Bhutan, a small landlocked kingdom nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between India and China, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique approach to national development. Often referred to as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan places a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and cultural preservation, guided by its distinctive philosophy of Gross National Happiness. The capital city, Thimphu, is a blend of tradition and modernity, serving as the political and cultural heart of the nation.

Air travel into Bhutan is an adventure in itself—Paro International Airport, the country’s only international gateway, is considered one of the most challenging airports in the world due to its location among steep mountains and short runway, requiring specially trained pilots. This puts it squarely into my top three plane landings - St. Barth’s, Paro and the old Hong Kong Airport.

In October 2019, I traveled to Bhutan as part of a photography tour led by Australian photographer Adam Monk. Along with about 12 other participants, I had the opportunity to trek, drive, and immerse myself in Bhutanese culture through food, conversations, and attending various religious ceremonies.

While there, I met the only non-Bhutanese individual ever granted a residency permit. He was a Swiss cheesemaker hired by the previous king—an intriguing story that speaks volumes about the country's insular yet globally curious nature. Feel free to ask me about it sometime.

When people ask me what Bhutan is like, I often describe it this way: "On the seventh day, after creating the world, God was resting when an angel tapped him on the shoulder. The angel pointed out that God had forgotten a tiny speck on Earth. Exhausted and out of ideas, God decided to copy and paste his favorite, most beautiful places into this little country."