Ah, the magic of Bhutan! From the moment my Druk Air flight, which had been hovering dizzyingly close to the tree-clad 18,000ft peaks around Paro, takes an abrupt right turn, and miraculously lands on a relatively short runway of the country’s only international airport, there’s a sense of excitement and well-being. As I exit the aircraft, literally a two-minute walk from tarmac to airport, I breathe in the delicious serenity of this rugged, majestic landscape, on a cool 18°C, overcast day. This landlocked Buddhist kingdom with a population of just under eight lakh, nestled cozily south of the eastern Himalayas, where spectacular mountains, valleys, dzongs (fortresses), and Buddhist temples abound, is a country like no other, where it seems time has slowed, if not stood still, a perfect blend of modern graciousness and a vibrant, living centuries-old culture.
At its heart, Bhutan is a traditional society, with a monarchy at its helm, which is interwoven as richly and deeply as its colourful textiles. In fact, the monarchy gives this kingdom a sense of unity, as photos of a youthful His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his beloved Queen Jetsun Pema form a link between tradition, and modern progress and happiness. (In fact it was His Majesty’s father, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who coined the phrase ‘Gross National Happiness Index’ in the 1970s as an alternative to GDP to measure development.)
This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Healthy Hair, Do Care
Haircare in India has evolved to include weekly champis and extensive in-clinic rituals in equal measure.
LUXURY OASIS
The Elitaire club in The Leela Ambience, Gurugram, is a sanctuary of refined elegance and privileged access.
PEP TALK
The powerhouse ingredient, peptide, could be your ticket to luscious lips.
WHAT IS ORAL SUNSCREEN?
An exploration into the potential breakthrough in sun protection.
FACE FORWARD
Injectable moisturisers are skincare's latest saviours. Bazaar India investigates its rising popularity and whether it's truly as effective as it's made out to be.
SHINING LEGACY
Charlotte Tilbury talks about leading the first female-founded brand to partner with the Fi Academy, shares her beauty secrets, and narrates tales from her journey to stardom.
LOVE POTION
Beauty rituals, steeped in tradition, are undergoing a metamorphosis for younger generations, and helping them reconnect with their roots.
POWER DRESSING
Runway shows and strong campaigns are probably the best ways to reflect the shift in society and talk about issues that matter.
UNDER THE ARMOUR
The mob wife is an official goodbye to girlhood. But the loud aesthetic conceals a dark underbelly.
ALIA UNPLUGGED
The evolution of the versatile actor has been steady and solid. She opens up to Bazaar India about what the future of Bollywood looks like, the legacy she would like to create, and how she cancels out the noise.