Western Bhutan Collection

A small Buddha shrine surrounded by wisteria in the Hotel Gangtey Palace, which is a superb hotel with wonderful views. The 100-year-old building, once a kings palace

This mural is common to many monasteries and tells the story of co-operation and unity amongst Buddha and his three disciples

Bhutan, Paro. Colorful prayer flages in front of small outbuilding of the Tigers Nest, sacred Himalayan Buddhist temple complex

Tsholham - traditional knee-length boots that are worn by Bhutanese men during important ceremonial occasions. They are commonly hand-stitched from cow or sheep hide and decorated with brocade

A Bhutanese man in national costume views an eastern Himalayan mountain range from the 11, 000-foot-high Black Mountains pass known as Lawa La

A young monk holds his red robes as he runs across the courtyard of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (fortress). This massive 17th century monastery is situated atop a high ridge between the Punak Tsang

The 17th century Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Happiness) is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan, and is arguably the most beautiful

Two monks blow long horns called dung-chen, at the temple of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (fortress). These copper or brass instruments create a low powerful sound

A dancer performs Shazam Tam, the Dance of the Four Stags outside Punakha Dzong. The dance commemorates the subjugation of the troublesome Wind God by Guru Rinpoche who rode the Gods stag to

Dancers perform Shazam Tam, the Dance of the Four Stags outside Punakha Dzong. The dance commemorates the subjugation of the troublesome Wind God by Guru Rinpoche who rode the Gods stag in celebration

The new Vajra Throne Buddha Dordenma has been erected on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu. The Chinese-made 169-foot-high gold-gilded bronze Buddha is the largest and most impressive in the world

A long line of butter lamps burning at the Changangkha Temple, a fine 15th century temple, on the outskirts of Thimphu

Red chillies for sale at Paro open-air market. Both red and green chillies are very important ingredients for Bhutanese food

A woman weaves an intricate pattern in silk on her traditional wooden loom. The broad leather belt around her buttocks is the reason for naming this particular type of loom backstrap loom

Taktshang Goemba, Tiger??s Nest??, is Bhutan??s most famous monastery. It is perched miraculously on the ledge of a sheer cliff 900 metres above the floor of the Paro Valley

Archery, datse, is a favourite national sport of the Bhutanese. Here an Archer practices his skills on the high Cheli La Pass using a traditional bamboo bow and arrow

The very impressive 16th century Paro Dzong, the fortress that sits on a heap of Jewels, and its round watchtower, now a national museum

A masked dancer with cymbals performs Drametse Nga Cham (the religious masked dance). This exciting dance has it origins in the 16th century at the Drametse monastery in Eastern Bhutan

View through farmland clinging to the Himalayan foothills towards China from Wangdue Phodrang district, Western Bhutan, Himalayas, Asia

Buddhas eyes on stupa in the grounds of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal, consecrated in 1999, Punakha, Western Bhutan, Asia

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Discover the enchanting beauty of Western Bhutan, where ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes come together in perfect harmony. Step into the Hotel Gangtey Palace and be greeted by a small Buddha shrine adorned with vibrant wisteria, offering a serene setting with magnificent views. This century-old palace-turned-hotel has undergone imaginative modernization while preserving its regal heritage. Immerse yourself in the rich culture as you encounter a mural that tells tales of cooperation, found in numerous monasteries across the region. Witness colorful prayer flags fluttering gracefully in front of a humble outbuilding at Tigers Nest in Paro, adding an aura of spirituality to this sacred site. Experience authenticity through traditional attire as Bhutanese men don Tsholham - knee-length boots hand-stitched from cow or sheep hide, embellished with intricate brocade patterns. Marvel at the sight of a Bhutanese man dressed in his national costume gazing upon the majestic eastern Himalayan mountain range from an elevated viewpoint. Catch a glimpse of daily life within Wangdue Phodrang Dzong's courtyard as young monks playfully run while holding their vibrant red robes aloft. Explore Punakha Dzong, known as the Palace of Great Happiness since its construction during the 17th century – it stands proudly as one of Bhutan's oldest fortresses. Be captivated by two monks blowing long horns called dung-chen at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong's temple, filling the air with soul-stirring melodies. Witness dancers performing Shazam Tam – Dance of Four Stags outside Punakha Dzong; this mesmerizing dance commemorates Guru Rinpoche's triumph over Wind God atop a divine stag. Ascend to Thimphu and witness awe-inspiring grandeur at Buddha Dordenma – an imposing 169-foot-high gold-gilded bronze statue perched on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu.