On a journey to find the balance – Bhutan
Have you ever thought about taking a break and instead of booking an all-inclusive holidays in tropics, you were actually thinking about going on the spiritual journey to find your balance and identify what truly matters in life? Probably, you’ve thought about India or Bali, but have you ever heard about Bhutan?
This mystical country hidden within the Himalayas is also known as The Land of the Thunder Dragon. Bhutan is a country that holds lots of charm with breath taking landscapes and beautiful nature. The country had been sheltered from tourism and foreign influences until 1974, therefore it’s a really magical place to be and feels like a true privilege to spend some time here.
The Land of Thunder Dragon allows a limited number of travellers every year to experience the beauty and spirituality of this precious land. It’s a go-to place if you need to disconnect from a daily life and find yourself again. From trekking within nature and interacting with monks to traditional medicine treatments, all these will help you evoke the holistic wellbeing.
Bhutan offers a wide range of bespoke experience for anyone who’s coming there for a spiritual journey or yoga trip. Everyone who’s been there and shared their story, said it was a life-changing travel that really made a huge impact on how they see the world.
Sometimes you have to travel far to see within.
Where to stay
Six Senses in Bhutan offers 82 spacious suites and villas across the country in three different locations: Timphu, Punakha and Paro. The design and architecture of the hotel reflects the values of this magical country, which are harmony and simplicity. Staying in this incredible hotel is already an experience on it own with the beautiful views on Himalayan mountains outside the window.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers one of a kind luxury retreat dedicated to wellness and health. The resort is located in the Neyphu Valley and offers a truly unique wellbeing concept. In the resort, guests can make an appointment with two Traditional Medicine Doctors, who are offering healing treatments. On the top of that, they have an access to spa, outdoor experiences and amazing meals.
Places to visit in Bhutan
Tiger Nest Monastery aka Taktsang Monastery
Takstang Monastery, also known as Tiger Nest Monastery, is one of the most famous touristic destinations in Bhutan and also the cultural icon of the country. The Monastery is located in Paro, which is the heart of Bhutan, what’s more, it’s also the place where the only international airport of the country is located. Visiting Tiger Nest Monastery is a truly unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and beautiful surroundings, so it’s definitely a number one place you should see, while travelling to this incredible country.
Dochula Pass
Dochula pass is a popular location among tourists, as it on the way from Thiamphu to Punakha and offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The pass is also very popular among the local families, as they enjoy visiting it during holidays or simply have a picnic with this beautiful scenery. Definitely worth visiting, as its an ideal location for capturing the best pictures of your trip.
Royal Manas National Park
Royal Manas National Park is the oldest national park in Bhutan, officially set up in 1966 as a wildlife sanctuary. Located in the Eastern Himalays, the park is also known as the “conservation showpieces of the Kingdom”, Known for housing various plants and animal species, it’s the proud home to Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Himalayan Black Bears and several more animals. Distinct plant species, used in medicinal, religious, commercial and food purposes, are the crown jewels of this national park. The holy Manas River is also part of the national park and make it look even more beautiful and natural.
What you need to know before visiting Bhutan
Spiritual Retreat
One of the best ways to balance your life and find the harmony is meditation. Therefore the mediation retreats are quite common practice in Bhutan amongst Monks and Buddhist. Small mediation centres are spread all over the country, usually next to monasteries, temples and monastic schools. Since lots of tourists come to Bhutan for mediation, most of the centres offer a few day long mediation programs and retreat journeys.
The Soul Sanctuaries is a good resource if you want someone to take care of your journey to Bhutan. Here you can create a personalised healthy holidays in luxury wellness retreats across Asia, such as Bhutan, Bali, Thailand and India. In Bhutan you can find luxury retreats such as Amankora Spiritual which is 12-night journey that is entirely personalised. The trip includes staying in five different luxury lodges across the country, visiting ancient monasteries and temples, meeting with monks and meditation practices.
Best time to go
Bhutan can be visited at any season. During the spring and summer the visitors can expect a great weather with clear mornings and beautiful landscapes full of flowers. From mid-June until September there is a chance of a rain, however the weather is still really good. Winter is perfect for touring and hiking. The weather isn’t that cold, however the air is dry and the nights may be really cold. If you have a chance, it’s great to book your trip to Bhutan during a local festivals called Tshechu, which are held on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar. These vibrant religious festivals are one of the occasions where locals gather together to witness mask dances and receive blessings.
Currency
The national currency in Bhutan is the Ngultrum (Nu). The prices are mostly quoted in Ngultrum, however the USD is also widely accepted. Since the ATM access is limited (only credit cards are accepted), it’s recommended to carry cash.
Eco-conscious
Bhutan is known to be the world’s most eco-friendly country due its low carbon emissions and the wide use of the hydropower. So if you are a fan of the highly sustainable lifestyle – this is a destination for you!
What to wear
When it comes to chose what to wear in Bhutan, it will depends on what you are planning to do, and when you are planning to go. However despite the season and the purpose of your journey, the dress-code in Bhutan is pretty strict, as you can’t simply wear whatever you want. Mini skirts, shorts or flip-flops are not recommended. But considering what people usually do when visiting Bhutan make sure to take a pair of comfortable trekking shoes, because hiking will probably be in your list, and clothes that will cover your arms and legs. Also, you can’t forget about a pair of sunglasses, even during the winter, the sun is pretty bright. It’s also great to have a waterproof, yet light outerwear and a good backpack is always a plus.
