My Favorite Places: Bhutan

Today, I thought I’d start a new series for the blog on some of my favorite places in the world for photography. And very close to the top of that list is the remote, Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

Bhutan is spectacular, in so many ways, that it’s difficult to describe. I hardly know where to begin when I reflect on my three weeks in Bhutan back in 2008. But rather than wax lyrical about my experiences (which I could do at length) I instead want to discuss the photographic experience.

First Bhutan is culturally remarkable. The government has dictated strict rules to limit the impact of tourism, on their culture, and environment. Famously, about ten years ago, the king stated that in Bhutan “Gross National Happiness” will be more important than Gross National Product. Basically saying that is better to be happy than rich. (I couldn’t agree more).

All tourists to Bhutan are required to be on a guided tour, and pay substantial daily fees. This limits the impact of tourism, and can ensure that tourist dollars go to the right places (environmental protection, infrastructure, and cultural facilities).

The people are friendly and open. Never did I feel anything but welcome. A smile and gesture toward my camera indicating I’d like take a portrait was always more than enough to gain permission. (Like anywhere, its extremely important to get permission before putting an camera in someone’s face).

The landscape is a mix of high Himalayan peaks, forested valleys, clear rivers, and ancient cities. No where else in the world have I visited do the farm houses and villages blend so perfectly into the landscape. The people here just belong.

I would love to return to Bhutan, and perhaps someday I will. In the mean time, I look back on these images and recall the thin mountain air, the fields of rice waving in the wind, and the sound of the tumbling rivers.

This young monk was walking down a windy corridor in the dzong (the political and cultural center of the city) in the town or Paro.

Bhutan is a buddhist nation and prayer flags are everywhere, blowing in the breeze and shedding their prayers into the world.

I made this image on a covered walking bridge over the Paro River. It was windy and the hundreds of flags flapped wildly. I leaned against the rail, and waited for the next person to come through the far side, then snapped this exposure.

This is a slope of Jhomolhari, the second tallest mountain in Bhutan. As part of my trip we trekked for 10 days from the town of Paro to the base of this mountain, high in the Himalayas.