Photos

I look back on our trip to Bhutan with very fond memories. It is a country only now emerging from isolation from the rest of the world. Nestled between Tibet, China and North India and surrounded by the Himalayas it has managed to preserve its culture and unique way of life. Tourist numbers are strictly controlled in an effort to help preserve both the culture and beautiful pristine environment.

I took this photograph of the young monk at the Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong was known in ancient times as the Druk Pungthang Dechhen Phrodang or “the palace of great happiness”. It is the second dzong to be built in Bhutan and was the seat of government when Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. Today, the dzong is the winter home for the clergy.

The dzong‘s central tower, the utse, is six storeys high. The history of Punakha Dzong is characterised by damage from numerous fires, floods and earthquakes. Major renovations took place after the glacial floods of 1994 which damaged parts of the exterior of the dzong.

(See link for further information on the Dzong)
www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Bhutan////photo1288027.htm