Legendary Travellers:2: Journey to Lhasa Dressed as a beggar, a revolver concealed in her bodice, fifty-four-year-old Madame Alexandra David-Neel walked into Lhasa, the holy city of a country forbidden to foreigners. By her side strolled Yongden, a young Sikkimese monk
Archery – datse in the Dzongkha language – originating in ancient warfare and hunting, is the national sport of Bhutan practiced by everyone from the King to a village school boy. Datse tournaments are held regularly at local and regional
It was a tragic event for Bhutan when, in 2013, fire destroyed the Wangduephodrang Dzong, a fortified monastery built in 1638. The King walked sadly among smouldering ruins where salvage operations had managed to save many historic treasures and holy relics.
These hand-painted Buddhist wall hangings are never signed. The identity of the painter is not important: it is an act of reverence and meditation. This is the thangka I brought back from Bhutan: Padmasambhava seated on lotus blossoms. Shown here
Bhutan has tigers in its southern jungle. You might even see one if you visit a wildlife park there, but this tiger is legendary. The great 8th century Guru, Padmasambhava, is said to have brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan, travelling
