Geography of Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked nation in south-central Asia that is situated on the eastern Himalayan mountains. Bhutan, a historically secluded country, began to lose its isolation in the second part of the 20th century, which caused the rate of development to quicken. At the nexus of East and South Asia, near the easternmost tip of the Himalayan Mountain range, is the independent nation of Bhutan. First, the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the north and northwest, and then the sovereign territory of two other countries.

The border with the nation's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), or simply Tibet, is about 477 kilometers long. The Republic of India is the second country, located on the south, southwest, and east. In clockwise direction from the kingdom, the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, and Sikkim are separated by around 659 kilometers.

Physical Features

Bhutan's northern and western borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region (a province of China) largely follow the Great Himalayan crest. The border between Bhutan and the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam is located in the Duars Plain to the south of the Himalayan range. Bhutan shares boundaries with Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, two Indian provinces. The whole length of Bhutan's boundaries is roughly 1,139 kilometers. Other close neighbors are the Union of Myanmar to the southeast, the Republic of Nepal to the west, and India to the south. The last two are only a few short tracts of Indian territory apart.

Bhutan is a small, landlocked country with somewhat more length than width. The country's overall area is about 38,394 square kilometers. It has no authority over any territorial seas because it is an island nation in the interior. The Gangkhar Puensum, at 7,570 meters (24,840 feet), is Bhutan's highest point and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The Himalaya mountains dominate the country's north, where peaks can easily reach 7,000 meters (22,966 feet).

The nation's highlands have the most residents, and the western section is where Thimphu, the capital, is located. The region is distinguished by its numerous rivers (which empty into India's Brahmaputra), its remote valleys, which are home to the majority of the inhabitants, and the vast forests, which encompass 70% of the country. Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests and Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests can be found in the highlands, respectively.

Division

The Great Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Duars Plain can be used to split Bhutan into three geographical areas from north to south.

The Great Himalayas

The snow-capped peaks in Bhutan's northernmost area, which is located inside the Great Himalayas, rise more than 24,000 feet (7,300 meters) above sea level. High valleys descend from the large northern glaciers at heights of 12,000 to 18,000 feet (3,700 to 5,500 meters). Yaks are grazed in the summer in alpine pastures on the upper peaks.

Several "marginal" mountains of the Tibetan Plateau, which are located to the north of the Great Himalayas, serve as the main watershed for rivers that travel north and south.

The Lesser Himalayas

The Lesser Himalayas, also known as the Inner Himalayas, are formed by spurs that radiate south from the Great Himalayas. The Lesser Himalayas' north-south mountains serve as basins for Bhutan's major rivers. The predominant vegetation, which ranges from dense forest on the rain-swept windward slopes to alpine vegetation at higher elevations, is determined by differences in elevation and the degree of exposure to wet southwest monsoon winds.

The Duars Plain

The narrow Duars Plain, which constitutes a strip 8 to 10 miles (12 to 16 km) broad along Bhutan's southern border, is located south of the Lesser Himalayas and their foothills. This plain serves as a doorway to the important mountain passes (known as dwars or dooars) that lead into the rich valleys of the Lesser Himalayas, where the Himalayan mountains rise abruptly and sharply.

Climate

Perhaps more than any other comparable sized region in the globe, Bhutan has a diverse climate. With elevation comes a difference in climate that brings about pronounced meteorological contrasts. Additionally, different exposures to sunlight and moisture-laden winds provide intricate local variations. There are three main climatic regions that may be distinguished: the Great Himalayan alpine tundra region, the Lesser Himalayan milder region, and the hot, humid subtropical tract of the Duars Plain and its surrounding foothills.

Only the valleys of the middle mountains experience a temperate climate. The average high and low temperatures in Thimphu in July range from the mid-60s F (about 19 °C) to the mid-50s F (approximately 13 °C). The rest of the nation either endures extreme cold, as in the north, or intense heat, as in the Duars.

Flora and Fauna

Bhutan's floral diversity and steady shift from tropical to temperate to entirely alpine species make it unique. The southern region, including the Duars Plain and nearby hills, is home to the moist zone of tropical deciduous vegetation. In the lower elevations, tall, dense grasses that are utilized to make paper and pulp are a valuable plant resource. On elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, pine and oak forests predominate.

A variety of species, including pine, oak, walnut, rhododendron, ash, poplar, willow, aspen, and magnolia, can be found in the forests at higher elevations. The most valuable forests are found between 1,800 and 2,700 meters above sea level; these majestic forests are home to juniper, cypress, fir, and spruce trees. At 14,000 feet (4,200 meters), the timberline, birch trees can be found. The Great Himalayas' upper slopes support an alpine flora of shrubs and grasses.

In Bhutan, you can find sambar deer, gaurs (a type of wild ox), rhinoceroses, elephants, tigers, and other creatures, especially along the Manas and Sankosh rivers in the central and eastern parts of the nation as well as in the hills covered in forests. The Royal Manas National Park, which borders India on the banks of the Manas River and is home to the endangered golden langur (a slender long-tailed monkey), is one of many protected areas that the government of Bhutan has established in order to preserve this wildlife and its natural environment. The vast Jigme Dorji National Park, located in northwest Bhutan, is exceptional in that it encompasses each of the nation's three temperate zones.

Drainage

Numerous rivers cut across Bhutan's hilly terrain. The Torsa (Amo), Wong (Raidak), Sankosh (Mo), and Manas are the principal waterways running from west to east. All rivers originate in the Great Himalayas and run southward until joining the Brahmaputra River in India.

Conclusion

Bhutan is tucked away in the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan has a varied geographical geography and borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and India to the south, southwest, and east. The Great Himalayas with their high peaks, the Lesser Himalayas with their river basins, and the Duars Plain along the southern border can be used to split the nation into these three main geographic divisions. Bhutan has several different climate zones as a result of its high elevation.

Its flora includes everything from alpine vegetation in the Great Himalayas to tropical deciduous vegetation in the south. The fauna of the nation is diverse and includes tigers, sambar deer, gaurs, rhinoceroses, elephants, and elephants. The creation of protected areas by the government demonstrates its dedication to protecting the environment and animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bhutan located?

Bhutan is located in south-central Asia, nestled in the eastern Himalayan mountains.

Which countries are the neighbouring countries of Bhutan?

Bhutan shares its borders with China's Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and India to the south, southwest, and east.

What are the divisions of Bhutan's geography?

Bhutan can be divided into three regions: the Great Himalayas with tall peaks, the Lesser Himalayas characterized by river basins, and the Duars Plain along the southern border.

How is Bhutan's climate?

Bhutan experiences a diverse climate due to its elevation, resulting in distinct climatic zones including alpine tundra, temperate, and subtropical regions.

What is the highest point in Bhutan?

The highest point in Bhutan is Gangkhar Puensum, standing at 7,570 meters (24,840 feet).

What are the major rivers in Bhutan?

The Torsa, Wong, Sankosh, and Manas are the principal rivers in Bhutan.