Bhutan is a Country in south-central Asia. The northern part of the country lies in the Great Himalayas, with peaks surpassing 24,000 ft and high valleys lying at 12,000–18,000 ft. Spurs radiate southward, forming the Lesser Himalayan ranges. Several fertile valleys there, at elevations of 5,000–9,000 ft, are fairly well populated and cultivated. South of these mountains lies the Duars Plain, controlling access to the strategic mountain passes much of it is hot and steamy and covered with dense forest.