Bhutan: A Kingdom of Happiness

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Land of the Thunder Dragon, the most mysterious and unknown of all Himalayan kingdoms, Bhutan is hidden in isolation. Imagine a kingdom where happiness has predominated since the 7th century, forging a harmonious union with the natural environment. Wander from Paro into the unspoilt setting of Gangtey for Bhutan’s highlights. 

Bhutan is soul-detox for the man of the concrete jungle.

As city-dwellers, we’re guilty of not thoroughly indulging in our travel experiences. When I travel, I often find myself armed with tech-gadgets, compulsively detecting phone/Wi-Fi-connectivity, obsessive with getting in touch with my world that I had, ironically, tried to take a break away from.

Bhutan easily puts you out of this mode – it’s a getaway in every sense of the word. As I touched down into Bhutan – everything was surreal: the distinctly fresher air, the stunning valleys that we have just flown into and the airport with traditional Bhutanese architecture. I felt almost obliged to camouflage into this tranquility. This is what you get here in Bhutan: the will to escape from your world, to be a part of this peacefulness – however transient that may be.

Here we are, immersed in a wonderland where whatever we have been conditioned to believe as facts were being challenged:

1.    Men manage to look cute in (what looks like) tunic dresses and long socks covering their calves;
2.    Chilis are staples rather than seasoning;
3.    Happiness is more important than cash;
4.    Buildings are hardly beyond four floors high;
5.    Traffic lights do not exist;

Contrary to my daily life in the big city, the world is not a suffocating human chaos. 

My adventure began in Paro, on to Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdi. I was lucky enough to witness two Tsechus (Festivals) in Wangdi and Thimphu respectively. Tsechu (literally "day ten") are annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.

The locals are dressed at their best for the spectacular festival: vibrant costumes, masked dancers, exotic instruments and interesting characters ... Not one to miss out on a party – I dressed up in the traditional Kira, the elegant national dress, as we excitedly soaked into this cultural experience. Everything was a wonder to me – the performers, the audiences, the setting – I know I’ve seen this many times in pictures, but nothing quite beats being in the middle of this action. 

Another highlight was our hike up the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery – a sufficiently-challenging three-hour hike, in rain – no less. I remember the lunch at the teahouse midway to be extremely delicious – or maybe I was just extremely hungry. My perseverance was duly rewarded by views of the magnificent Takshang Monestary, perched merely on a cliff face. It was a triumphant feeling up there; I had a renewed respect for those behind this architectural wonder.

Even as a non-Buddhist, I found my visits to the many monasteries and dzongs to be intriguing and a healthy soul detox. I felt peace that surpassed religion and beliefs, an emotional sanctuary where you can get in touch with yourself again.
I’m not sure how words can do justice to my Bhutan experience. 

For more information on this tour, please see: Eight Days Bhutan Insight

To learn more about Country Holidays' tours and packages, please email beijing@countryholidays.com.cn, call 8587 9263, or log onto www.countryholidays.com.cn.

Written by: Jie Sin Chia
Photos: Courtesy of Country Holidays