Bhutan: A Sanctuary for the Soul
A Journey That Finally Happened
Thursday, December 4, 2025| |
I have visited many places for work or pleasure, and Bhutan has always been on my list of places to visit. I never had the opportunity or the money to travel there. I’m privileged to get invited to travel shows, and it was at one of them that I wandered over to the Bhutan stand and met the lovely team from the BhutanGreenTravel agency . And just like that, after years of dreaming, there I was, finally heading to Bhutan.
Bhutan, traditionally known as Druk Yul, “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, is a small Buddhist kingdom roughly the size of Switzerland. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas between Tibet (China) and the Indian states of Assam, Sikkim, and West Bengal, it’s often called the last Shangri-La. Few travellers make it here, and that’s exactly why it feels so serene, authentic, and blissfully untouched.
Image: Bhutan, Tranquility, Culture, and Meaningful Exploration.
Why Bhutan Is Expensive. And Why It’s Worth It
Before I go on, let me answer the question everyone asked when I said I was going to Bhutan: “Isn’t it expensive?”
Yes, it is! but for all the right reasons.
Bhutan follows a High Value, Low Impact tourism policy to protect its culture, landscapes, and gentle way of life. Travellers pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which supports free healthcare, education, conservation, and the upkeep of monasteries and trails. Your visit genuinely gives back. This fee is set at $200 per day. I was lucky as I only paid $100 per day, valid until August 2027.
The result is a peaceful, uncrowded, clean place to explore, no chaos, no over-tourism, just calm villages, pristine mountains, and space to breathe. As a solo mature traveller, I found the experience absolutely worth the investment.
Crossing Into Bhutan
My journey began at the border crossing in Phuentsholing, which merges seamlessly with Jaigaon on the Indian side. I had travelled from Sikkim, and the moment I stepped across the border, the atmosphere shifted. Everything slowed down. My guide and driver were waiting for me with warm smiles, my gentle introduction to Bhutanese hospitality.
My Tailor-Made Adventure
I spent ten days travelling through Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro, a journey crafted for those who, like me, love scenic routes, rich culture, mountain views, and those small, meaningful interactions that stay with you.
My guide gently nudged me out of my comfort zone many times. In Punakha, he encouraged me to cross a long suspension bridge swaying over the river. I’m not usually the bravest with heights, but there I was holding my breath, laughing nervously, and feeling ridiculously proud once I reached the other side.
He also insisted I try Bhutan’s beloved chilli cheese dish. Bhutanese chilli doesn’t play around, let me tell you. It was fiery, tear-inducing, and absolutely delicious.
My days were filled with majestic dzongs, intricate monasteries, and slow wanderings through villages that felt untouched by time. I stayed in a traditional farmhouse where the pace of life matched the rhythm of the land rather than the clock. Everywhere I went, locals greeted me with genuine kindness, the sort that makes you feel seen and welcome.
Image: Find Quiet Courage on the Punakha Suspension Bridge.
Image: Black Crane Neck Festival
Black-Necked Cranes Festival, Night in the Clouds and the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery
One of the most unforgettable experiences was attending the Black-Necked Cranes Festival at the 17th-century Gangtey Gonpa Monastery. Monks, villagers, dancers, and schoolchildren gathered in colourful harmony to celebrate the arrival of these elegant birds. It was joyful, spiritual, and deeply woven into the fabric of the community, like stepping straight into a living story.
Night in the Clouds and the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
The standout adventure of my entire journey was the Bumdra Trek at 3,800 metres. Don’t be intimidated, t’s more of a gentle hike than a gruelling climb. I spent one magical night camping high in the mountains, wrapped in crisp air and a sea of stars.
The next morning, after a simple but warming breakfast, my guide and I started the descent. And then it appeared through the mist: Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. No photograph prepares you for that moment. It’s breathtaking, spiritual, and humbling all at once.
It was the perfect finale to a trip I had waited so long to make, and it didn’t disappoint.
A Gentle Conclusion
Bhutan isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling calm, kind, grounding, and quietly powerful. As a solo mature traveller, I felt looked after, inspired, and deeply moved by its beauty and simplicity. As a solo mature traveller, I felt completely safe, supported, and grounded. Bhutan has a gentle way of embracing you.
If Bhutan has been sitting on your list for years, like it did on mine, perhaps this is your sign. Go when you can. Go with an open heart. And let Bhutan do what it does best, remind you to slow down, breathe, and savour the world again.
BhutanGreenTravel took care of all my visas and paperwork.
Image: Why Bhutan is so different from other places I visited
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