thimphu – Posts from the Edge

A golden bodhisattva stands before the enormous Great Buddha Dordenma statue in Bhutan, just outside the city of Thimphu.

Bhutan, Thimphu, Great Buddha Dordenma

A Takin, the national animal of Himalayan mountain kingdom, Bhutan.

Bhutan, Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserve

During the annual Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival near Thimphu, Bhutan, members of the Royal Bhutan Army perform traditional masked dances.

Bhutan, Thimphu, Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival

A demon brandishing a knife twists and twirls at the top of the world during the Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival near Thimphu, Bhutan

Bhutan, Thimphu, Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival

Paro Taktsang – commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest – is Bhutan’s most famous temple. Nestled on the side of a cliff, seemingly defying gravity, this Himalayan Buddhist temple complex was built in 1692.

Bhutan, Thimphu, Tiger’s Nest

Everywhere you go in Bhutan, you’ll see elaborate penises painted on walls.

Bhutan, Thimphu

The Tachogang Lhakhang bridge was built in the mid 14th century by Thangthong Gyalpo, a pioneering civil engineer – and Buddhist yogi – who built 58 iron chain suspension bridges around Tibet and Bhutan.

Bhutan, Thimphu, Tachogang Lhakhang bridge

During the annual Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival near Thimphu, Bhutan, members of the Royal Bhutan Army perform traditional masked dances.

Bhutan, Thimphu, Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival

In 1971 archery was declared the national sport of the kingdom of Bhutan. Today, you’ll see people firing arrows everywhere you go.

Bhutan, Thimphu