Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion, is known as a country of devout Buddhists, the teachings of Buddhism remain strong in all aspects of people’s life even today.

Cultural heritage is an extremely important aspect of Bhutan and is one of the four pillars of Gross National Happiness

Bhutan has long maintained a policy of strict isolationism, both culturally and economically, with the goal of preserving its cultural heritage and independence. Only in the last decades of the 20th century were foreigners allowed to visit the country, and only then in limited numbers. In this way, Bhutan has successfully preserved many aspects of its culture, which dates directly back to the mid-17th century.

The country retains its own unique traditions, and large numbers of cultural heritage and traditional techniques still play a significant role in people’s everyday lives.

Typical tangible cultural heritage in Bhutan includes Dzong (building doubles as prefectural office and monastic center), Lhakhang (temples), Gompa (monastery), Chorten (Buddhist stupa), and old folk houses.

Movable assets are represented by Buddhist-related such as Buddhist statues, paintings and scriptures.

The most well-known intangible cultural heritage are a Tibetan Buddhist mask dance called Cham, a yearly festival called Tsechu, and traditional arts and crafts such as texistiles.