Western and Central Bhutan.

Chimi Lhakhang, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa Dzong, Dochu La, etc.

Clouds pouring over a mountain pass. A panoramic view of the Trongsa Dzong. Exterior view of the Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa Dzong interior view. A view from a window in the Trongsa Dzong. Detail on a building in the Trongsa Dzong. Different levels within the Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa is in the middle of Bhutan, the ancestral home of the royal family. Close to the clouds. Orchids growing in the rocks in the high elevation mountain passes. A Nepalese-style chorten at Chendebji, the eyes of Buddha are watching you. A view from a hike to Chimi Lhakhang. Another view from a hike to Chimi Lhakhang. Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 where childless women go to be blessed. Even the insects are pretty. A Tibetan-style chorten. Another place I stayed, the Zangto Pelri Hotel. Hand painted detail on the Zangto Pelri Hotel entrance. The pass at Dochu La, 11,650', on the rare clear day you can see the High Himalaya. A cow in the prayer flags and mist at Dochu La. Even at the highest elevations there were colorful alpine flowers. Masses of prayer flags at Dochu La. There are rivers, streams and waterfalls throughout the country. A kid in Wangdue Phodrang. A view of the area around Wangdue Phodrang. The dzong at Wangdue Phodrang. Another view of the Wangdue Phodrang area in the evening. A morning glory from the garden at the Dragon's Nest Hotel. Chortens and prayer flags. It grows wild everywhere but the Bhutanese prefer alcohol.