Tag: thimpu

Overdose of happiness in Bhutan

By  Srinivas Krishnan

Perhaps Pharrell Williams made a trip to Bhutan before he wrote and performed his monster hit of a song, Happy.

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Well, that truth seems to be clear to the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Because their national philosophy is famously called Gross National Happiness!

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Do you know what happiness is to you? Well, Bhutan says confidently, ‘Happiness is a place.’ Now, who wouldn’t want to go to a place like that?!

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Clap along, sing along, or simply read along, if that’s where you wanna go…

Tiny Kingdom, Large Heart
Located in the southern foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Bhutan is about 46,500 square kilometres in area and has a population of less than eight lakh people. It may be tiny – even more so, considering its neighbours are the most populous and second-most populous nations on Earth – but it’s a country that’s bigger than the two when it comes to sheer happiness!

A remarkable way of administering a country, here the enlightened Bhutan government prioritises the happiness and well-being of its people as a form of governance. Given that, they make tourists who visit their country a happy bunch too.

Bhutan is a country which has its origins surrounded in mystery, an enigmatic Shangri-La perhaps. It’s a magical land blessed by nature, with an abundance of culture, religion and beauty everywhere you see. Take in the vibrant architecture of the monasteries, dzongs and the temples in the countryside. Walk in the Himalayan wilderness or balance your way through lush green fields. Get up close with God’s own creations. And meditate, like the wise old man at the top of the mountain…

Takes Your Breath Away

How do you do justice to a land as blessed as Bhutan? On the one hand, its beauty seems to be divinely ordained, and on the other, it’s packed with cultural attractions that put your faith back into mankind! Ask us, and we’ll tell you.

We at The Wanderers have put together a Bhutan package that ensures you not only bask in nature’s bounties but also wonder at the marvels made by man. It includes a visit to the gobsmackingly located Tiger’s Nest Monastery as well as to valleys which have views that can make Switzerland jealous. You can get up close with the Takin – a unique goat-antelope – and the Black-Necked Crane as well as marvel at the strategic location of the Punakha Dzong that plays an important role in Bhutan’s history. All this, done in great comfort and with The Wanderers’ attention to detail.

The highlights of Bhutan Escape with The Wanderers

• Visit the Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Be warned: It will take your breath away in more ways than one!
• Visit the Motitang Takin Preservation Centre to understand the uniqueness of Bhutan’s national animal
• It’s permanent peak season here: have your fill of the mighty mountains here, including Mt. Gangkar Puensum, which at 24,590ft is the tallest in Bhutan
• Sing happy dzongs! Visit the Punakha Dzong, Rinpun Dzong, Wangchulo Dzong as well as other Lhakhangs and Gompas
• Watch beautiful birds strut their stuff at the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, situated at the edge of the forest and wetlands in the Phobjikha Valley
• Drive through lush blue pine and rhododendron forests and via the majestic Chele-la Pass to the stunning landscape of Haa
• Pay obeisance at the Memorial Chorten at Thimpu as well as offer prayers to the largest statue in the country of the Buddha, at Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point)
• Comfortable accommodation at the three locations of Thimpu, Punakha and Paro and a well-crafted itinerary that brings Bhutan alive to you

Even if you are not Pharrell Williams, we are sure you would like to be happy. Click below to know more about how The Wanderers can make you happy by taking you to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan!

Simply contact us at the following coordinates.

Sharad: 8291445737

Email Id: sharad@thewanderers.co.in

Check out our latest group tour on Bhutan 

Discover Bhutan

By Savitha Subramanium

Albeit a little late to sit down and pen my thoughts about Bhutan, I had no one else to blame but me – simply because Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragons still had ‘that’ effect which had me at loss for adjectives about the place. That, and ofcourse, the post vacation hangover which translates into getting back into the routine.

But as I sit down to pen this blog post, my mind is flooded with the images of Bhutan – The land of the Thunder Dragon; The country which measures the happiness of its citizens ; One of the claimants to the title- Shangri-la! Anyone who visits this tiny Himalayan kingdom nestled between the two Asian giants (India and China) would be blown away by its beauty, culture and serenity.

As someone who believes that travel is an experience, a journey and not just visa stampings I take a lot of efforts to plan my vacations. It’s important that the travel is enjoyable and appealing to the varied tastes of my husband, my two kids and myself. Vacations and destinations have always been very close to my heart – simply because I feel that it is escapism from the normal rigours and the highlight should be fun filled family time.

And, lo behold came Wanderers – who understand the kind of traveller you are, your expectations, budgets and adds their own expert advice to it. And in this case, I had Alifiya – my little vacation genie, if I could call her that! With the Wanderers, the destination holds a close thread to their heart. And the magic of the country begins from the moment they sit across and bring the country alive with their words.

Bhutan is awe inspiring from the moment you start flying over the Himalayas and land into a breathtaking valley. I felt like applauding the pilot for that amazing flight. The itinerary was not too rigid and we were ready to put our feet up and enjoy.

Due to weather vagaries we couldn’t do the hike to Taktsang monastery. But the trips to Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Bumthang and Trongsa exposed us to the beauty of this nation and their culture. And the view of Taktsang left us in awe! The hypnotic quality that the place possesses is something that the guide books could never do justice.

And of course, we had a fantastic guide and a driver – which made the trip all the more pleasurable. Extremely helpful and resourceful, they knew the ins and outs of the land and little quaint details which I’ve believed is very important to making your trip memorable. Excellent hotels and I would recommend the Kyichu properties which definitely gets thumbs up from us! Indian vegetarian food is available at most good hotels and resorts. And what helps is also the fact that the Bhutanese have lot of regards for Indians and it feels nice to see their warm hospitality.

Travel books, magazines, blogs and websites don’t do justice to any place. Because, if you have to feel the magic of the land, you need to pack your bags and head out. Let the country envelop you in its folds…let the magic of the monasteries and the snow capped mountains mesmerise you.

Simply put you must visit the country to enjoy it. Bhutan is a jewel in our neighbourhood.

You don’t need a Visa to travel to Bhutan from India.  Between penning my thoughts and going back to the captured images, I’m promoting Bhutan as a destination to all my friends. And if a tailor-made trip is what you have in mind, then the Wanderers is your destination.

Check out our latest package on Bhutan