Also called Window in the Sky, Bhutan’s other name is the Land of the Thunder Dragon. It is a land in the Himalayas, about 25,000 feet above sea level, its mountains hiding it from the rest of the world, shrouded in legend and myth—its supernatural beings, ancient monasteries and fortresses amidst a breathless sight.
A 45-minute trek from the base of a mountain in Thimpu, the capital, brings one to Tango (Horse Head) Monastery, a Buddhist college, which is also the residence of Desi Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy, now 14 years old, believed to be the reincarnation of the 16th century monk who built Tango.
On the way up the mountain brings with it interesting faces, locals having the time of their lives picnicking, a true example of what “Gross National Happiness” is all about. For me I translate it to leisurely living and happiness out of very simple pleasures in life.
I was lucky to be there, one of the auspicious days when the Desi Tensin Rabgye appeared in public. It was also a rare opportunity for an outsider to be invited in the College, in the Dean’s own dwellings and that of the other monks.
I had the rare opportunity to witness the monks’ prayers and rituals in the private confines of the monastery. I knew then what mystic meant. I was awe-struck (could not take pictures out of respect). Here are some photos taken in the Tango Monastery.
This is the Tango Monastery.
A snapshot with the Dean and some of the monks.
Oh, to be in their place, even for just a while—relaxed, leisurely, calm, peace, quiet.
And I had my moment!
Trekking down. Bhutanese are obliged to wear their national costumes at all times in public.
For men in Bhutan, the traditional dress is a robe known as the go. Women’s traditional costume is a wraparound garment called the kira.
Lush greens.
Related Posts
- Terror Attacks in Mumbai and Civil Unrest in Bangkok
- BHUTAN: SMILES Everywhere
- TWO Years in the Blogosphere
- Free Sightseeing Tours in Singapore
- Not All in Bangladesh is Poor
- Salut to Filipino-Portuguese Friendship (with Magellan Wine) at a dinner with Mayor Jose Marques of Sabrosa, Portugal
- My Boys are Offline (and New Stock Market Terms)
18 responses so far ↓
Major Tom // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:24 am
Such an exquisite scenery in Bhutan.
this must be how Paradise looks and felt like. So soothing and serene.
SexyMom: true—so soothing and serene.
Sidney // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:46 am
Wow! You went there…???Lucky you! This is really a place I want to visit!
Your pictures make me dream!
SexyMom: Yes, I went there 5 times over 2 years.
myepinoy // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Where are my children and my brothers? ha ha ha Just kidding.
One of my many dreams.
SexyMom: They must be here: Bhutan—Window in the Sky
noemi // Feb 11, 2008 at 11:28 pm
lovely! I still need to explore the world. travel more.
SexyMom: travel more…experience more…learn more
Shoshana // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:17 am
Wow Dine, that’s wonderful! I don’t think I’d make it to Bhutan anytime soon. They’re fascinating! How did you end up touring Bhutan?
SexyMom: All of it were business travel.
Kimmy // Feb 12, 2008 at 7:04 am
Looks like paradise indeed. Sana makapunta rin ako.
SexyMom: kinda next to paradise.
Toe // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Those photos are like straight out of a National Geographic documentary. Really beautiful! It’s great to know that there is a country that remains protected to western influences.
SexyMom: thanks, Toe. it’s like even if the camera is a very simple one, the pictures turn out to be good ones, because of the beauty of the place and the people.
mixednuts // Feb 12, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Wow Dine you’re so lucky! The first time I saw this place was when Matt Lauer of the Today Show went there and I thought it looked peaceful.
You know, even Richard Gere found the place so enchanting and mystical. I heard that he has converted to Buddhism.
mari // Feb 13, 2008 at 2:26 am
breathtaking pics of the snow-capped mountains!
i’m chiming in – this is National Geographic material.
SexyMom: and there’s so much to unearth!
Jayme // Feb 13, 2008 at 10:24 am
Wow! I never knew Bhutan was so peacefully beautiful. Even the people look so serene. Nice.
Bhutan is peacefully beautiful—even their citizens. Not only serene, but stress-free, too.
Happy Valentine’s Day–God’s Small Wonders : The D Spot // Feb 13, 2008 at 11:17 am
[...] they are the flowers of Bhutan—my finds, our flowers, [...]
Sexy Mom’s FamPics: Learning : The D Spot // Mar 3, 2008 at 5:33 pm
[...] adorable young monks were sent to the monastery early in their lives. It is not uncommon in Bhutan to send young kids for LEARNING the Bhuddist way of life. See the peace and joy in their faces? [...]
Sunbeam « Poems from the Heart // Jun 24, 2008 at 9:59 am
[...] taken in Togo Monastery in Bhutan Search [...]
BHUTAN: Where Gross National Happiness is measured rather than GNP and GDP : The D Spot // Aug 12, 2008 at 11:11 pm
[...] Bhutan is a land in the Himalayas, about 25,000 feet above sea level, its mountains hiding it from the rest of the world, shrouded in legend and myth—its supernatural beings, ancient monasteries and fortresses amidst a breathless sight. [...]
The D Spot–Finalist for The Philippine Blog Awards, Best Blog: Family and Living Category, etc : The D Spot // Sep 21, 2008 at 1:59 am
[...] Photo Blog: Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon [...]
Here Comes Philippine Blog Awards 2008! | Prudence and Madness // Sep 21, 2008 at 9:53 am
[...] PhotoBlog: Bhutan Land of the Thunder Dragon [...]
applesafina // Nov 17, 2008 at 9:04 pm
wow..i love bhutan..pano mkapunta jan??..guz2 ko pntahan bf ko..hehehehe..
BHUTAN: SMILES Everywhere : The D Spot // Nov 26, 2008 at 2:20 pm
[...] Bhutan, the land where Gross National Happiness (GNH) is the main index for defining the quality of life [...]
Leave a Comment