Michael Givel, Rebecca Sherry, and Noah Givel in Bhutan. (Click for larger.)

Bhutan National Day celebration. (Click for larger.)

The five kings of Bhutan since the monarchy was established in 1907. Bhutan has just recently peacefully transitioned into a constitutional monarchy, with the first ever democratic elections held in 2008. (Click for larger.)

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fifth Dragon King of Bhutan. Khesar took the throne after his father abdicated in 2006. (Click for larger.)

The Paro Taksang, or "Tiger's Nest," Temple was completed in 1692. It is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site. (Click for larger.)

Bhutanese Hindu girls. Hindus make up a large minority in Bhutan, and they are allowed to freely practice their religion. However, many ethnic Nepalese Hindu have faced discrimination in the country. More than 100,000 ethnic Nepalese were expelled from Bhutan in the 1990s. They continue to live in refugee camps in easter Nepal. (Click for larger.)

Young monks at Punakha Dzong. Dzongs are ancient fortresses scattered throughout Bhutan that house Buddhist monks and secular administrators. (Click for larger.)

Takin, an animal that resembles a cow but is more closely related to sheep, is the national animal of Bhutan. The country is a global biodiversity hotspot with huge variations in climate based on elevation, from polar in the north to subtropical in the south. It is home to wildlife including including Bengal Tigers, Asian elephants, snow leopards, blue sheep, yak, and red pandas. (Click for larger.)

The Royal Institute of Management is the only institution of higher education in Bhutan for training civil servants and lawyers. (Click for larger.)

Secretaries at the Royal Institute of Management. (Click for larger.)

All Bhutanese citizens are required to observe the national dress code while in public, a robe-like gho for men and a long kira and short jacket-like tegu for women. (Click for larger.)

Trashi Chhoe Dzong in Thimpu, Bhutan. (Click for larger.)

Paro Dzong. (Click for larger.)