On Cloud Nine

Does Bhutan really hold the secret to happiness? Vogue joins forces with author ERIC WEINER to uncover what makes the Himalayan kingdom such a happy place. and how you can bring the bliss back home.

- Chandni Sehgal

Imagine stepping off a plane and being able to photograph the incredible beauty around you—and then waltzing through security without a guard subjecting you to that unpleasant rubdown or intrusive questioning. In today’s day and age of frenzied airports and endless security concerns, this seems like an urban legend. But touch down Paro International Airport, after the pilot lands on the runway of one of the world’s most challenging airports, and you’re greeted by Zen-like beauty and people. What is it that makes this airport and its people so trusting, so at peace? What really makes Bhutan one of the happiest countries in the world?

We turn to Eric Weiner, author of The Geography Of Bliss, for answers. After decades of covering catastrophes as a correspondent for America’s National Public Radio, his humorous travel memoir, described as “one grump’s search for the happiest places in the world,” took the award-winning journalist to some of the world’s most content places. He visited beautiful Bhutan, best known for its Buddhist beliefs and the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), and, in the process, inspired us to pursue our own happiness.

THE CONCEPT

Let’s face it—we’re all materialistic. At varying degrees, sure, but who can presume to survive today without any money? And as nations measure their progress by GDP and GNP, that seems to be the norm for the world.