13 Nov From Tigers’ Nest to Tranquility – A Journey into the Heart of the Himalayas!
Bhutan.
Whose mornings are filled with misty skies hanging low over the river,
Where the mountains call you to them;
And the rice terraces ask you to slow your pace.
Of days that are filled with soft explorations and silent musings;
With people who are kind and full of smiles;
Here is the place where you rediscover faith and understand belief—
Bhutan.
The land of Thunder Dragon and of people who know how to be happy,
A place to embrace the present and revere the past,
Where every step is a meditation and each moment a gift.
Bhutan, a tranquil corner in the world,
A Tusita Heaven,
A place to simply be.
Its been a year since I last found myself in the land of the Thunder Dragon and its still difficult for me to absorb the true extent of its beauty. The secluded little country in the Himalayas might not be the easiest to reach – but like all things that require some effort it is definitely worth it! Bhutan to me was extraordinary, beautiful, serene, and a place that inevitably stirred a sense of profound peace, as if time itself moved more slowly there, allowing me to reconnect with the simplicity and richness of life.
Driving the high passes into the deep valleys, from Paro to Punakha to Phobjikha each so distinctive that it became almost effortless to set them apart. The way the light shifted over the jagged peaks of the Himalayas, the unique blend of flora that clung to the slopes, or the subtle change in the air, as if each valley had its own signature. I couldn’t help but feel simultaneously small and awestruck by its vastness and magnificence.. its splendour so overwhelming that I couldn’t help but wonder how the play of seasons would affect the terrain—perhaps rendering it beyond recognition? Would the vibrant greens of summer turn into the stark whites of winter, or will valleys reshape with the gentle flow of spring rains and the fiery hues of autumn leaves?
I found myself blessed with cloudless skies, cool weather and abundance of green fields! Follow my footsteps as I map out memories from Bhutan that are etched into my very being!
THE DESTINATION FOR ALL:
One of the key things I noticed about Bhutan is that it appeals to all age groups and can easily satiate all kinds of travel appetites. Personally, I’m a go-getter who wants to climb every viewpoint and visit every monastery, and Bhutan certainly offers that—whether it’s trekking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest in Paro, exploring the vibrant streets of Thimphu, or discovering the hidden gems of Punakha and Gangtey, there was always something new to captivate me. But what’s equally remarkable is how Bhutan allows you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures—may it be indulgent sunsets over lush rice terraces, or long, peaceful moments of reflection by a serene river.
While the mountains and rivers may call for romance the range of landscapes—from verdant valleys to alpine peaks—and the country’s rich history and architecture can cater to all kinds of interests. Weather you seek adventure, history or tranquility Bhutan is it.
TO SEE, ADMIRE AND EXPLORE:
For an introduction start with Thimphu, the capital city, that is watched over by the towering bronze and golden gilded statue of Buddha Dordenma – the largest of its kind in the world. Perched high on a hilltop, this majestic figure seems to embody the spirit of Bhutan itself. Spot the adorable Takin in the Royal Takin Preserve, visit the Memorial Chorten or wander the street markets and get stamps with your own face printed!
Then drive through the Dochula Pass – where, standing tall amidst the mist, lie the 108 memorial chortens, or stupas. Stop. Take it in. Let the power of the place settle around you. And if the gods gift you with clear blue skies, marvel at the awe-inspiring Himalayan mountain ranges that stretch endlessly before you—majestic, snow-capped peaks that seem to touch the heaven.
Move onto Punakha – a change in scenery so drastic that it’s almost as if you’ve stepped into another world. Covered in lush paddy fields, the shades of green are so soothing to the eye, they seem to calm the soul with every glance. The first order of business is, of course, to visit the Punakha Dzong – an architectural masterpiece that perfectly showcases Bhutanese design, with its intricate carvings, golden accents, and majestic presence by the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. Take a stroll across the Punakha Suspension Bridge which sways gently over the river below, and visit the serene Chimi Lhakhang temple with its unique powers and spiritual energy. But for me, the true highlight of Punakha was the hike to Khamsum Yulley. It’s not just an incredible trek; it’s also the perfect way to acclimatize, especially if the Tiger’s Nest is on the agenda. The hike in itself is manageable yet rewarding, and the view from the top is simply breathtaking—sprawling valleys, distant mountains, and the Dzong far below, all bathed in the soft light of the day. For Punakha, one cannot overlook the thrilling rafting experience that adds an extra dash of adventure. Both the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers offer a perfect blend of challenge and fun for those seeking adventure!
A little away from Punakha lies Bhutan’s best-kept treasure: the exquisite, expansive, flat glacial valley of Gangtey. Carved naturally into the shape of a bowl, the valley is rugged beauty and serene landscapes, dotted with hiking trails, charming villages, vibrant potato fields, and wildlife sanctuaries. Perhaps most renowned for being the winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes, the valley offers stunning views of these majestic birds as they glide gracefully through the air. A lone road winds through the town, leading to the Gangtey Monastery, a stunning architectural gem perched high above the valley. The monastery not only offers panoramic views of the valley but is also steeped in history and spiritual significance, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the area. And when in Gangtey the best thing to do is again go on a hike – visit it’s nature trail and witness the enthralling beauty Gangtey has to offer. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply someone who loves to wander, the beauty of Gangtey’s landscapes will captivate you at every turn.
Finally to end it all return back to Paro. The most energetic perhaps but also home to the Tiger’s Nest. The town offers some lovely souvenir shopping, the National Museum of Bhutan as well as some nice Dzongs for day visits. However, the lure of Tiger’s Nest by end of the holiday is undeniable. The trail is steep, and there are moments when every step feels like a battle. But the reward? Absolutely worth every laboring breath.
Trekking through the dense forest, there came a point when I felt like there was no energy left in me. The path seemed endless, and the weight of the climb was starting to take its toll. But then, through the trees, it appeared—Taktsang Monastery, the legendary Tiger’s Nest. Its presence, perched dramatically on the cliffs high above the Paro Valley, seemed to reach out and spur me on, providing the final push to make the last ascent.. Though I have been known to go to great heights for the aesthetic – Taktsang Monastery was almost spiritual and simply once in a lifetime! It is a fitting end to a journey that had been nothing short of transformative.
Redefining Luxury:
There is a reason why some of the biggest names in luxury hotels have found its way to Bhutan. From Como to Six Senses to Aman – all the hotel here offer something extraordinary. Each location is enviable, the views dramatic, the service exemplary and the food divine. Every hotel showcases the best of Bhutan but with its own twist – like the Gangtey Lodge perched high above the Phobjikha valley or Pemako with its modern day glamping tents. If you are splurging the hotels here will make sure you want for nothing!
But its not just these hotels that can steal your heart. What to me made Bhutan was its people. The luxury this country has lies in them. Hospitable and kind to their core – they will make sure you enjoy every minute of your stay. Some of the homestays, farms stays in Bhutan could lend for the best holidays. One of happiest meals I have had in Bhutan was at a Bhutanese house – the cuisine though simple is locally grown, full of flavor and makes for the ultimate comfort meal!
For me Bhutan remains the one of the happiest I have found myself. And even though everything was perfect – I am yet to tick of a bucket list item – celebrating a festival with the locals! Bhutan is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, many of which are steeped in religious and cultural significance. Someday it will perhaps call to me again! However, no matter what Bhutan can be visited almost anytime of the year, one just needs to know their own preferences. It for sure country that must be discovered to its full extent. And just like the Bhutan– its planning requires thought, understanding and a lot of detailing. Contact Us to Plan your next trip to Bhutan!