Bhutan – the The Last Shangri La, the land of the Thunder Dragon, and a culture that celebrates ‘Gross National Happiness’ over GNP. It’s an idyllic Himalayan kingdom sandwiched between the world superpowers of China and India. The government strictly controls tourism and is one of the last Himalayan kingdoms to resist rampant modernization. Until 1974 there was no currency, all transactions were completed in trade. There’s few places in the world remaining where a visitor can glimpse such a strong cultural heritage still thriving.
Dochu La pass overlooking Himalayas & Gnagkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world (22,600 feet), Bhutan
Buddhists circumnavigating Memorial Chorten in prayer, Thimpu
Monk running up stairs inside Jakar Dzong, Bumthang