Bhutan - Happiness is a place

Bhutan - Happiness is a place

Bhutan - Happiness is a place

In autumn 2019 I travelled to the Kingdom of Bhutan. This small land locked country sits between India and China in the eastern Himalayas. My three week trip allowed me to explore both the west and central regions. I was able to experience the nation's ancient Buddhist culture, traditional food and stunning natural landscapes. What really struck me was their passionate commitment to preserve all this. Many have called Bhutan the last Shangri La and it is hard to disagree.

 

Monks at Rinpung Dzong also known as the Fortress of heaped jewels in Paro, Bhutan.

Monks at Rinpung Dzong also known as the Fortress of Heaped Jewels in Paro.

Punakha dzong or fortress known as the palace of great bliss.

Punakha Dzong known as the Palace of Great Bliss.

Colourful Bhutanese textiles.

Traditional Bhutanese textiles.

Golden buddha at Kuensel phodrang also known as buddha point.

Golden buddha at Kuensel phodrang also known as buddha point near Thimphu.

Prayer wheels in Bhutan.

Prayer wheels in Bhutan.

Blue bin with hand painted message on hike to Tango monastery.

Bin with hand painted message on hike to Tango monastery.

Bhutanese food specialities including chilli cheese and momos.

Bhutanese food specialities including chilli cheese and momos.

Tachog Lhakhang iron suspension bridge across the Paro Chu river in Bhutan.

Tachog Lhakhang iron suspension bridge across the Paro Chu river.

Masked dancers in the Thendralthang courtyard at the Thimpu Tshechu festival.

Masked dancers in the Thendralthang courtyard at the Thimphu Tshechu festival.

Photography: © Crimson Rose 2022.