Boarding my flight, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement. I was about to embark on a journey beyond the borders of my familiar world. Traveling has always had an allure to me; the idea of exploring new cultures, landscapes, and cuisines was inexplicably thrilling. But this trip was different, it was uncharted territory, a tour beyond borders in the truest sense.
My destination was Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom nestled between China and India. Bhutan isn’t the usual tourist hotspot. It’s secluded and remote, known for its deep cultural roots and the happiness quotient of its citizens, not to mention its breathtaking natural beauty.
Over the mountains and through the clouds, when our plane finally descended, I could see a brilliant, infinite green. Tradition met us at the airport, with the ground staff wearing their national attire – ‘gho’ for men and ‘kira’ for women.
The drive to Thimphu, the capital city, was picturesque. The zig-zag roads, lined with prayer flags, were set against an endless backdrop of mountains. Small colorful houses scattered along the hillside echoed a rustic charm. The air was strikingly fresh, filled with the scent of pine trees that blanketed the mountains. Occasionally, the silence was broken by the sound of the flowing river that accompanied us on our journey.
My first day ended with a visit to the Bhutan Postal Museum. A relatively small place, it offered an intimate look into the cultural history of Bhutan. From their ancient communication system to the whimsical collection of stamps, each one a story in itself, this place was a treasury of tales.
Food is culture, and in Bhutan, this saying holds. Traditional Bhutanese cuisine is a fiery blend of chilies and cheese. ‘Ema Datshi’, the national dish, which is essentially chili and cheese stew, is a must-try. Paired with ‘red rice’, it was comfort food at its best, simple yet flavorful, making you feel at home in a foreign land.
Over the next few days, I toured Punakha, the ancient capital, and Paro, a valley town known for the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. My trek to this iconic monastery was a challenging one. Perched on the edge of a cliff, it takes about three hours of uphill hiking to reach. But the view from the top was worth every step. Overlooking a sea of green, the monastery seemed to blend into the surroundings, almost feeling like a part of the mountains.
Each place had its unique charm, be it the Punakha Dzong with its majestic architecture, or the mesmerizing sight of the Paro Taktsang monastery, I was constantly left in awe of Bhutan’s serene simplicity.
The people, too, were a reflection of this simplicity. They were friendly and welcoming, their happiness wasn’t ostentatious but subtle, yet heartwarmingly palpable. Their respect for nature and the environment was evident – from the sustainable tourism practices to the absence of traffic lights. Bhutan’s commitment to being carbon neutral was no empty promise, but a lived reality.
As my journey came to an end, Bhutan had left an indelible impression on my heart. It was a tour beyond borders, beyond the usual sightseeing and tourist trails, into the heart of a country’s tradition and lifestyle. It was an intimate exploration of a place where happiness wasn’t just a concept, but a way of life. It was a tour that broke down the borders of my understanding and made me realize the beauty of simplicity. After all, isn’t that what traveling is about? To break free of our boundaries and explore the world with a new perspective.
