Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon Season 1 Episode 1 Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
- November 24, 1997
- 49 min
Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon season 1 episode 1 takes viewers on an incredible journey to Bhutan, a remote and mystical kingdom nestled amid the majestic Himalayan mountains. Joanna, an actress and travel enthusiast, embarks on a quest to discover the secrets of Bhutan, a country that is often referred to as the "last Shangri-La".
Joanna's adventure begins in the capital city of Thimphu, where she explores the vibrant markets and meets local people who are friendly and welcoming. She is amazed by the country's strict adherence to its traditional customs and the fact that Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures its prosperity based on a national happiness index.
Joanna then sets off on a long and treacherous journey to the remote valley of Haa, where she witnesses one of the country's most important festivals known as the Haa Summer Festival. The festival celebrates Bhutan's rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional sports such as archery and horse riding. Joanna is amazed by the energy and enthusiasm of the Bhutanese people who take part in the festival.
From there, Joanna continues her journey by crossing the formidable Dochula Pass, which is covered with snow and ice for most of the year. The pass offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, and Joanna is awestruck by the sight of some of the highest peaks in the world.
After a few more days of trekking, Joanna arrives at the remote village of Gangtey, which is home to the black-necked crane, one of the rarest and most endangered bird species in the world. Joanna spends time with the locals, who are passionate about conservation efforts to protect this magnificent bird. She also learns about Bhutan's unique approach to conservation, which emphasizes the importance of preserving the environment and living in harmony with nature.
Joanna's adventure culminates with a visit to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, a breathtaking spiritual site perched on a cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Joanna makes the strenuous hike to the monastery and is rewarded with stunning views and a sense of peace and tranquility.
Throughout the episode, Joanna's infectious love for travel and adventure is evident. She is passionate about exploring new cultures and meeting new people, and her curiosity and sense of wonder are infectious. Viewers are taken on an unforgettable journey through a country that is remote, mystical, and steeped in tradition.
Overall, Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon season 1 episode 1 is a mesmerizing journey through one of the world's most fascinating and enigmatic countries. With stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Bhutan is a truly unique destination, and Joanna's adventures in this episode are sure to inspire viewers to explore this incredible country for themselves.