ONE of the best known things about Bhutan, a landlocked kingdom in the Himalayas, is that they use happiness as a gauge on national health.
Gross national happiness is not the only unique thing about Bhutan. It was an absolute monarchy until 2008 when the King literally abdicated, made the nation a constitutional monarchy, and handed the reins to his son.
The nation is committed to its unique culture and Buddhist spiritual values. In 1999 a ban on television and Internet was lifted, but with a warning from the former King they could erode Bhutanese values.
The current King was married in October 2011 in one of Asia’s most beautiful Royal weddings, and the nation’s largest ever media event.
These images attest to some of the timeless beauty of the nation, its colourful markets, friendly people and inherent Buddhist culture.
Welcome to Bhutan – a view in the vicinity of the Paro airport.
Buddhist monks perform at a ceremony in the capital Thimpu.
Takstang monastery beyond the prayer flags – a prominent Buddhist temple known as the Tiger's Nest.
Agricultural fields near Paro.
Bhutanese school girls in traditional dress, Thimpu.
Prayer flags are a common sight around Bhutan. These were for sale in the Thimpu market.
A local man in the Thimpu market.
Dried yak cheese for sale in Thimpu.
A monk looks out a monastery door.
A lady in Thimpu market.
Monks with small dogs in the Bhumtang Valley
All images here are by Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com
