As they say the world has few secrets and Bhutan is one of them. The forbidden Kingdom in the Himalayas provides the perfect setting for a befitting adventure .
It is an amazing blend of mystical mountains , vibrant culture and untouched nature.To say the least was simply blown away by Bhutan. The country more than mesmerised me with its verdant and dense forest cover.
As you climb uphill from Pheuntsholing to Thimpu you cant just take your eyes away from the mammoth mountains,the lush green valleys, the cascading water falls and you are bound to get immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the ravishing landscapes of the himalayan kingdom.
Once you reach Thimpu and as you explore the gargantuan Bhuddhist monasteries you get truly enamoured by the giant intricate artwork and the astounding designs. You get truly isolated from the cacophony of the modern world and a sense of silence engulfs you and the feel is truly therapeutic and you definitely experience something sublime.
You are astonished to see a country truly unaffected by the modernity and things just flow here in a languid pace and you feel you are caught up in some time machine. You can just soak in their culture and it is absolutely amazing to see everyone clad in their traditional attire all the time and they never forget to smile come what may and their happiness is always infectious .
I remembered the zest , energy and the joy of people who served us food. The journey can be at times physically daunting like the trek to tiger’s nest and many other places which are delicately placed amidst cliffs and mountain tops. The view up there is truly exhilarating.
From places like “Simply Bhutan” where the visitors are given a traditional welcome with their songs and dance and including the visitors in their celebration makes you feel more than welcome in this magnificent kingdom nestled in the midst of himalayas.
This country has simply resisted modernity in all its forms and you are truly awestruck seeing their humongous fortresses, long suspension bridges with the delicately flowing pristine rivers below the bridge offering the most scenic scenery ever. Every place screams splendour with picture postcard settings.
Ancient monasteries in cliffs and valleys with prayer flags offering unique sights and experiences wherever you go and which would be etched in your grey cells forever. This country is a perfect blend for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts.Bhutan is definitely pure magic waiting to unfold in every place you set your sight.
With lots of trepidation did my first river rafting in Phunaka and the entire journey amidst scenic locales and the occasional chill waters splashing all over you leaves you rejuvenated and you dont want it to ever end.
The highlight of our stay was a rlver front hotel in Paro with some spectacular views of the incessantly flowing river with the majestic mountains and floral fantasies forming an astounding backdrop.
You don’t seem to mind the cold and sit precariously in the benches in wonderment about the allure of nature and want to soak in that moment and take in as much as you can since those fleeting minutes you just embrace yourself and the gorgeous nature in its entirety.
The peace and tranquility of this mountainous country stays with you long after you return to the chaos city life offers us and you can’t help but feel glad that still certain nations are concentrating only on Gross National Happiness rightfully.
