Our journey began in India, took us through Nepal, and has now brought us to the serene beauty of Bhutan.

India was bustling, crowded, and chaotic—yet full of rich culture and unforgettable experiences. I loved every moment of it. Nepal, though a bit calmer, still had its share of vibrant energy and interesting sights. I thoroughly enjoyed our time there as well. Now, Bhutan offers a complete contrast to both. It is quiet, calm, peaceful, and absolutely incredible—a perfect place to complete our travels.

Though small in size, Bhutan’s landscapes are nothing short of awe-inspiring. The country is roughly 350 km long and 150 km wide, with a population around 750,000. Despite its size, Bhutan's rugged Himalaya mountain terrain is some of the most dramatic in the world. Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by lush forests, rivers, rice paddies, and charming traditional homes with intricate colirful designs.

Traveling around Bhutan, however, can be a bit of a challenge for those of us prone to motion sickness—the roads twist and turn constantly. I don’t think a single straight road exists here! Fun fact: there are no traffic lights in the entire country. The busier intersections are managed by traffic police.

Bhutan’s spiritual heart is evident in its rich Buddhist heritage, with 75% of the population practicing Buddhism. We've visited temples, ancient fortresses, and monasteries in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and now Gangtey. Each stop has been a dive into Bhutan’s beauty and spiritual tranquility.

A few unique aspects of Bhutan that have  stood out to me:

The constitution says  the country can never deforest below 60 percent of the countries forests. They are around 72 percent now.

Fishing is illegal. You can only fish in the rivers with a fly fishing license.

There’s no railway system here.

Underground cables are installed around Gangtey, to protect the migratory cranes, highlighting Bhutan’s strong focus on conservation.

Homes must be built in traditional styles.

In short, Bhutan is a hidden gem that beautifully preserves its traditions and natural beauty. I am absolutely captivated by its charm!

Prayer flags blowing in the wind