The majesty of this ancient Himalayan kingdom remains a shining allurement in the eyes of a photographer. Despite the march of time and Bhutan’s stepping away from an absolute hereditary monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in the transition to a parliamentary democracy, the country keeps alive many old cultural traditions, which continue to enrich the visitor experience.
Royal Splendour
The much-loved royal couple, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his gorgeous wife Queen Jetsun Pema, enjoy a wonderful relationship with the Bhutanese populace. Their public appearances with their three children, at many events offer an array of intimate photo ops for intrepid photographers. What’s great is that all of these royals, including the new born girl child, are pretty photogenic.
Artisanal Traditions
What’s not common knowledge that the duo, who studied and met in England, before they were wed have a great love for the arts. Bhutan has an ancient tradition for preserving the 13 arts and crafts (collectively known as Zorig Chusum) from ancient times and the king has played a pivotal role in this endeavour. The artisanal skills of the Bhutanese find voice in many art forms ranging from painting to sculpture, from weaving to metal craft. Time spent in Thimphu amongst the students at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, is perfect for capturing these traditions on camera.
Phallus Worship
Bhutan’s culture offers a treasure trove of subjects that captivate the lens eye. Unmissable are its unique Phallus-worshiping traditions which leave no room for censure, being deeply embedded in Bhutanese culture of homage to deeply venerated Lama Drukpa Kunle, the ‘Divine Madman’. Actively depicted in the form of sculptures and murals in shrines, markets and other public spaces, even walls of homes, this symbolic imagery remains an all-pervasive everyday spiritual tradition.
Dzong Culture
The stunning dzongs of Bhutan from medieval times are steeped in history. But they are also important for their artistic traditions from the architecture to the sculpted and gilded deities that are gorgeously attired. Check out the superb Punakha Dzong, also a monastic retreat. At one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan, the Thimphu Tshechu or religious festival held in the courtyard of the Tashichhodzong, your camera lens will feast upon the endless frames of the colourful chaam, the fantastic masked dance performed by the monks.
Urban and Rural Landscapes
Your camera will certainly go into overdrive collecting scenes of the citizenry going about their daily affairs. From school kids to monks, from vendors to Bhutanese youth hanging out at the favourite watering holes in town, your wanderings around the streets and bazaars of national capital Thimphu will be truly rewarding.
In the rural areas, spin out your days catching superb shots of the Himalayan peaks, the gorgeous forest cover and the small farms manned by the peasantry. Unmissable are the traditional village houses, draped with drying red chilies, an intrinsic part of Bhutan’s culinary arts. Even here the symbolic phallus imagery emerges on public walls, people homes and tiny shrines.
At the Royal Highland Festival at Haa you’ll get to meet the highlanders from different nomadic communities. From the pomp and pageantry, also attended by the royals, you will get to shoot horse racing, beautifully adorned yaks and livestock, traditional crafts and cuisine of these communities at this annual festival.
Bhutan has a thousand faces, each more endearing and photo worthy than the next. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself saving up to return again to this gorgeous Shangri-La on Earth.