Bhutan, sometimes called ''The Forbidden Kingdom'', is a landlocked country in South Asia at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is a unique country both culturally and environmentally. Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north, where some peaks exceed 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbours.