Take a deep breath. That is the first thing to do after landing at the Paro Airport in Thimphu, Bhutan. Why? For two reasons. First, to reclaim the breath you lost seeing the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Everest, during the flight. Second, to experience the joy and serenity that a fresh breath of air can provide. That is the magic of Bhutan, the only country on earth where happiness and contentment are prioritised over the mindless pursuit of wealth.
There is much to do and experience here. And every experience from the simple act of tying a prayer flag to hiking through the forest and hills are exceptionally rewarding. You might have boarded the flight to the Himalayan nation worry-worn, but you will return with a smile that comes from the serenity in your heart.
Mushroom Foraging
Learn the art of foraging edible mushrooms in Bhutan’s forests. Accompany experienced local people as they teach you to identify various types of mushrooms. The fragrance of the forest and the earth is intoxicating and the work strenuous. You will be famished by this time, which makes the morning’s pick cooked in traditional methods feel like a royal treat. And yes, you will get to learn the recipes too.
Enjoy Artisanal Beers
Care for a pint? Then try the local beers at the Namgay Artisanal Brewery. It has an in-house bar aptly named “TAP” and a restaurant/bistro called “NAB”. . The bar serves all the seven beers brewed in the house: three in bottles and four on tap. Enjoy the view of the Paro Dzong fortress as you savour them pints, one swig at a time.
The Buddhist Way of Life
Bhutan is deeply spiritual. It’s a way of life here. One of the must-visit spiritual destinations is the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. It’s a Buddhist temple and nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking Toebesa and Punakha valley. The skillfully carved black marble blocks surrounding the stupa, depicting the great lamas of Drukpa Kagyu lineage is the unique feature of this monastic complex. Spend time learning about the monastic life of the nuns and feel free to seek answers for your spiritual questions.
And yes, you can hoist prayer flags and offer a prayer here too. It is a custom that’s believed to bring happiness, long life, prosperity, luck, and merit and to offer karmic merit to all sentient beings. Partake in this custom whenever you can for some good karma.
Thrill Ride
Professional and amateur adventurers can enjoy wholesome thrills in Bhutan. Mo Chhu and Po Chhu (river in Bhutanese) are two of the most-sought white-water rafting destinations in the world. The choppy rapids of the Mo Chhu have about 10km of 10 rapids that are at 2-2+. On the other hand, the Pho Chhu river has a much tougher course of 15 rapids sprinkled over 12km, ranging in difficulty level between 2 and 4. Enjoy the rush, as adrenaline rushes through your veins.
Hike, Pray, Enjoy
Are mountains your favourite haunts? Then rejoice; after all, you are in the lap of the Himalayas. Embark on a 2-to-3-hour hike to Jele Dzong fortress through pristine forests and valleys traversed by yak herders. Relish the fresh air and hang a prayer flag after reaching the destination.
Another enjoyable activity is the trek to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (stupa) that combines adventure and spirituality. The temple was designed based on Buddhist scriptures and was built to bring peace and prosperity to the Kingdom as well as the world. The trek takes about an hour and is one of the best short hikes in Punakha. Be sure to go to the top of the temple for the spectacular views of the entire valley.
Wellness, Naturally
Just being in Bhutan significantly improves your well-being. Accentuate that feeling with a hot-spring bath and an authentic hot-stone bath. Stay overnight near the hot spring of Gasa, near Mo Chhu. There are five bathhouses and each one has different medicinal values. Take your pick, relax and feel the naturally warm waters cleanse your maladies.
After the hot spring bath experience, find time to try the authentic Bhutanese hot-stone bath. Laying relaxingly in the rock heated water and letting the goodness of the rock minerals and medicinal plants soak within the body is pure magic. One can soak in the water for about an hour or two after a tiring day while sipping a hot beverage. This may also be followed by a salt scrub to remove dead skin cells and an oil massage to relieve tired muscles.