With mountain peaks reaching up to 7500 meters high, this constitutional monarchy’s culture is deeply rooted in Mahayana Buddhism, a tradition that emphasises universal compassion and the idea that enlightenment is attainable by all.
With 70 per cent of its territory covered in forests and a population of fewer than 800,000, Bhutan holds a unique global record; it is the first, and (so far) only country with negative carbon emissions, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces.
But the country’s distinctiveness doesn’t stop there. Instead of measuring progress through GDP (Gross Domestic Product), Bhutan uses GNH, Gross National Happiness. This index, introduced in the early 1970s by then-King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, father of the current monarch, is an innovative measure of national well-being that takes into account factors like income, health, education, safety and the environment.
Just like Italy, Bhutan places great importance on traditional festivals, called Tshechu in the Bhutanese language, which are celebrated throughout the year across the country.
Among the most significant is the Thimphu Tshechu, held in the capital over three days filled with traditional music, colourful costumes and spiritual dances. It’s a time when families gather and religious traditions are honoured. It was into this vibrant, unfamiliar setting, rich in culture and breathtaking landscapes, that the Biesse family arrived five months ago, landing in Paro, just 65 kilometres from Thimphu, on a flight piloted by one of only 50 aviators certified to operate at what is considered one of the world’s most dangerous airports.
Zara Biesse, together with her sister Amber, brother Eli and their parents, began a new chapter in Thimphu - one filled with uncertainty, excitement and anticipation. After leaving Brisbane at the start of Year 12, Zara enrolled in the Cairns School of Distance Education to continue her studies and prepare for her final exams, all while trying to adapt to a completely new environment.
“My dad visited Bhutan a few years ago and fell in love with it,” Zara explained, “So, he and my mum decided to move the whole family here and start a tech company.” Although initially resistant, Zara and her siblings eventually embraced the move, which none of them now regret. “I had a great group of friends in Brisbane and didn’t want to leave,” she shared, “but after being here for a while, I changed my mind. Now I’m grateful we made the move.”
Adjusting hasn’t been easy. The cultural and linguistic differences pose challenges. “Change is hard, especially because I’d never travelled to Asia before, so I didn’t know what to expect,” Zara admitted. “The customs and etiquette are completely different. And then there’s the language; people speak Dzongkha, a Tibetan dialect. I hadn’t planned on learning it, but the more local friends I make, the more I want to. I’ve started to pick up phrases just by being around them.” This journey of openness, understanding and growth has been embraced by Zara with maturity and heart.
“We’ve learned so much these past months, even though it’s been difficult,” she said, “Doing school remotely; I miss social interaction, but little by little I’ve made friends.” Through basketball, Zara connected with a group of peers who introduced her to others, helping her expand her social circle. “I really like life in Thimphu. It’s a peaceful place where people are kind and welcoming. They make us feel at home.”
Daily life, it turns out, isn’t so different. “I hang out with friends in town, we meet at cafés, play basketball and volleyball, and go on walks.”
Looking ahead, Zara plans to return to Australia to study law, or perhaps a double degree in law and business. “But I’m not ready to leave Bhutan just yet,” she noted. “I think I’ll take some time to travel after exams. I’d also love to visit Italy.”
Italian is, in fact, one of the subjects she’s studying for her final exams. “I have to get up at four in the morning to attend class,” she revealed, “but since there aren’t many other chances to speak Italian, I try to make the effort.” To improve, she practices with her sister, calls friends back in Queensland and listens to Italian music.
Although her family has no Italian roots, Zara studied the language from Years 7 to 9 in an immersion program at North Lakes State College. That experience solidified her passion and desire to continue learning Italian through high school, and hopefully at university too. “I love the language and the culture, and I really hope to study and live in Italy one day,” she said.
After overcoming the initial shock of adapting to a new culture and lifestyle, Zara now seems ready for whatever challenge lies ahead. In the meantime, she spends time playing the piano, hanging out with her siblings and family, and building new friendships - all against the backdrop of stunning mountain landscapes dotted with clifftop Buddhist temples.
