Everest sighting on the flight to Paro

Probably the only airport where you can hang around on the tarmac taking pics

Our travel info said to 'expect the unexpected' - landslide on the way from the airport to Thimphu

House *in* a hill!

15th century iron bridge

Bhutanese 7-11

Namgay Wangchuk - our very safe driver

Buddha Point, Thimphu

Expect the unexpected (2) - forest fire that started before our eyes

And spread, burning 50 acres - no homes fortunately

Security at Thimphu Dzong

Thimphu Dzong

Traditional Medicine Institute - pharmacy covers all bases...a spin of the prayer wheel before collecting your medicine (complete with Q-matic system)

Centenary Farmers' Market, Thimphu - the ubiquitous chilly

Healthy ageing in the land of Gross National Happiness

Healthy lunch...red rice, buckwheat noodles

Traffic lights in Thimphu

Weaving Institute

The breathtaking Dochula Pass with 108 stupas and the magnificent Himalayas as a backdrop

There was only space for the cow or us on the path...the cow had to move

Ok, so my laces kept getting undone...till the very kind Rinxin tied them for me. Sigh.

Under the Bodhi tree

At the monastery on top of the hill

Novice monk

Rocks to hold the zinc roof down

Hilltop nunnery (pretty much everything of importance - religious or otherwise - was on a 'hill')

Classrooms everywhere cause headaches

Mini Stupa painting in session

Punakha Dzong...another breathtaking moment