Visiting Bhutan

The land of fabled dragons. 

- Rohit Bansal

Bhutan is rich in culture and has high spiritual values. It has the world's highest gross national happiness index and is a visual feast for nature lovers. It has unchallenged peace and serenity. Ruled by the Wangchuck dynasty, Bhutenese people love their royal king and queen.

A direct Druk Airways flight from Delhi takes you to the international airport at Paro. Snow-capped mountainous peaks emerge like spikes from the vast endless carpet of clouds. If it’s lucky enough to get sunny conditions, one can witness the breathtaking view of Mount Everest, which the pilot gladly announces during the flight. It gives the feeling of actually conquering the highest peak in the world. The airport is situated in a valley surrounded by hills on all sides and the landing itself is a great spectacle.

Takshang, popularly known as Tiger Nest, is their famous shrine. Stories say that Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava meditated here on his return from Tibet on a tigress. Situated amongst high cliffs, it is a must for trekking lovers.

 

Dzongs are the most revered and picturesque places in Bhutan. Each city has its strategically located dzong. It is a fortress and is the seat of temporal and spiritual administration. The capital city of Thimphu houses all the ministries in it.