Bhutan: Less People, More Happiness, and a Whole Lot of Prayer Flags
I just wrapped up an incredibly well-organized trip with Routed India, and while I’m still buzzing from the experience, I wanted to jot down a few observations. This isn’t your standard "here is a photo of me in front of a temple" travelogue—you can find the glossy details on Routed’s website. These are just the random, unfiltered thoughts of a traveller who realized that Bhutan is basically the "quiet kid" of Asia who has their life totally figured out.
1. The Magic Portal (and the Lack of People)
Bhutan is sparsely populated, which I’m convinced is the "secret sauce" for everything else on this list. Crossing the border feels less like a drive and more like a magic trick. One minute you’re in the bustling chaos of Jaigaon, West Bengal; you walk through a slightly grimy alley into the immigration office, and you pop out the other door into Phuentsholing.
It’s like Narnia, but with better tea. Suddenly, the volume knob of the world is turned down. Fewer people, fewer honks, and way more breathing room. It turns out that less is definitely "moor" when it comes to crowds.
2. Seeing Green (Literally)
In Bhutan, "Go Green" isn't a bumper sticker; it’s a personality trait. They are so eco-conscious that even the hotel toothpaste kits came in paper covers. I visited a football stadium in Phuentsholing and couldn't find a single piece of litter. They’ve really pulp-ed the plastic habit!
3. A Nation of Ballers
I found fully manicured football grounds in places that were literally in the middle of nowhere. Whether it was Thimphu or a remote hillside, the investment in sports is obvious. It’s heartening to see a country prioritize physical health and teamwork. You could say they really have their eye on the ball when it comes to national well-being.
4. Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
The highways connecting Paro, Punakha, and Thimpu are surprisingly well-maintained. They might be narrow, but they aren’t "holy" (the pothole kind, anyway). Aside from a few bumpy stretches, the roads were great. I guess you could say the Ministry of Works is really paving the way for a good time.
5. The GNH is Real
Bhutan measures Gross National Happiness (GNH), and honestly, it shows. Even though our "sample size" was just the people we met, everyone seemed genuinely cheerful. Life isn't necessarily "easy" there, but people seem incredibly contented. It’s a nice change of pace to be around people who aren't "de-feted" by the daily grind.
6. Royal Fever
The Bhutanese love their King—and I mean really love him. Every shop and home has a royal portrait. The road to the Buddha Dordenma is lined with prayer flags specifically for the King’s long life. It’s rare to see such genuine veneration for royalty these days; they clearly feel the monarchy has crowned their lives with positive change.
7. Dressed to Impress
The national dress (the Gho and Kira) looks like a lot of work to put on, but the locals wear it with immense pride. It might look complicated to a t-shirt-and-jeans guy like me, but they definitely suit the landscape perfectly.
8. The Tiger’s Nest "Toughness" Myth
I’m just going to say it: the difficulty of the Tiger’s Nest hike is overrated. If you have reasonable health, it’s a steady walk, not a "Mission Impossible" stunt. It’s not a technical trail, and the views are so stunning they’ll take your breath away (if the altitude hasn't already). Don't let the hype scare you—it’s a peak experience that's totally doable!
9. The Balancing Act
Bhutan has managed a rare feat: balancing economic interests (Agriculture, Tourism, Hydropower) with strict environmental goals. Because the population is low, they don't have to sacrifice their forests for their bank accounts. They’re basically leafing the world a great example of sustainability.
10. The "Roadside Attractions"
Three things kept catching my eye during our drives:
Prayer Flags: They are everywhere—forests, bridges, cliffs. It’s like the country is constantly whispering a blessing.
Tsatsas: These are tiny, beautiful stupas tucked into crevices along the highway.
Wishing Stacks: People build stacks of five or more stones to make a wish. It’s a beautiful, inexpensive way to pray. I tried building one, but I think I need to work on my foundations.
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