Bhutan is a developing nation that sits northeast of India and south of Tibet. It is both a secular and religious country with Bhuddism the predominant religion.
In March 2009, I went to Bhutan on a photo adventure. We traveled west to east crossing high Himalayan passes and traversing great forests. Along the way, we visited towns and rural villages; monasteries and temples. We attended large and small religious festivals and participated in local gatherings and cultural programs. We were immersed in the culture -- a culture of a genuinely kind, generous and friendly people.
From our first day, we learned about Buddhism and experienced the influence of Buddhism on its people. Ultimately, we came to understand that Buddhism is in the very fiber of Bhutanese daily life.
This is a short photo essay in black and white of some of the people and sites of this Himalayan Mountain Kingdom.
I hope this essay has given you a sense the people and culture of Bhutan.
Many more images, including those in color, may be found at the link below.