From The Straits Times    |

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Gorgeous surroundings and beautiful culture 

One of those very rare places, where you can literally leave the rat race behind, many visitors to Bhutan come to conquer its mountain peaks, trek arduously along some of the most amazing trails in the world, or simply to marvel at its temples, giant prayer wheels and gorgeous landscapes with unusual birds, orchids and medicinal plants.

With its grand and intimate settings, and unique scenery (as seen in our fashion pages as well), Bhutan may be picture-perfect for romantic getaways, destination weddings and honeymoons as well but it has not lost sight of its spirituality and faithfulness to Buddhism or the traditions that permeate Bhutanese daily life.

His Majesty - Wedding - Royal Media Office

2014-05-05, Paro, Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong is a large Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist monastery and fortress in the Paro District of Bhutan. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. In the 15th century local people offered the crag of Hungrel at Paro to Lama Drung Drung Gyal, a descendant of Pajo Drugom Zhigpo. Drung Drung Gyal built a small temple there and later a five storied Dzong or fortress which was known as Hungrel Dzong. In the 17th century, his descendants, the lords of Hungrel, offered this fortress to the Drukpa hierarch Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, in recognition of his religious and temporal authority. In 1644 the Shabdrung dismantled the existing Dzong and laid the foundations of a new Dzong. In 1646 the Dzong was reconsecrated and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region and it became known as Rinpung Dzong. Inside Rinpung Dzong are fourteen shrines and chapels: Kungarwa Dukhang - or monks assembly hall Tseden Chöten (sandlwood stupa) shrine Protector's shrine Temple of the Guru's Eight Manifistations (གུ་རུ་མཚན་རྒྱད་ལྷ་ཁང) Chapel of the head Lama Chapel of Amitayus The Clear Crystal Shrine Chapel of the Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara Apartments of the Abbot Chapel of Akshobya Buddha Temple of the Treasure Revealer Apartments of the King (Gyalpo'i Zimchung) Temple of the Bursar Outside the main Dzong there is the Deyangkha Lhakhang. On the hill above Rinpung Dzong is a seven storied the watchtower fortress or Ta Dzong built in 1649. In 1968 this was established as the home of the National Museum of Bhutan. A great annual festival or tsechu is held at Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in March or April of the Gregorian calendar). On this occasion, holy images are taken in a procession. This is followed by a series of traditional mask dances co

But what makes Bhutan – the happiest country in the world – truly memorable and beautiful are its citizens, and they are incredibly sincere, helpful, and warm as well as so proud of their culture, heritage and faith. They also take pride in their volunteer and charity work, and upholding the country’s law of wearing the traditional national dress in public.

 

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Natural Beauty
Another law discourages mass tourism in order to preserve the ecological beauty of Bhutan, so if you want to experience the unique scenery and spirituality, you will need to pay a certain amount in advance, as I did, for the privilege. It includes an obligatory guide to help you decipher the ways of the country and its environment. And what an environment it is. I cannot think of enough words to describe this living Eden of painterly beauty.

 

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Pre-wedding shoots
The many monasteries scattered across the landscape are a sight to behold indeed, and make for gorgeous pre-wedding photo backdrops. Bedecked with richly embroidered tapestries, paintings and imposing statues, all evoke a sense of timelessness and serenity I have never ever experienced elsewhere in my travels.

To get to the country, you will need to go through Druk Asia Bhutan Travel Specialist (www.drukasia.com), which will tell you all you need to know about travelling to Bhutan. The videos in the links on the website provide an insight on what to expect. Druk Asia Bhutan Travel Specialist took care of all the logistics for the fashion shoot I styled in Bhutan, including the guide, vehicle and driver for the entire stay. This made the team’s experience seamless and a pleasure. Just let them know what you need for you rshoot and where you would like to go. Their knowledge and suggestions are invaluable.

I went during summer (June to August), which is considered a low season – and when hotel prices and airfares are a tad cheaper. It tends to be cloudy and rainy, but is actually perfect for wedding shoots – even if you have to pack some long-sleeved tops and jackets – because of the cool weather.

 

Weddings & Celebrations
Hong Kong megastars Tony Leung and Carina Lau tied the knot in Bhutan at Uma by Como Paro. But there are more hotels to choose from. The Taj Tashi Thimpu, where the Female Brides team and I stayed, is perfect for elegant affairs. Its beautiful gardens are a great setting for cocktails and an outdoor ceremony. It also offers dinner options – from a fine dining restaurant to a cafe (buffet) and a bar for more informal gatherings. More importantly, the hotel’s staff will handle all your wedding preparations and needs efficiently and effortlessly.

Punakha Dzong - Wiris William

Honeymoons
With a provided guide and driver, you can choose to hike up a mountain, go camping or simply drive to some of the most scenic spots you’ll ever see. You can also travel to different parts of Bhutan and stay at various hotels along the way, or stick to one hotel and make daily excursions from there.

 

The Female Brides team flew to Bhutan courtesy of Druk Air and Taj Tashi Thimpu. Thanks to Ivy and the wonderful staff of Taj Tashi Thimpu, as well as Druk Asia Bhutan Travel Specialists Joni and Cipto, our guide Ugyen and driver, Chimi.