Memories of Bhutan

Bhutan ranks among the smallest nations in the world. Sandwiched between India and China, Bhutan is a mountainous state with a majority of its land area covered by forest. This richness in nature is what makes it one of my favorite locations in the world. Like most other nations in the Eastern Part of the world, Bhutan also has a rich and vibrant history, colorful culture and amazing architectural marvels.

Drugyal Dzong, Paro

Takin the National Animal of Bhutan

Bhutan is one of my favorite places in the Indian Subcontinent. This mountainous country is one of the few places where one can find nature at its pristine best without any interference from humans. This is one of the nations that has not gone to war for several centuries. Perhaps it is too small to fight either of the giants nations surrounding it. I admire the country for its natural beauty and the way the government and people respect nature and strive to preserve it.
The national animal of Bhutan is the Takin, a pretty docile herbivorous creature of the goat-antelope family. The gracious animal is protected ardently in the former mountain kingdom. Here are some pictures of the Takin that I captured when I visited the stamp-sized nation few years ago.

The Colorful Tsechu Festival of Bhutan

The mountain kingdom of Bhutan has a colorful culture which includes amazing dances, music and festivals. One of the most famous festivals of this country is the Tsechu Festival during which the ceremonial dances take place bringing the nation's people together. Here are few pictures of the celebrations.

Buddhist Monasteries in Bhutan

Bhutan is perhaps the only nation in the world which places so much emphasis on protecting its forest wealth. The country sited amidst towering Himalayan mountains is full of forests. The sparse population helps maintain the fragile environment to a certain extant. In terms of religion Bhutan is mainly Buddhist and their monasteries are earthy and natural. Most of them are located far away from civilization atop mountains or amidst forests.

Bhutan Views

Have been too busy with school and hence not had the time to photograph too many things. I just thought I'd keep the blog active by posting some recycled pictures. Here are some memories of Bhutan which I visited two years ago... yes... it has been nearly 2 years since I visited Bhutan... my god... how time has flown... it is a year since I landed here and it has been really fast....
Anyway now let us get some Bhutan pictures...

The Tsechu Festival in progress

Bhutan National Library

Old and recycled pictures

Recycling is great for environment, is it good for blogging... I don't know but maybe it will be good. I am posting some pictures of my old travels, this will continue till I get my own camera... which may take sometime... possibly couple of weeks. In this post I'd like to rekindle some of my memories of Bhutan, the latest democracy in the world. I travelled to Bhutan in 2007 on motorcycle as part of a South Asian Motorcycle Odyssey. Here are some really great pictures of this beautiful mountain kingdom.

Picture of Paro Airport, the only one in the stamp sized nation

The Bhutan National Assembly building

Bhutan's national animal - The Takin

Main street in Paro, Bhutan's second largest and most touristy town

Paro Dzong, one of the most important heritage monuments

Bhutan's national attire. It is compulsory for government officials and everyone during official ceremonies