Unveiling the Mystique of Bhutan; a Land of Mystery and Adventure
I’ve had the privilege of embarking on a recent scouting trip to Bhutan, a remote kingdom nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
Arriving in Bhutan is an odyssey in itself, a testament to the country's seclusion and exclusivity. With one of the most challenging airports in the world, second only to Lukla in Nepal, only two Bhutanese airlines brave the skies to connect this hidden gem with the outside world, with flights originating from select hubs like New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore.
The journey to Bhutan isn't merely about traversing geographical distances; it's about transcending into a realm untouched by the hurried pace of modernity. Established as a trade route between India and Tibet in ancient times, the first road to Bhutan was etched into the rugged terrain in 1969, followed by the inauguration of its airport in 1980. Before then, explorers made the pilgrimage by foot, an arduous yet rewarding journey that set the stage for Bhutan's emergence as a coveted destination.
As I reflect on my journey through Bhutan's timeless landscapes and vibrant culture, I'm filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this hidden paradise.
Itinerary:
Arrival in Paro
As soon as I touched down in Paro, home to the only international airport in Bhutan, my adventure began with a visit to the serene Rinpung Dzong for a cleansing ceremony, setting a peaceful tone for the journey ahead as negative energies dissipated.
Exploring Thimphu
Our exploration started in the capital city, Thimphu, a unique destination known for being the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Our accommodation at the Six Senses Thimphu provided a luxurious retreat, perfectly blending opulence with the tranquility of the surrounding mountains.
Visit to the Great Buddha Dordenma
The next morning, we marveled at the Great Buddha Dordenma, one of the world's largest sitting Buddha statues, standing at 51 meters tall and housing an astonishing 125,000 smaller Buddha relic statues.
Bhutanese cooking lesson
Following this spiritual experience, a picturesque hike led us to a traditional Bhutanese cooking lesson, where we learned the secrets of its cuisine - characterized by its bold flavors and emphasis on simplicity and freshness. Central to the cuisine is the use of chilies, which are not just a seasoning but a main ingredient in many dishes. The national dish, Ema Datshi, is a spicy stew made with chilies and cheese. Other popular dishes include Phaksha Paa (pork with radishes or spinach), Jasha Maru (spicy minced chicken), and Hoentay (buckwheat dumplings filled with greens and cheese) - my absolute favorite! Meals are often accompanied by red rice, a staple grain, and beverages like Suja (butter tea) and Ara (traditional rice wine). Bhutanese cuisine reflects the country's agrarian lifestyle and the intimate connection between its people and their natural environment.
Chimi Lhakhang
On our journey to Punakha Valley, we stopped at the Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple, a shrine dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the "Divine Madman," famous for his unconventional teachings and the phallic symbols that are commonly seen in Bhutanese homes for good luck and fertility. Travelers from all over the world flock to this temple when facing issues conceiving.
Exploring Punakha Valley
Punakha Valley welcomed us with its lush scenery and historical significance, as it was the site of Bhutan's first national capital. Our evenings were filled with enchantment, starting with a candlelit dinner across the majestic Punakha Dzong, followed by a serene, candlelit river raft ride down the Punatsangchhu River accompanied by live traditional music. This magical experience concluded with a riverside bonfire on a private beach, where we were serenaded with traditional songs under the night sky. The following day, we embarked on a hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a hilltop monastery offering breathtaking views of the valley and rice fields, and later, we braved Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, a thrill for any adrenaline junkie.
Cultural immersion at Sangwa Camp
Our next stay at the Sangwa Camp, a beautiful camping setup put up just for us, was a deep dive into Bhutanese culture and heritage, where we enjoyed folk songs and dances, and participated in traditional games like archery and darts. A memorable evening unfolded around a bonfire with a tasting of Bhutanese whiskey, culminating in an astrological reading by a reincarnated monk. The next morning began with a sunrise yoga session overlooking the valley, followed by an immersive experience in traditional textile dyeing and weaving with a preservationist mother-daughter duo amidst enchanting forests. Our camping experience concluded with a bike ride down the breathtaking Punakha Valley.
Tree planting at Lamperi Park
As we made our way back to Paro, we stopped to plant tree saplings at Lamperi Park with Green Bhutan, a corporation taking care of maintaining Bhutan’s forest cover at 60% or above. For every 25 new trees planted, they sponsor kids to school by supplying uniforms, materials, and transportation.
Wellness at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
We concluded our journey at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, a wellness-inclusive hotel in Paro, where a consultation with a traditional Bhutanese Medicine Doctor introduced us to the ancient practices of herbal remedies and spiritual healing.
Trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
No trip to Bhutan is complete without the iconic trek to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on a cliffside. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress to subdue a local demon, making it a place of immense spiritual significance. Along the way, we hung prayer flags to spread goodwill and compassion, each color representing different blessings: white for purification, red for wish fulfillment, green for compassion, blue for longevity, and yellow to overcome obstacles. This final adventure encapsulated the spirit of Bhutan, leaving me with lasting memories of a journey through one of the world’s most mystical and enchanting destinations.
Pro Tips:
- Travel for the festivals: Bhutan is known for constantly celebrating the kingdom's identity and heritage. From the exuberant dances of the Paro Tshechu to the solemn rituals of the Punakha Drubchen, these events offer a window into Bhutan's soul, weaving together the threads of tradition, spirituality, and community. Reach out to us to plan your trip around some of these festivals!
- How to choose between Six Senses & Aman: Bhutan houses five Six Senses and five Aman properties across the country. Both of these luxury hospitality brands offer a unique experience and philosophies in their approach to hospitality. Here are some highlights of each that will help you decide which one is the right fit for you. Six Senses offers a more relaxed, wellness-centric experience with activities that promote sustainability and well-being with a big focus on healthy gastronomy. Aman focuses on privacy, exclusivity, and cultural immersion, with a focus on minimalism and big spaces offering a serene and mindful environment.
In a nutshell: Aman: think exclusivity, soul, and mind. Six Senses: think sustainability, body, and health.
- When to go: Although Bhutan is a year-round destination, the experience will be different through each season. Depending on your preferences, here are some key pointers to help you decide on the optimal seasons to indulge in its breathtaking beauty. March through May emerges as the high season, with April being the peak of the floral spectacle. It’s the perfect time to enjoy all outdoor activities and experience Bhutan in full bloom with the valleys and the hiking trails covered in colorful flowers. For those drawn to the allure of Bhutan's cultural tapestry, September to October emerges as an ideal window, with the landscape awash in vibrant hues as autumn takes hold. During this time, the kingdom comes alive with the resplendent pageantry of its festivals, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. It is also a great time to experience the outdoor activities and witness the lushness of valleys and trails after the monsoon season (May through July).
- For how long should I go? Arriving in Bhutan is an expedition in and of itself. Taking this into consideration, 8-10 nights would be the minimum recommended to get a glimpse of its culture, visit the highlights and engage in some of the recommended outdoor experiences. If you’re looking to do a bit more of soul searching or dig deeper into the lesser-known valleys and subcultures of Bhutan, 2-3 weeks is recommended.
- How do I know if this destination is right for me? Bhutan is a unique and culturally rich destination that attracts a specific type of traveler. This destination is purely for the adventurer, cultural enthusiast, eco-conscious traveler, or someone looking for a luxurious yet meaningful escape. It is the ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, seclusion, and spiritual enrichment.
