A remarkable new photography book, “Bhutan: Portrait of a Kingdom,” has been released under the patronage of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Jetsuen Pema Wangchuck. The publication stands as both a visual odyssey and a literary homage to Bhutan—its people, landscapes, culture, and enduring spirit. Conceived as a collaborative endeavour, the book brings together internationally acclaimed photographers, celebrated writers, and Bhutanese contributors, all united in their effort to portray the kingdom through diverse and deeply attentive lenses.
What began as a project to present Bhutan to the world gradually transformed into a profound reflection on national identity, devotion, and unity. Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, speaking on the significance of the book’s release, described how recent events—the Global Peace Prayers and the nationwide celebrations for the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo—had filled the nation with emotion and collective gratitude.
“The last few days and weeks have been deeply moving for our country,” Her Majesty said. “With the Global Peace Prayers, thousands of people from Bhutan and beyond came together—to pray for peace in our world, for harmony among nations, and for compassion to guide humanity through these uncertain times.
“There was something profoundly beautiful about it—to see our mountains and valleys alive with prayers, and people from every walk of life united in hope. It reminded me that Bhutan’s greatest strength lies not in what we have, but in who we are: a people bound by faith, by love, and by an unshakable sense of devotion.”
Her Majesty reflected on how these prayers formed a heartfelt prelude to the celebrations of the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, a moment that resonated deeply in every Bhutanese heart. The days leading up to the anniversary, she said, were filled with reflection, gratitude, and a renewed awareness of the immeasurable ways in which His Majesty’s life and leadership have shaped the nation.
“For Bhutan, His Majesty is not only our Fourth Druk Gyalpo—he is our guide, our protector, and the source of so much of the peace and happiness we know today. His wisdom and foresight shaped the Bhutan we cherish; his guidance and example continue to shape who we aspire to be.”
Her Majesty also referenced His Majesty The King’s address delivered on 11 November, noting how his poignant reflection—“Sometimes I wonder what Bhutan would have been without King Jigme Singye Wangchuck”—captured a sentiment that echoed across the nation.
At the heart of Bhutan: Portrait of a Kingdom are the works of eleven distinguished photographers who travelled across the country in different seasons, capturing intimate, expansive, and atmospheric images of Bhutan’s landscapes, rituals, and everyday life. The collection also features a selection of exclusive photographs taken by His Majesty The King, whose long-standing passion for photography offers rare and personal glimpses into the land he serves.
Accompanying the imagery are essays by renowned writers Pico Iyer, Matthieu Ricard, and Dasho Kinley Dorji. Their reflections enrich the visual narrative with meditations on Bhutan’s philosophy, character, and evolving national story.
Project lead Dasho Thinlay Norbu noted that the photographers approached the kingdom with “artistry, empathy, and understanding,” capturing its essence in ways that invite readers to see Bhutan with renewed wonder. He expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Bhutanese people for the sincerity and respect with which the contributors undertook their work.
Published by Éditions du Pacifique, Bhutan: Portrait of a Kingdom will be available in both English and French. The English edition is set for global distribution through online platforms and select bookstores across Asia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. The French edition will be launched in Paris in December, followed by regional releases in Southeast Asia and a photographic exhibition planned for Paris in spring 2026.
A tribute to Bhutan’s living heritage and an invitation to view the country through the lens of reverence and curiosity, Bhutan: Portrait of a Kingdom stands as a significant addition to contemporary Himalayan literature and photography.
Nidup Lhamo
From Thimphu
