6 Days Bhutan Travel Review: Is It Worth It?

So, you are considering a trip to Bhutan, right? And, that too, perhaps just a little six-day escape to this mysterious Himalayan kingdom. You may well be wondering if it is truly worth the time and expense. As someone who just went through it, allow me, I would suggest, to give you an idea, offering, just perhaps, a feel for what you might expect on this type of whirlwind visit. Forget stiff, formal reviews. We’re talking person to person here about the ups and downs, the amazing things, and, too, maybe a few minor gripes, potentially, so that you can, in effect, determine if a quick Bhutan trip is the right move for you. Anyway, is six days truly enough to get something out of a visit to this fascinating country?

First Impressions: Landing in Paro

The arrival in Paro is, in a way, nothing less than memorable. You see, the airport itself is, I believe, known as one of the trickiest in the sphere of commercial aviation. It is surrounded by towering, rather impressive peaks, thus demanding experienced pilots. But anyway, seeing the plane drop between these grand mountains is something quite exhilarating! From there, the air hits you—very clean, somewhat crisp. You get the distinct feeling of entering a location very, very separate from pretty much anywhere you have ever been. As you get off the plane, too it’s almost, quite noticeable: the serene calm. It’s a fairly small airport, not actually teeming with crowds, which immediately sets the tone for, maybe, the rest of the trip. Right after baggage claim, there’s generally your guide. I mean, you can’t actually travel independently as a tourist there; this has its pros and cons, yet more on this in just a moment.

Thimphu: A Capital Unlike Any Other

The journey to Thimphu is a relatively short one from Paro, which means you are quickly taking in the local land and buildings. That said, expect winding roads. That is something very characteristic of Bhutan, quite truly. Now Thimphu itself, so it seems, bucks the pattern of other capital cities in some respects. You see, it’s the only capital around the planet that doesn’t have any traffic lights. Instead, you’ll see traffic police directing things at main intersections. Is that unusual or is that unusual? Then too it’s almost the blend of classic Bhutanese buildings with, you know, slightly newer infrastructure, perhaps. We started off with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, a tremendous golden Buddha statue perched high up on a mountain offering some absolutely striking views of the valley. It’s kind of hard to not be awestruck. Right after that, too it’s almost, there was a trip to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and success. It’s almost constantly busy with people circling and muttering prayers. It provides some wonderful understanding in some respects on the significance of spirituality in Bhutanese daily existence. Actually, I rather appreciated, as a matter of fact, the hands-on education; the guides there do very, very well at giving the group background on all the key sights.

Punakha: The Old Capital and Its Wonders

From Thimphu, that journey continues onward to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. The drive includes crossing the Dochula Pass, where you will get beautiful panoramic sights of the Himalayas, truly. Should the weather cooperate. As it didn’t the day we passed over it, that, it turns out, is frequently the case in the springtime. Punakha is generally, I have observed, warmer than Paro or Thimphu, because, just maybe, of its lower elevation. This location is home to the Punakha Dzong, in other words, quite possibly, the most impressive dzong, in a way, throughout Bhutan. What exactly is a dzong you ask? So, basically, it is a fortress monastery. The Punakha Dzong lies at the meeting of two rivers, quite, truly a visual masterpiece that is very impressive. I found out, in fact, that it has played a role of significant importance in Bhutanese history, serving as a venue for royal coronations and, furthermore, important events. This place, too, gives you a superb insight into the skill and imaginative flare shown in Bhutanese artwork, you see, every wall tells a tale.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): The Grand Finale

Anyway, no trip to Bhutan is actually finished without a hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, too it’s almost referred to as Paro Taktsang. That means that on this particular trip, this really is the spotlight. The hike there’s always a bit rough, in a way: It’s really almost steep, and depending, maybe, on your level of fitness, and the temperature, I suppose, can actually test you. However, still, it really is really worthwhile! The scenery whilst going up is actually remarkable, plus the feeling of getting there’s something that you just don’t shake off. The story there goes that Guru Rinpoche, basically, rode to this spot on the back of a tigress and, from there, he meditated in a cave. I’m guessing that the monastery is actually placed around that same cave, suspended on a cliff face. Seeing it, just from afar, appears practically surreal. Although the hike does have its difficulties, doing so is some form of pilgrimage for any person who comes this way.

Is 6 Days Enough?

I am guessing, like your pondering, can just six days truly suffice for exploring Bhutan? The simple answer tends to be: It depends. So, if you are really after an absolutely deep cultural submersion and also the flexibility to explore further afield and, too, maybe do longer treks, then, perhaps, just maybe, no. That being said, just a week provides a really superb preface, really, an intro to the highlights. I want to say that I was able to experience the main sights, sample Bhutanese cuisine (did you know that they are very partial to chili peppers?), learn more, just a little, on Bhutanese history and Buddhist traditions, that, and also meet so many interesting folk. Naturally, with only just a short time, it means you might well be packing it in a bit. Much of my time ended up, that, on the move between places, still I’d argue that just getting that slice of life in Bhutan proved far more memorable. I do actually feel the structure of my guided trip was the only possible way in a short amount of time. Even so, you do end up sacrificing some freedom.

What You Should Consider for your time in Bhutan

Here is a little, that may be rather helpful: You need to definitely pack layers! You see, the temperature can differ a good deal based on the altitude and time of the time, clearly. I suggest good, comfy walking footwear, especially if, perhaps, you’re planning on the hike up to the Tiger’s Nest, absolutely. Honor local tradition at all times. Bhutan is mainly a Buddhist kingdom. So dress modestly any time you visit temples and dzongs. Taking photos could be limited in a few locations, so always consult your tour guide before raising your device. I would suggest the local cuisine, too, that means, actually trying dishes like Ema Datshi (chili cheese—everywhere). Manage expectations; you will be touring as part of a group (generally). That definitely offers, in fact, certain boundaries in what exactly you are able to do and the length of time it may take, even so, too it’s almost creates an awesome possibility of, maybe, meeting other people! Respecting the local guidelines happens to be highly critical, given just how safeguarded the Bhutanese way of life really is actually.

Anyway, a trip through Bhutan actually provided both memorable experiences, plus lots of amazing photograph opportunities. To put it simply, should you desire an alternative kind of vacation, then Bhutan is worth taking into consideration!

• The flight to Paro is absolutely incredible! Make certain you’ve got your camera to hand.
• The blend of older and new cultures is actually obvious. Look, if you get a chance, try communicating with local people regarding the changes taking place.
• Tiger’s Nest Monastery should definitely remain on your bucket list. In other words, take your time going up, and drink plenty, honestly.
• Regard customs and traditions, at all times. Display due esteem; the Bhutanese culture happens to be profoundly revered.

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