End of the Road - Bhutan - The Royal Government of Bhutan

This assignment documented the Brokpa’s traditional way of living, and their close relationship with their yak, before a new road was build to their isolated villages.

The last decade has seen the Kingdom of Bhutan undergo a rapid transition. Transforming from a closed Buddhist Kingdom into a constitutional democracy, the country is now admired worldwide for its uncompromising pursuit of “Gross National Happiness.” However, as Bhutan’s development accelerates, its government and people are engaged in a tireless struggle to simultaneously preserve their traditions and keep the country’s unique identity alive.

Traditional ways of living and cultural practices, particularly those in rural communities, are quickly disappearing in the quest for modernized lifestyles and less laborious job opportunities. In an attempt to combat this loss of culture that globalisation inevitably brings, the government has drafted a heritage bill, which they hope will protect the traditions of isolated communities like the Brokpa tribe, who have herded yak in the remote far eastern corner of Bhutan for centuries.