Google's Street View vans continue to cover countries around the world, stitching together panoramas and allowing armchair travelers to hit the road. A few years ago, I posted "A Trip to Bhutan," a photo essay made up largely of the agency photographer's shots, which had a great reception. Today I'd like to show you a few views of Bhutan's remarkable landscape and colorful architecture, courtesy of Google's Street View team (with links in the captions, so you can explore more on your own). Covering most of the roads in mountainous country, some of the shots were taken at elevations approaching 4,000 meters (13,129 feet) above sea level.
A Virtual Drive Through Bhutan
Hints:
View this page full screen.
Skip to the next and previous photo by typing j/k or ←/→.
-
![]()
Read moreA view of the hilltop Lhuntse Dzong, founded in 1543, above the Kuri Chhu valley in eastern Bhutan. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreA gateway on the Trashiyangtse-Tashigang Road, one of hundreds of similarly ornate gates found throughout Bhutan. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read morePrayer flags fly in the wind at the highest point on Dantak Road, an elevation of 3,988 meters (13,083 feet). See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA view of the Trongsa Dzong, founded in 1543, renovated in 1927. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreA broad valley near Wangdue Phodrang. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read morePrayer wheels in Chhukha, Bhutan. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA man overlooks a valley near Samdrup Jongkhar. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreFriendly wishes near Narphu. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA riot of color and fabric, as a road bridge and older footbridge over the Kulong Chu River are decorated with prayer flags. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA waterfall visible from the Phuntsholing-Thimphu Highway. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreA roadside stupa on farmland near Trashiyangtse. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreNewer construction clustered together in Wangdue Phodrang. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreThe streets of Paro. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreA road sign on a twisting mountain road reads "Be Gentle on My Curves." BRO stands for the Border Roads Organization, which maintains roads bordering some parts of India. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreThe ruined Dzong at Wangdue Phodrang. Built in 1638, the structure burned down in June of 2012 while undergoing renovation. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreThe Dangme Chu River flows through a narrow valley. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreA friendly bit of graffiti on a wall in Thimphu, saying simply "I Love You". See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA roadside shrine north of Thimphu. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreHillsides surrounding Wangdue Phodrang. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreA statue of Buddha at Kuensel Phodrang in Thimphu. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreThe large building at the right is the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's civil government, in the city of Thimphu. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA pigeon flies in front of the camera on a street corner in the small town of Khaling. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreA small footbridge above the Dangme Chu River. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreBuildings near the Gangtey Monastery. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA small group of homes on a lush hillside near Samdrup Jongkhar. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreA small farm building near Paro. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreAn overview of Bhutan's capital and largest city, Thimphu. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA small bridge leads to Paro Rinpung Dzong. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
-
![]()
Read moreOverlooking the town of Paro, above the Rinpung Dzong. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc. -
![]()
Read moreA man uses his mobile phone on a roadside above a valley near Trashiyangtse. See it mapped. #
© Google, Inc.
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.