Around the World in Analogue: Bhutan

Situated between China in the North and India in the South, Bhutan is known for its lush landscapes and its unparalleled dedication to preserving its colorful culture and environment.

In this edition of Around the World in Analogue, Lomographer Jaclyn (@lomographer_to_be) returns to the magazine to talk about her trip to the landlocked country of Bhutan. Let's get into it!

Name: Jaclyn
LomoHome: @lomographer_to_be
Social Media: lomographer_to_be (Instagram)
Camera: Lomo LC-A+
Film: Lomography Color Negative 400, Fujifilm Superia 400
Location: Bhutan

One of the most unforgettable trips of my life was my visit to Bhutan four years ago. Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a landlocked country locally known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" and internationally well-known for adopting the Gross National Happiness index. I have always been fascinated by the Buddhist culture in Bhutan, and my trip there further deepened my interest in this beautiful country.

To explore Bhutan, tourists are required to travel in groups with authorized drivers and tour guides. During my one-week stay in this scenic nation, I visited Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha by car and was deeply impressed by the way nature is preserved there. Despite being a developing country, Bhutan has strict regulations to promote environmental conservation.

70% of the land is covered by extensive forests, making Bhutan the world's first carbon-negative country. The country also relies on hydropower as its energy source, fully harnessing the gift from nature without harming the environment.

The most famous site in Bhutan is the Tiger’s Nest, a sacred Buddhist site located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. It began as a meditation cave in the 9th century and was formally constructed as a monastery in 1692.

To reach the shrine, I hiked along steep rocks and slopes with my heavy backpack. The five-hour round trip was not easy but undoubtedly worth it. Enjoying the breathtaking scenery at the top of the mountain was definitely a highlight of this trip.

Another memorable moment from the trip was my encounter with local people. There was no language barrier since most Bhutanese speak English – they begin learning English in kindergarten.

The people I met there were very friendly and hospitable. I learned from them that Bhutanese still wear their traditional clothes as school and work uniforms – what a great way to preserve the local culture!

My trip to Bhutan started out as an exploration of an unfamiliar land and culture, and it ended up making Bhutan one of the best countries I have ever visited. I really appreciate how Bhutanese respect nature and their culture.

Life in Bhutan may not be filled with excitement, but it is the simplicity that reveals the beauty of life.

We'd like to thank Jaclyn for sharing her images and stories with us! To keep in touch, visit her LomoHome or Instagram Page.

Want to take us Around the World in Analogue? Drop a line to aj.bajo@lomography.com with the subject Around the World in Analogue and share your unforgettable travels with the rest of the community! Read the guidelines here.

written by sylvann on 2024-04-09 #culture #people #places #bhutan #around-the-world-in-analogue Share Article