Why I Don't Recommend You Visit Bhutan

Yesterday, I had a conversation with my best friend about her upcoming fifteenth wedding anniversary celebration with her husband. She asked me whether they should visit Bhutan, famously known as the happiest country in the world. To her surprise, I said:

"No, No, No! Don't Go to Bhutan!"

She was shocked because she knew Bhutan was one of my favorite destinations. I explained to her, "If you're feeling happy, don't go to Bhutan, especially for a honeymoon or anniversary. Bhutan is boring - it has no beaches, no luxurious candlelight dinners, and not even reliable Wi-Fi to share your romantic moments on social media. All it offers is a lot of similar Dzongs and temples, modest villages, and a small capital city without traffic lights."

My friend widened her eyes in surprise.

I continued, "By the way, Bhutan has no good food. They make dumplings with chili and cheese, and they can only cook very simple dishes with basic ingredients. Also, the accommodations in Bhutan are quite simple - even the so-called five-star hotels."

"Alright, fine. I'll give up on Bhutan," my friend said decisively.

A few minutes later, still curious, she asked, "So, who actually visits Bhutan? And why is it your favorite destination?"

Daily Life in Punakha

Why Bhutan?

"Good questions!" I'm getting excited. Because the following part is the real point I want to share:

If you get hurt by your lover, you feel tired of your job, you get lost in yourself, and if you only have one week left in your life, go to Bhutan.

In Bhutan, you can do nothing but meditation. You can stop thinking, then you start to think. Start to think about your life, think about the emptiness, think about those classic philosophical questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Then you will meet a "new" you after this trip.

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My Bhutan Memories

Everything in Bhutan is still in my mind, though so many years have passed. I can even remember every second in Bhutan.

I can still clearly recall the first sight of Bhutan when my airplane was landing at Paro Airport. Such a small "international" airport! It was built in a deep valley, with surrounding peaks as high as 5,500 meters. But the landing is very safe and smooth, so I believe that the pilots in Bhutan should have the best skills.

My Bhutan Visa

I knew Bhutan was an undeveloped country at that time, but I didn't expect the whole country's condition to be so...emm, primitive.

I was very surprised to see my tour guide, a handsome young man, wearing a national dress that really looked like a long skirt, picking me up at the airport. He could speak English and Spanish very well. He told me that many of the tour guides in Bhutan are learning English or other languages in India or Sri Lanka. In Bhutan, you need to travel with a tour company that offers you a private tour guide, driver, and private vehicle, even if you travel solo. That means you can't travel independently.

My Handsome Bhutan Guide

Bhutan only has a few deluxe resorts, at a very high price. Where I stayed in Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, was a '4-star' hotel, but I think it only matched a 3-star level. I felt so disappointed at first glance that I wanted to book a return flight back to my sweet home at once.

Soon I was feeling lucky that I didn't give up.

My hotel room was simple but clean and tidy. I owned a private balcony, where I could see the fancy sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley. It is a peaceful, untouched, and exotic fairland. I fell in love with Bhutan at that time at once.

Bird View of Thimphu

Travel, Don't Just Tour

As I said, Bhutan has many Dzongs and temples, which makes it very hard to tell the difference if you are not a fan of Buddhist culture or religion. But it doesn't matter. Once you walk into a Dzong or a temple (or simply refer to it as a monastery), you will feel your inner peace. The colorful and typical architecture with vivid paintings is magical. Slow down your pace to listen to every story behind the painting from your tour guide. Sit in any corner of these places, then try to do some meditation, as the monk. You will get rid of every trouble and bothersome.

Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) is the most sacred place in Bhutan and my favorite. Before I visited there, my tour guide had told me that I needed to hike a half day to this famous temple on the edge of a cliff, and the road was not flat and easy to walk on. Give up? No way!

Trek to Tiger's Nest

I knew that Bhutan always offered more than expected. And the fact was, I LOVE this place most! I have been to many Asian temples and sure they are amazing. But Tiger's Nest, I found myself at a loss for words to describe it. Maybe it's only when you're there that you can truly understand how I felt.

Tiger's Nest

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Happy Is the Attitude of Bhutanese

Bhutanese people are very simple and warm-hearted. They don't speak much English, so communication often relies on gestures and warm smiles. When I visited the local markets, I felt truly touched. Because of the challenging natural environment, it's hard to grow many crops or raise animals here. Most daily necessities, like fresh vegetables and meat, are imported from neighboring countries such as India. Even so, the Bhutanese people remain peaceful and kind. Their calmness and positivity in such tough conditions really moved me.

"Now I can understand what you mean." After listening carefully to my words of Bhutan, my friend said, "It's true that simplicity makes people happy."

My Soul Journey in Bhutan

So, Don't Visit Bhutan Before You're Ready to Meet Yourself

Yes, going to Bhutan means you will have a spiritual journey. But if you're only looking for a superficial tour, then Bhutan is not the place for you.