Land of The Thunder Dragon

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time? Well I did!!

Visiting Bhutan is just like going back in time. A country that only allowed 50,000 visitors a year, has never been colonised, a country with no McDonalds or clothing brand shops, has banned tobacco and plastic sales, and has only allowed TV since 1999. A country when mentioned to your friends they say “Boo...where? A country that is steeped in traditions, archery is the national sport and where the monarchy is still bowed to. All this come with a hefty price tag of around $250 per day which is set by the government but does include all of your meals, accommodation, visas and documents, tour, guide and driver. It is law that you driven by a tour guide so total independent travel is not possible here at all. With all of the regulations for tourists and the opportunity of visiting I think the price tag is extremely worth it.

As I left New Delhi on Druk Airlines to Paro I was struck by the sheer excitement and it felt very surreal that I would be finally be visiting one of my bucket-list destinations. The plane with a handful of very respectable people, obviously also with a lust to find that one place in the world that is totally untouched by the Western World and influx of tourists, was a far cry from the backpackers of Bangkok’s Khao San Road and Kathmandu where travellers were “finding themselves” donning sarongs and dreadlocks (the independent traveller uniform) and I felt extremely privileged to be visiting a place unknown by most of the World.

The magic starts on the plane, when the pilot announces that to the left of the plane we can see Everest, I honestly thought the plane would capsize with every passenger scrambling to the windows on the left! The scenery of Everest and The Himalayas is absolutely stunning and to see it at a lower height than your normal long-haul flight was absolutely spectacular. I was met by my guide and driver who wore very traditional costume and taken to my 4* hotel in Thimphu, the Capital, which was a 90 minute drive from the airport. I say “Capital” but it has more the feel of a small village covering a small area, hardly busy at all, and not a traffic light in sight. With Bhutan’s population being the next smallest in Asia to The Maldives it was easy to understand why. My accommodation was very comfortable, consisted of a gym and spa and the room huge with an extremely comfortable bed. All of the hotels I stayed at followed the same decor of wood floors and furniture and traditional fabrics and I have to say were all 4* and 5* (apart from my home stay, which was very traditional but still very comfortable) and featured lovely luxury touches, and a chance to relax and pamper myself. All rooms featured a kettle so if you’re like me and love a cuppa then bring some teabags along with you!

My tour group consisted only of myself and 3 friends that I had travelled with, one being a 5 year old who was looked after as if he were the driver and guides own! Don’t get me wrong we did see other tourists, and at the main sights of Tigers Nest and the hotel nearby, by Bhutan’s standards there were a lot, however some days we do not see any other tourists at all. All of the meals on the tour took the buffet route and there was always a lot of choice. I’m an extremely picky eater and I never once felt hungry.

Bhutan is known as “Land of The Thunder Dragon” and as we passed natural untouched scenery and climbed high altitudes to cross passes I couldn’t help but imagine a dragon appear! The landscape really is so unspoilt and the whole ambience of this Himalayan landlocked country brings the possibility of a dragon and ancient traditions to life. Our tour took in the most important Dzongs (Fortresses) and elaborately decorated Chortens (Shrines to Buddha) and as our guide Pema explained their purpose and stories of past Dynasties I couldn’t help but feel a spiritual connection.

One of the highlights of the tour was climbing Taktsang (Tigers Nest) Monastery 900 metres above the valley floor. I will not lie it is a strenuous hike but definitely worth it. For those not wanting to trek to the top there is a lovely tea house after 1 hour where you can stop and relax and take in the spectacular views and scenery. The other highlight of the tour was to attend the Tsechu Festival in Paro. This vibrant religious festival, attended by the King, is when communities come together to perform a variety of religious rites - particularly mask dances. The place comes alive with dance and colour. We were given traditional outfits to wear by our guide and really felt welcomed and part of this ancient traditional festival.

As my journey came to an end I felt extremely sad to be leaving Bhutan, it was evident to me why Bhutan is known as “The Happiest Nation in the World”