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While I have traveled to many places around the world, there is no place that has left a deeper impression on me than Bhutan. To say that Bhutan is a land of happiness or the Last Shangri-La is almost an understatement.
This fascinating country (aka Land of the Thunder Dragon) is nothing like the gleaming and progressive cities we live in, yet in my opinion, they are ahead of us in many ways.
For one, they don’t take their amazing landscape for granted. Conservation laws have protected 75% of their forested areas, making it one of the most pristine and untouched environments on earth.
The country has an amazing landscape where snowcapped peaks rise above gorges cloaked in blue pine and rhododendron. Within the folds of the majestic mountains lie sacred temples, terraced rice fields, and village farm houses unchanged by time.
As the sole surviving Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan’s traditional ways of Mahayana Buddhism permeate every aspect of Bhutanese life and art. The people are deeply religious, yet on the other hand well educated and knowledgeable. They speak good English and have perfect manners.
Bhutan's Buddhist tradition of respect and reverence for nature means that botanical riches and unique mammals and birds are protected in the national parks. Dogs are everywhere but being so well treated, they live harmoniously with the people and show no sign of aggression.
It's like going back in time where life is simple and everyone is kind. When you visit Bhutan, you will become one of the few who have experienced the natural charm of a country where Gross National Happiness is deemed more important than Gross National Product.
Getting there is easier than you think. From Singapore, there is a direct flight on Druk Air which stops in Calcutta for half an hour (refueling) before heading to Paro, Bhutan. The flying time is around 5 hours. The daily tariff of USD250 includes accommodation, food, driver and an official guide. We booked our holiday with Little Bhutan (https://www.littlebhutan.com/) and were very pleased with the service.
I will write in detail about the places we visited including Thimphu, Paro, Panukha and Gangtey. Stay tuned.
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