Tale of Bhutan: Story of Happiest Country

Bhutan is situated at the eastern end of the Himalayas and surrounded by two countries China and India .One can see the classic amalgamation of three cultures in Bhutan. I decided to explore this country this summer and my journey stared from Mumbai to Kolkata to my final destination Bhutan. 

As I stepped out of the plane at Paro international airport I could feel the imperturbable fresh air. A small, beautiful and traditionally designed airport was welcoming me to the Land of Thunder Dragon. Everything was quiet, with no hustle bustle like any other international airport where the only thing that could disturb this tranquility of the place was sound of my breathing. 

What a hidden beauty!! And why I was not here earlier?

Welcoming, beautifully crafted and peaceful Bhutan Airport

While hopping in my Coaster I was looking forward to know more about this hidden secret. My beautiful resort name "Terma Linca" was situated in Thimphu so I had to travel around 1 ½ hr to reach the place which is situated on arched bank of the Wangchu river also known as Thimpu River. Resort's location, decor and warm welcome stole my heart. Calmness in atmosphere, smiling faces and drizzling weather were giving me positiveness and slowly I started to realise why this country is known as happiest country in the world.

Next day was more beautiful as I woke up to the soothing sound of river flowing right next to my beautiful cottage. After breakfast I decided to explore this beautiful city, no traffic signals, no malls or skyscrapers, some mandatory infrastructure regulations to keep Bhutanese tradition alive were some surprising facts about this capital. Next was the world's largest book, “Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey across the Last Himalayan Kingdom,” by Michael Hawley in national Library of Bhutan. This book is five feet by seven feet in size and weighs more than a hundred and thirty pounds and most important attraction of this library.

World's largest book, “Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom,”

by Michael Hawley

Next stop was Thimphu Chorten, which is situated middle of the city and that was the only area where I noticed many people together throughout my Bhutan Trip. This is basically a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972). This place is very famous among locals and special prayers are offered by circumambulated only in a clockwise direction by devotees.

Thimphu Chorten

From here I proceeded to Buddha Point and on the way got beautiful glimpse of Thimphu city.

Beautiful View of Thimphu City from Budha Point

The Buddha Dordenma is located on a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The Buddha statue named as Shakyamuni is 51.5 meters tall and known as one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. Chilling Winds and beautiful architectures make this place one of the most visited place in Thimpu.

Now it was time to savor on some Bhutanese cuisines, which I found in a nearby local market known as Clock Tower. Cheese and Chillies are major ingredients of Bhutanese cuisines. 

At the end of day one I had only one word in my mind “Splendid” and was sure that some more surprises were in store for me in coming days. And I was not wrong at all, the next day I reached to a place very high in the mountains called Drochula Pass a good 1 ½ hour bumpy journey from Thimphu. This placed offered a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan Mountains. When we got down from the car I thought I had become part of thrilling movie with all the dense fog, clouds and chilling atmosphere that were making it difficult to see more than 10 feet. Woohaa…………..I was literally on cloud 9. Though I could not see Himalaya’s but overall it was a magical experience. Taking a quick coffee break at a small Resto in the mountains I moved to comparatively warmer place known as Punakha.

Drochula Pass: enrout Punakha

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until the 1960's and looking at Dzong situated here proves it’s importance in history of Bhutan. Its warmer atmosphere makes it suitable for rice crops. 

One of the most popular tourist attraction here is Chimi Lhakhang Temple or popularly known as Fertility temple which is located 10 kilometers before Punakha. The approach road for this temple was very adventurous which passes through paddy fields. This temple is very popular among locals specifically for childless couples.

Beautiful Landscapes on the way of Chimi Lhakhang Temple

Next was Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan which is located at the convergence of two rivers known as the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother). While reaching this place, time seemed to stand still and i felt as if i was traveling in history. A big beautiful gate was waiting for me to explore this history of Bhutan, a river was flowing calmly and a wooden bridge was making it possible to reach to the Dzong. At each and every corner I could see a riot of colours which Mother Nature was offering.

After this hectic tour I checked into my beautiful resort known as Drubchhu Resort. A beautiful quaint resort , situated in a lush green area really disconnected me with the fast moving world and highlight of this resort was authentic Bhutanese meals. 

At end of this day I could only appreciate the hospitality and efforts of Bhutanese people to kept their culture so alive.

Punakha Dzong : Most Beautiful Dzong in Bhutan

My next destination was Paro, one more popular city of Bhutan. After visiting National museum ,Rinpung Dzong and some other tourist attraction of Paro I checked into my another beautiful resort known as Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa. Living in this eco-friendly resort is itself is an experience, where you can witness the snow capped mountains from your room. With its location humble hospitality will surely take away your tiredness.
Next day I decided to explore one of the most popular tourist attraction in Paro, Paro Taktsang also known as Tiger's Nest. This place is considered as one of the most prominent Buddhist sacred site. It is located in the Cliff-side of the upper Paro valley. Trek to this place tested my physical and mental stamina where after an arduous trek and I reached on the top I felt like connected to supreme power. Dense forest , fresh air and splendid view dissipated my tiredness within in a few minutes.
Finally it was the last day of my journey in the happiest country in world. Ever smiling faces, smell of fresh lemon grass, cool pure breeze and rich culture made my journey unforgettable. Now I can understand why this small hidden gem is famous as happiest country in world.
I want to thank make my trip for making this journey perfect and create wonderful memories. It was my first experience with them for a group tour and indeed a good one.
Visa: All tourists, except for citizens of Bangladesh, India and the Maldives, must obtain a visa before arriving in Bhutan.
How to Reach: Druk Air, operates regular flights to / from Paro to Delhi (India), Kolkatta (India), Gaya (India), Kathmandu (Nepal), Bangkok (Thailand) and Dhaka (Bangladesh), You can also reach here by road from India
Where to stay: Various Hotels and resorts are available tourist can choose according to their budget.
What to Eat: Ema datshi , Momo, Butter Tea.
Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum / Indian Rupees. Indian Rupees is the preferred currency
Where to Shop: Bhutanese Craft Bazar, Thimphu

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Writer Details :

Snehal Chincholkar , Professor by Profession and Traveler by heart. 

Email id  :snehal14nov@gmail.com ,