My Blissful Trip to Bhutan

Landing in Bhutan was exhilarating from the very beginning. Paro Airport is considered one of the world’s most challenging high‑altitude airports, with landings permitted only during daylight hours and limited to a small number of specially certified pilots. Knowing this as we descended made the arrival unforgettable.

The airport itself is a delight. The arrival building reflects traditional Bhutanese architecture - colourful, intricate, and unexpectedly charming. Even the luggage belts are decorated, and the air traffic control tower is designed to resemble a dzong, the fortress‑like monasteries found throughout the country. From the moment you arrive, beauty and tradition are unmistakably present.

Over our seven‑day visit, we discovered just how special and unique Bhutan truly is. There are many reasons it belongs on a bucket list. The most obvious are the dramatic landscapes, rich culture, pristine forests, and striking Buddhist architecture. More subtle - but equally powerful - are the experiences of being in a small, landlocked Himalayan kingdom where Buddhism is a way of life and where people are deeply committed to preserving their

culture and values.

Bhutan is the world’s first carbon‑negative country and is often described as the last culturally preserved Himalayan kingdom. Sandwiched between two global giants - India to the south and China to the north - Bhutan works consciously and carefully to protect its environment, traditions, and identity. Travel here is inherently mindful, with a strong emphasis on conservation and sustainability. The national philosophy is to modernise, but

not westernise.

We were privileged to hear from a doctor and scholar who explained the ethos of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan’s guiding principle. It was fascinating to learn how happiness, wellbeing, and balance are placed at the centre of national policy and daily life. The monarchy is deeply loved, and democracy - still relatively new - is being thoughtfully embraced.

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Our days were filled with meaningful and varied experiences: flag hoisting, candle making and lighting, astrology, meditation, spa treatments, white‑water rafting, archery, and placing prayer flags and ta‑tas along mountain roads. Each activity offered further insight into this deeply spiritual and distinctive culture.

Bhutan welcomes tourists, but strictly controls visitor numbers. Visas and licensed guides are required, and the standard of accommodation and service is exceptional - think Six Senses and similarly high‑end lodges that align with the country’s values of sustainability and authenticity.

A long‑held personal dream was to visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), dramatically perched on a cliff at 3,120 metres. We planned this trek toward the end of the journey to allow time for acclimatisation, as the hike can be demanding. After a steady 2.5‑hour climb, reaching the monastery was a profound personal highlight. Stepping inside felt mystical and deeply spiritual, and we were all genuinely moved by the experience.

Bhutan truly offers something for everyone. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but equally rewarding for those who value cultural insight and different ways of living. You don’t need to climb Tiger’s Nest or go rafting to appreciate this remarkable country. Life here is centred on happiness rather than wealth, and there is much to learn from that perspective.

One saying I heard stayed with me: Bhutan is a beautiful country of gentle people, led by a wonderful king. Author Linda Leaming, in Married to Bhutan and A Field of Happiness, writes that Bhutan makes careful choices, balancing tradition, technology, and restraint. It’s a country that quietly but profoundly changes how you see your own life - and how you choose to live it.

If a trip to Bhutan is on your travel wish list, contact us and one of our Professional Travel Advisors can arrange your flights, hotels, sightseeing, guided tours, travel insurance and more.

Images courtesy of Ginette

Ginette travelled courtesy of Creative Travel