They say not all who wander are lost and traveling definitely gives you the freedom to discover things you would not be able to experience otherwise. Bhutan known for its breathtaking landscapes, beautiful monasteries and historical dzongs (fortresses) is a heaven for anyone seeking for a country that is VISA free for us!
Joseph Solomon is a 23-year-old, currently staying in New Delhi. Read on as he takes us through his trip to the land of Thunder Dragons and coined as the happiest country in the world – Bhutan. He also shares his top 5 recommendations for anyone traveling to Bhutan.
Joseph in Takin National Park Thimpu, Bhutan
In zen mode | Joseph at Takin National Park, Thimphu, Bhutan
“The Indian U-15 Women’s were playing in the SAFF Championship in Bhutan and I was fortunate enough to travel with them to Thimphu and Paro.”
“I stayed in Thimphu for 14 days and my mission was to do something – anything new – every day. There was no plan, I just asked people about local treks and hikes and googled my way around those during my trip.”
Joseph walking through the 108 Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens or stupas just a short trek outside of Thimpu, Bhutan
Joseph walking through the 108 Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens or stupas just a short trek outside of Thimpu, Bhutan
A must visit when in Bhutan – Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula Pass on the road from Thimpu to Punakha, Bhutan
Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula Pass on the road from Thimpu to Punakha, Bhutan
Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens at Dochula Pass, Bhutan
Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens at Dochula Pass, Bhutan
“There is a whole world lying on the outskirts of Thimphu. A 15 min drive will take you deep into the woods and if you like you can camp and hike there. We were told that there are bears in the woods but we did not encounter any. Travel in groups just to be safe.”
Cheri Goemba, a monastery outside of Thimphu.
Cheri Goemba, a monastery outside of Thimphu.
Joseph enjoying one of many treks | Kuenselphodrang, Thimpu
Joseph enjoying one of many treks | Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu, Bhutan
“There is a whole world lying on the outskirts of Thimphu. There are a lot of stray dogs in Thimphu. They’re mostly harmless but it’s always good to be aware of and respect their space.”
“My idea of a dream date” at Motithang Takin Preserve
Motithang Takin Preserve
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Interesting discoveries from the trip
Bhutanese people love their chilies, and almost everyone had a smile on their face and people were very down to earth and humble.
We met a guy who hikes every Sunday to the monastery and offers prayers. He was 64 years old.
We met a guy who hikes every Sunday to the monastery and offers prayers. He was 64 years old.
A man we met on our trek to Cheri Goemba and his child.
A man we met on our trek to Cheri Goemba and his cute child.
Bhutanese people are always smiling, which is quite a stark difference from where I come from where people are soggy and rude (in the metropolitan). I think the key to Bhutan’s happiness lies in their proud nationalism, which is self-propelled by Buddhism. I talked with a taxi driver and asked him about the Happiness factor in Bhutan. He said that the people of Bhutan are not materialistic – they value feelings instead of possessions.
Joseph at the iconic Buddha Dordenma statue
Joseph at the iconic Buddha Dordenma statue
Top 5 things I recommend for anyone traveling to Bhutan:
- Bring something warm, as it gets cold in the evenings
- Eat momos wherever you go
- Try the Chilli Pork (Bhutanese people love chilies)
- Get a permit to travel outside of Thimphu, that is where the beauty starts
- Don’t bargain about prices. People there are really nice, and the price is already very low compared to other metropolitans. They are trying to make ends meet, saving Rs. 50 isn’t going to help you.
Joseph enjoying a picturesque view as he treks through Pobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Joseph enjoying a picturesque view as he treks through Pobjikha Valley, Bhutan
“As we hiked to the Cheri Goemba, a monastery outside of Thimphu, we met many people who were all warm and welcoming.”
Bhutan was something of a revelation to me. I think there is something about living nestled in the mountains, something which makes you feel small and weak next to a giant piece of land and something which instigates you to think about your own existence.
Joseph at Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu, Bhutan
Joseph at Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu, Bhutan
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Takin National Park, Thimphu Bhutan
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