On the first day of the Paro Tshechu

More Paro Tshechu

B is for Bhutan

At the Paro Tshechu

April 6,2009, opening day of the Paro Tshechu (festival) at The Paro Dzong, one of the main social gatherings of the year.

Attendees are decked out in their finest garb, as crowds gather to watch the ceremonial dances.

Spinning the prayer wheel

A devotee spins the prayer wheels while passing the temple.

Automated prayer using a string to spin the wheel.

Last looks at Zhiwaling before hitting the road

Line of lamps in the foyer.

A Slogan for Bhutan - "Gross National Happiness"

Welcome to Bhutan!

The Paro airport is the only port of entry by air.

Checking in at the Zhiwaling Hotel on the outskirts of Paro.



View from room 36 at the Zhiwaling Hotel.

Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

We arrive in one of the only two planes in Bhutan.

View of The Himalayas upon deplaning.

Bhutan: Kingdom in the Clouds

On our Bhutan Expedition with National Geographic, April 3-15, 2009.
B is for Bhutan.