. Nilima and friends
  • Excellent Trip. Thanks to Vivek and Santosh. Amazing guide and an excellent driver. They made our trip memorable. We would recommend them to everyone.