The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in Asia, and it is the smallest state located entirely within the Himalaya mountain range. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it is bordered by China and India. Bhutan is a democracy and constitutional monarchy. The Bhutanese monarchy was founded in 1907. It held its first democratic elections in 2008. Bhutanese call their home “Druk Yul,” which means “the Land of the Thunder Dragons,” because of the extremely powerful storms which constantly roar in from the Himalayas. Bhutan is the only country to outlaw tobacco and Plastic bags have been banned since 1999.

Paro, Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest)

Paro, Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest)

Paro, National Museum, Ta Dzong

Paro Dzong (aka Rinpung Dzong)

Thimphu, Buddha Dordenma

Paro, bridge, dzong and Ta Dzong

Punakha Dzong

Dochu La Pass, 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens

Chendebji Chorten

Phobjikha Valley, Gangteng Monastery

Around Jakar, Jambay Lhakhang

Lhuntse Dzong

Lhuntse Dzong

Tashi Yangtse, dzong

Tashi Yangtse, Chorten Kora

Tashigang Dzong, practising for a tshechu

Jakar tshechu, school girls washing their sins away

Jakar tshechu, thongdrel unfurling

Jakar tshechu, Guru Tshengye, atsara, Loden Chogse manifestation

Jakar tshechu, Guru Tshengye, Nyima Oezer manifestation

Jakar tshechu, Guru Tshengye, Guru Senge Dradog manifestation

credit: Arian Zwegers

Festival of Vilanova i la Geltru is a celebration of the Virgin of les Neus, the patron saint of the city and kicks of in amazing style with the breathtaking Correfoc. There is an awe inspiring procession of both fire breathing dragons and demons wielding torches. It winds its way throughout the city amongst the thousands of spectators.

credit: Vilanova i la Geltrú          Photo de Xavi Saumell / Okonos