Journey to a hidden kingdom in the Himalaya
The mountain kingdom of Bhutan remains enigmatic, unspoilt and deeply spiritual, with striking mountains and monasteries. Buddhism, the state religion, influences every aspect of Bhutanese life and is evident everywhere, with traditional dzongs (fortresses) dotting the landscape.
The country is strong in its desire to preserve Buddhist traditions. School children, for example, still wear the gho and kira (traditional Buddhist male and female clothing).
Unique in the world, the kingdom’s benchmark for success is measured in Gross National Happiness, as opposed to Gross Domestic Product. The idea of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, it champions a holistic approach to people’s development. The Bhutanese are subsequently a well-educated, vibrant and fun-loving people, happy to engage with visitors to their remarkable country.
A trip to this mountainous kingdom offers a tantalising glimpse into a lost world, set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalaya.