Paro, Bhutan.
Bhutan was high on our must-visit list before we set off on this trip. Their unique, land-locked, never-been-colonised, Buddhist culture was incredible to experience. Every three years the government solicits a national happiness census which is the basis of their Gross Domestic Happiness rating. Bhutan is the only carbon negative
country in the world, which means they remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they emit. Sixty percent of the country must remain forest according to the Bhutanese constitution. The landscape, history, culture, and spirituality of Bhutan made a big impact on us. Given generously, we received a piece of Bhutanese happiness which will long stay with us.
Flying over the Himalayas
First Bhutanese dinner, with our white welcome scarves
Chilies with cheese - a Bhutanese national dish
Key to happiness?
Bhutan National Museum
Bhutanese national sport: archery
It was so cold!
Setting off on the Tiger's Nest hike
Picnic at the bottom
Hot stone baths
With fresh lemongrass
Peeking out from the bath watching the boys do archery
Paro at night
Hiking to Tiger’s Nest
Bath heated with hot stones
Tiger’s Nest up close
Driving through town
View from Tiger’s Nest
Making butter wine