The Enchanted Kingdom of Bhutan

WOW! Bhutan is like no other place we have ever been to! It is a tiny Buddhist Asian country of only 700,000 people, but in many ways does not feel like the Asia we have seen. Although modernization has been increasing over the past years, Bhutan is as separated from the Western world as could possibly be. Daily life functions exactly as it did hundreds of years ago. The Bhutanese are extremely proud of their culture and history, as well as deeply loyal to their King. Democratic elections fora Prime Minister occurred for the first time in 2008. Overall, Bhutan is a peaceful, clean and well-functioning country. We were awe-struck the moment we stepped off the plane.

There is a distinct architecture in Bhutan that characterizes every single building in the entire country. The vernacular architecture of the Bhutanese Dzong, in particular, is truly spectacular. Dzongs are heavily fortified structures built in the 17th century that served to protect people against invasions. Today, they house the local Parliaments and Monastic bodies. They are made completely of stone and wood that are heavily adorned with decorative paintings. Speaking of decorative paintings, the Bhutanese paint large penises on the outside of their houses as a blessing of fertility! (see pics below).

Watch how you go...

Ian and Greg

Mt. Everest from the plane on our way to Bhutan...

Capital city of Thimphu...

Students learning the Bhutanese crafts at National Institute for Zorig Chusum...

National Memorial Chorten...

Prayer wheels...

Weekend market...

Thimphu Dzong...

Dochu La Pass - elevation of 3100 meters...

Punakha Dzong...

Penis paintings...

Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal Chorten...

Bhutanese playing darts...

National sport is Archery...

Paro Dzong...

Ruined Dzong near Paro...