BHUTAN_The Happiest Country in the world

Isn’t that a statement that immediately grabs your attention?

It caught mine too and I am SIMPLY LOVIN IT. Having said that I wanted to be in Bhutan to find out what makes this small neighboring friend of ours so uniquely happy. Though Bhutan can be reached by RAIL, ROAD, and AIR, I took the DRUK AIR flight to Bhutan which was to land on the most dangerous runway set between two mountains with only eight pilots having the expertise to do so! Thrilling isn’t it?

PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The flight seat belt served to be the most important tool to keep us belted as we prepared to land, not knowing where to concentrate, on the beauty of the Himalayas or the landing. The expertise was well experienced so was the beauty and there we were at THE DRAGON KINGDOM being welcomed by the Billboards of the 5th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ROYAL FAMILY. The moment we were welcomed, I fell in love with the GHO & KIRA–the local dresses.

The immigration was fast and friendly, we are on our way to the Capital of Bhutan THIMPU some 54Kms away.  The bonhomie and the feeling of being in the “World’s happiest country” takes over as we follow the road set amongst the mountains and the PARO River. Such is the vibe of the place that the traveling party is in full form, high on the discussion of homemade BREWS made from rice and peach. Finally, we had to ask the driver to take a pit stop for purchases.

Blessed Himalayas

This landlocked country is blessed with the Greater Himalayas, the hills and the valleys of the Inner Himalayas, and the foothills and plains of the Sub-Himalayan range. The snowy, glacial high lands are the sources for many of the rivers of Bhutan. Throughout Bhutan, as you travel, the forest cover is thick and dense. In the plains, you criss-cross through them and as you climb higher you are above them. This place is also known as one of the top ten biodiversity hot spots with a forest cover of 70% of the country’s total geographical area! Astounding Facts!

Checking into my hotel, I stay majorly outdoors to catch as much as I can of the towering Himalayas and eager to crossover the swiftly flowing THIMPU River which seemed to be a barrier between me and the Changlimithang football stadium.

My bridge to happiness

I waited in vain to catch a ride and then start walking, high on excitement when I realize that the path is passing through dense vegetation. Skeptical to go any further I look around for human company and see a lonely soul walking on the same path. Eager to seek help, we converse in broken Hindi/English catching on to the words and gestures to assist comprehension. Towards the bridge I stare at SANGMA, yes that’s her name, and see her red lips and beautiful oval face which reflect the glory, beauty, and culture of her wonderful country.

But I am eager to crossover hence along with her through the vegetation we approach the bridge landing, I am more than happy to reach my destination. Looking at her I profusely thank her and ask her about her lipstick and the secret of her red lips.

She quietly removes a pouch of raw beetle nuts and leaves. Then I get the local ‘NUSKA’ to keep the body warm in the cold weather of the country. This, added with some flavored ingredients makes for a great mouth freshener which I got hooked too as it is easily available everywhere.

This 100-year-old bridge having found a mention in the National Geographic magazine on the River Thimpu was adorned with colorful prayer flags. This was quickly traversed and there I was in the stadium amongst the football enthusiast and locals clad in GHO & KIRA making it a most colorful spectacle cheering in full might. Joining them, I was lost in the moment, in the happy country with the most alluring climate. Simplicity.

Thimpu the Capital

Thimpu hosts a majority of activities and sights. We visited the DZONGS, memorials, and museums, out of which the most spectacular was the National Memorial CHORTEN devoted to world peace, Chorten meaning “Seat of Faith” it does resonate as it is also the most visited site and visitors can be seen circumambulating around the CHORTEN which holds a photo of DURK GYALPO, the third head of the kingdom.

Budhha Dordema

The statue of Budhha Dordema, which was on this particular day in the abode of clouds. The weather had suddenly surprised us and the entire day was spent in the clouds. This 3 storied tall construction holds many spectacular small Buddhas resembling the Buddha ‘Dordema’  which itself is 51meter tall and gold plated.

DE-ZO

The art of papermaking called the DE-ZO is deeply rooted in the BHUTANEESE. The visit to the JUNGSHI Handmade paper factory was like trying out our hand at paper making, which was made from the barks of the DAPHNE tree widely used for religious scriptures & texts. The handmade beautifully textured paper is a laborious, intricate creation majorly with natural products and is well preserved. Purchases made, we were on our way again to Simply BHUTAN.

Simply Bhutan welcomed us with the local Brew AEERA and then after tapping a foot or two with the local dance party, you feel one amongst them.  After seeing the museum, showcasing all the traditions and domestic everyday lifestyle of the Bhutanese, we were told that this museum was created from the old doors & windows made from Timbre.

Many travelers are either amazed or shocked at the display of many penises, but the story is that they are worshipped as the main creator behind human birth, and you can find many Jewelry, and artifacts available resonating this story.

AERRA made from rice is a local brew commonly consumed for celebrations and festivities, is mildly fragrant and subtle in taste but getting addicted is easy and I miss them terribly even now!

THIMPU is a blend of the old and Modern. After enjoying the scintillating nightlife, after the football match visiting the markets and the bazaars for souvenirs and with a chai at a roadside café or a glass of peach wine was relaxing. What touched my heart while moving around in the city was that the pedestrians crossing the streets were given utmost importance? Every vehicle stopped, and the importance given to human life was what touched me. Simple things made one happy.

DOCHULA PASS

Punakha is some 3 hours’ drive from Thimpu. On a cloudy rainy day as we ascend the DOCHULA PASS, we are at the eastern edge of the Himalayas, this spectacular mountain view with 108 Chortens spread across adorned with multicolored flags each resembling the five elements of the universe, dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives defending the country on many occasions. Sitting at this singular café having coffee on this chilly and windy day with the panoramic view around, SERENDIPITY descends on us.

The Happiness Quotient

I wish to stay here and not go ahead. This is what happiness is. Yet again I leave a piece of my heart behind. For me, the country is happy because of its simple, nature-loving, humble, and grateful people who appreciate what has been gifted to them, respect and love their sovereignty and all of it unconditionally.

PARO and PUNAKHA…..Coming Soon

Experience these

• The Himalayas
• The gushing rivers of Bhutan
• The forest Cover
• The Rhododendron
• The mystic Clouds
• The lush Green Meadows
• The Mystic Clouds
• The many fluttering prayer Flags
• The Monks of all ages

Stay Tuned to Varsha Mahore Blogs. Enriching lives through Travels. Please follow justonewayticket on INSTA and Facebook and visit my website www.justonewayticket.in