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When was the last time you visited a country that was difficult to capture in a single photo or easily described in words, but only felt in the heart?

Over a lifetime of travel, I’ve learned that some countries challenge you, some confuse you, whilst other places feel like home. Bhutan created a new category – places that defy description.

The rumours are true, Bhutan is a land of happiness and whilst Buddhism plays a large part – it’s not the only thing. Here’s how a trip to Bhutan will change your life.

Lack of commercialism

There’s no huge shopping centres, or a constant stream of advertisements trying to sell you something. Sure, there’s shops but no big chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks or KFC. In the market stalls in Thimpu (the capital) you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs but nothing had prices on it, and the sellers didn’t seem fussed if you bought anything, unlike Bali or Vietnam where you are physically manhandled into shops and almost forced to buy.

This lack of commercialism was reflected everywhere from restaurants to hotels and any shops we encountered. It felt like money mattered less to the Bhutanese because they had something else bigger that brought them real happiness.

This lack of commercialism was evident in the number of conversations I had with local Bhutanese about the cost of houses, which was precisely zero.

This doesn’t mean that everything is free, but simply a greater value is placed on other aspects of life like doing good for others and kindness rather than money being the sole purpose of one’s existence.

No traffic lights and no seatbelts

There’s no traffic lights in Bhutan. The closest they get is a manicured police officer at a small roundabout in Thimpu directing traffic. Also, according to our guide, drivers are encouraged NOT to wear seatbelts because the government did research and found no distinct advantage in car crash results with those wearing seatbelts!

I suspect it’s also related to Buddhism and the belief in reincarnation which means the Bhutanese have less fear of death.

This reduced fear doesn’t mean they’re BASE jumping off cliffs or rock climbing with no ropes. Instead, they’re content with now, they seemed less concerned for the future and for Bhutanese, death is not the end, it’s more like putting on clean clothes to start a new day.

Everyone was walking

Yes there’s cars and roads and public busses, but everywhere we went, there were people walking. Up on winding mountain roads with no nearby villages, or in deep valleys – people were walking.

In Paro, Thimpu and Punaka Valley, despite steep hills and few footpaths, there was always people walking.

In the Postal Museum in Thimpu there was a display about the original mail runners of Bhutan. A group of tall, athletic mountain folk who would walk between villages to deliver mail, news and goods.

A journey by road now that takes 2 days, would take them less than a day by foot. Prior to roads, many Bhutanese would walk across mountains to visit relatives or take produce to markets and even between the major towns of Paro and Thimpu there’s a trail that is still used by walkers despite regular bus services linking the two towns.

This openness to walk, regardless of the time it takes, especially in the thin mountain air allows them to slow down in life, appreciate the scenery, pick some wild strawberries along the way and is also why I saw no fat Bhutanese people, they’re always walking.

Fruit that tastes like fruit and vegetables everywhere

We’re always being told to eat more fruit and vegetables and in Bhutan, fruit was full of flavour, super sweet and juicy. Maybe it’s the altitude or it’s mostly organic, but bananas, watermelon, pineapple, papaya – all fruit we ate tasted amazing.

Every meal served was at least 60% vegetables. From stir-fries to soup, vegetables were everywhere and from the walking, the increased consumption of fruit and vegetables and the altitude which reduces your appetite, we lost weight and left Bhutan feeling healthier and lighter.

The Luxury Lodges & Hotels

As travellers, our needs change as we age and Bhutan has captured the needs of it’s target market (cashed up, well travelled explorers who appreciate culture, nature and don’t mind paying for bespoke experiences) with such precision, other countries should visit Bhutan to see how it’s done.

I suspect my stay at Gangtey Lodge (full review to follow) has ruined all hotels for life. From the hot towels and welcome massage, to the signature brewed teas on the balcony, overlooking the Phobjikha Valley, to the lively chef, cultivating all manner of ‘fixes’ of ailments from hunger to headaches.

Gangtey Lodge made me feel like royalty where nothing was too much trouble and every request was delivered with a genuine smile.

There are other luxury experiences which include (but not limited to):

• & Beyond with it’s full size bottles in the mini-bar (yes, it’s all inclusive) and oh-so private two storey river house where the head chef will cook you dinner in your own private kitchen.
• Amankora which offers tranquility, and an all inclusive escape in nature
• Pemako Punakha where every suite includes a private plunge pool, oversized king bed and your own butler with golf cart to transport you across the resort at any time
• Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel with views of Tiger’s Nest and is listed as one of the ‘Unique places to stay’ Listed by National Geographic.

I know it’s ironic to find meaning in life with the Bhutanese ideologies of simplicity and minimalism, then live it up in a 6 Star Luxury resort, but life is for living and we might as well be comfortable and doted upon whilst we find happiness.

The luxury hotel experiences you encounter in Bhutan will have you coming back for more because 5 star hotels elsewhere will no longer suffice.

The calmness of the Bhutanese people

After a few days in Bhutan, I realised I hadn’t heard anyone yell or shout or speak aggressively.

During my entire trip, no Bhutanese person either to myself or anyone else raised their voice, or delivered angry tones or words.

It was like a blanket of calm was bestowed upon the nation, and they were all hypnotised or under a spell. It was catchy, I found myself whispering on many occasions, and when you speak calmly and softly, it softens any strong feelings of discontentment you may have.

The hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

I’ve climbed Mt Kosciusko, Mt Snowden and Mt Fuji but the hike to Tiger’s Nest was challenging. It’s long, it’s steep, you traverse from roughly 1000 metres above sea level to 3120 metres above sea level, then back to the valley floor in a single day.

However, along the way, we met hikers of all ages and all with the same goal – to reach Tiger’s Nest.

Friendships were formed, food was shared and at the end of the day, staring back up at the tiny white dot, perched on the cliff edge gave the sense of accomplishment at having hiked a tall mountain to see a buddhist temple and all it took, was determination and one step at a time.

So, a visit to Bhutan offers something many other destinations can’t, an opportunity to change how you view the world; pushing yourself to achieve greatness and bringing home happiness.

Are you wanting to visit Bhutan now?

Learn More about Bhutan including how to book a trip in our free online webinar.

When: Wednesday 19 June 2024
Time: 11am AEST
Duration: 30 Minutes + Q/A time

Register your interest and attend our online webinar:

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