BHUTAN is a Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, bordered on the north by Tibet and on the east and west by India, and separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a land of monasteries, fortresses (Dzongs), and dramatic topography, from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. It has used the phrase Gross National Happiness ever since 1972, declaring that Bhutan measures prosperity gauging its citizens’ happiness level, not the GDP.

There is something very peaceful and uplifting about spending time in Bhutan, even though many of the roads can jar your equilibrium! I found that such things didn’t bother me and I immersed myself in the beauty of the surroundings…the ancient temples and forts…and enjoyed the gentleness of the people. Modernity is coming to Bhutan, but there doesn’t seem to be the usual rush. And the government seems very attuned to the wishes of the people. I want to return and do some more hiking, and really immerse myself in the culture.

Stay tuned for photos – new website under construction!