Escaping Life with Newfound Freedom: Monika’s Solo Bhutan Trip Review with Thrillophilia
I had been drowning in the monotony of my 9 to 5 job in Pune. My soul longed for a break, a chance to rediscover myself.
Honestly, the gentle hum of Bhutanese monasteries had been calling to me for years. One particularly rough Monday, I decided to finally answer the call!
I have always trusted Thrillophilia when it comes to planning vacations. So, I quickly went to their website, filled up the inquiry, got a call, discussed everything, finalised the dates and made the payment. Ah! I was finally going on a vacation- a ‘SOLO’ vacation for the very first time in my life.
As my flight soared through the clouds, my heart skipped a beat. It was exactly what I needed: nature, peace, and a break from the never-ending lines of code that I was dealing with.
The Secret Pathway to Peace
The day I visited the famed Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the steep hike up tested my stamina. As I paused to catch a breath halfway up, I noticed Sonam, my guide struggling with a camera tripod.
"Do you need a hand?", I asked
“Yes, please,” he said.
What started as a simple exchange of words turned into an engaging conversation about the local culture, legends, and hidden gems in Bhutan. Sonam’s infectious passion for his homeland intrigued me a lot.
“Tell me something most tourists don’t know about Bhutan,” I challenged him.
With a twinkle in his eye, Sonam said, “There’s a secret path behind the monastery, one that only locals know about. It leads to an ancient cave. If you want, I can show you.”
Me being my ‘usual-curious’ self, made up my mind and convinced the fellow group members.
“Let’s do it!”
Savouring Bhutan’s Flavours
As a foodie, Bhutan did not disappoint. I had always wanted to try ‘Ema Datshi,’ a traditional Bhutanese dish made with chilli and cheese, especially after hearing Deepika Padukone rave about it.
So, when we stopped at the Mountain Cafe in Paro, I wasted no time in ordering it. And, the meal was beyond delicious – rich, spicy, and full of surprises, much like Bhutan itself. Sitting there, savouring each bite, I couldn’t help but think, Bhutan’s food mirrors its landscape –
wild, bold, and unforgettable.
Into the Nooks and Corners of Bhutan
With each passing day, it seemed that Bhutan was unfolding a new petal of its beauty. On the day we were heading towards Thimpu, I could see the rolling hills and distant snow-capped peaks, as our car climbed higher. As I checked into the hotel, the vibrant mix of traditional crafts, colourful fabrics, and the aroma of fresh Bhutanese food won my heart. Despite being a capital city, Thimphu had an unhurried charm and I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the place.
On the day, we set off early for Punakha, one of the most picturesque valleys in Bhutan. The drive was nothing short of spectacular, as the car wound through the stunning Dochula Pass. At an elevation of over 10,000 feet, the pass offered breathtaking views of the Higher Himalayas. I couldn’t resist stepping out of the car to breathe in the fresh mountain air and take in the panoramic views of snow-covered peaks piercing the sky.
The other day, we hiked to the Chele La Pass, and finally got sight of the mighty Mt. Jolmohari. The altitude was higher here, and each breath felt like an accomplishment.
The sweeping views of the Himalayas stretched endlessly in every direction, a stark reminder of how small my worries were in the grand canvas of nature. My heart felt light, my mind clearer than it had been in months.
“I think I could stay here forever,” I whispered to myself.
A Priceless Blessing
On my 3rd day in Bhutan, I visited a small, lesser-known monastery near Punakha. There, I met an elderly monk who spoke little English but had a kind, divine smile. As I sat beside him, he handed me a string of prayer beads and gestured for me to hold them tightly, something that I would never forget.
“Peace,” he said in his soft voice, pointing to the beads in my hand.
I smiled, feeling something that I had never experienced before- an overwhelming sense of calm washed me over. The monk tapped the beads once, closed his eyes, and after a moment of silence, he said, “You are free.”
The simplicity of those words striked me.
Whatever it was, I was sure that he could read inbetween the lines and convey to me a message of the universe. It was something I was carrying back as the largest take back from the ‘Land of Thunder Dragon’.
Hardest Goodbyes
As my week in Bhutan came to an end, I boarded the plane back to Pune with a heart full of gratitude and a head full of clarity. I felt different- lighter, more at peace with myself. The magic of Bhutan had absolutely worked its way into my soul.
Back in Pune, as I resumed my job, I began to realise how things had changed. I found joy in the little moments, no longer stressed by deadlines or bug fixes.
Even today, I look back and often think of Bhutan- the caves, the mountains, and the monk’s simple blessing: “You are free.”
And every time I feel overwhelmed by the noise of my life, I close my eyes and remember the stillness of that cave, the whisper of the wind, and the wisdom of Bhutan.
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