Land of the Thunder Dragon

By Martin Lock Nov 1, 2022

A recent visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan invigorated my imagination and senses; it was one of the most astonishing countries I have ever visited.

Bhutan is a small country in the middle of the Himalayas between India and China. It is the only country in the world that measures itself on a “National Happiness Index” for its people rather than economic indicators. Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbours. Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life. Due to its pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan has been called “The Last Shangri-La.”

Our trip was booked through World Expeditions. The team at World Expeditions provided excellent service and information. We arrived in the country by flying via Kathmandu in Nepal to the small airport of Paro in Bhutan which is situated in the most beautiful valley full of rice paddies and with a meandering river flowing through it. Once at the airport, we were met by our guide Kezang and his driver Namgay who were both wonderful – they were a constant source of information and amazing details about Bhutan. Both Kezang and Namgay made our trip so memorable.

Tiger’s Nest

On our first day in the kingdom, we visited the unforgettable “Tiger’s Nest”, the sacred Taktsang Monastery that clings dramatically to the side of a steep, forest-studded granite cliff. To say it was an impressive sight is a total understatement. It is over 300 years old and should be considered one of the wonders of the world

The next day we commenced a four-day trek over the mountains from Paro. On the fourth day, we came down the mountains via a Juniper Forest covered with moss and accompanied by a gushing mountain river with innumerable waterfalls. It was like being in paradise! Towards the bottom of the mountain, we camped in a local village. All the houses were beautifully painted and the roofs were covered with chilies drying in the sun ready for the vegetable stews to be cooked in the winter.

Six Senses Thimphu

Day six arrived and we went to the very small capital Thimphu for a couple of days which is extremely quaint. No traffic lights exist in the city, rather, policemen directing the few cars with friendly waves and gestures! We took advantage of our time there by having lunch at the Six Senses Thimphu, which was in an outstanding position on the side of a mountain overlooking Thimphu and distant Himalayan peaks. The staff were incredibly friendly, and lunch was superb with the view a definite bonus!

Six Senses Thimphu

In fact, the hotel was so outstanding that in the next valley we visited the Six Senses Punakha a few days later. Here in Punakha, we enjoyed lunch on the terrace restaurant enjoying equally outstanding views, superb hospitality and cuisine as in the Six Senses in Thimphu.

Punakha Valley

Punakha valley is famous for its 17^th century Fortress or Dzong which lies at the junction of two rivers the Pho a “male” river full of rapids and the “female” Mo river which flows smoothly. The hills around the Dzong are said to resemble an elephant asleep with the Dzong perched on the end of its trunk where the two rivers merge. There are some very scenic hikes along the Punakha valley and we were lucky enough to see local farmers threshing rice by hand in the glorious autumn sunshine.

Black Necked Crane Festival

The final valley we visited was Phobjikha Valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes which migrate here every autumn from their summer habitat in Tibet. About ten percent of the global population of about 1,000 birds spend their winter in this spectacular location. There is also a Monastery overlooking the valley and an annual festival celebrating the Cranes arrival after the harvest normally on 11^th November. We saw a couple of the Cranes which live in a special enclosure as they are unfortunately injured but I have been told the first four Cranes arrived at the beginning of November from Tibet.

We left Bhutan with amazing memories of a totally unspoiled “Shangri la” of a mountain Kingdom. The experience was incredible; such friendly and welcoming people, outstanding views and a calming feel throughout. I agree with its status as the worlds “Happiest” country; who could not fail to be anything but happy in Bhutan?

The travel was superbly organised by Gordon who manages World Expeditions in London. Trips like this require a lot of organisation and Gordon and his team excelled. Our thanks to him. For more information and to book please click here or call 0800 0744 135.