Historic fortresses, ancient monasteries nestled in beautiful nature, along with cultural features and gentle people, Bhutan helped me find happiness on the journey.
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What is “happiness” to you?
I have just arrived in Bhutan, a small kingdom nestled in the majestic Himalayas, which the media calls the happiest country in the world.
A landlocked country in South Asia, located in a pincer position between India and China, Bhutan is considered the poorest country in the world with a very low GDP per capita. So why is this place considered the happiest place in the world and has a “Ministry of Happiness”. Is life here really like that?
I am Ha La La (Bui Viet Ha), living in Ho Chi Minh City, a person who loves freedom and long trips, learning about new lands, experiencing unique cultures and sharing travel stories through images and films.
Being a person with special feelings for the Himalayas, setting foot in Bhutan is one of my inevitable wishes. On the occasion of the recent April 30 holiday, I had the chance to set foot in the Kingdom of Happiness with my friends on a 5-day, 4-night journey.
Bhutan is not only about the concept of happiness
It is a bit unfair because before setting foot in Bhutan, I had trips to Tibetan Buddhist lands around the Himalayas, so my emotions when I first came here were not as full as other visitors.
For me, this country is not only about the concept of happiness, this trip allows me to slow down, turn inward, and verify whether the definition of happiness of this country is true for me or not instead of just satisfying my curiosity.
Instead of being overwhelmed by the towering mountains located at an altitude of over 7,000 m of the Himalayas on the northern border, where tourism is not allowed, Bhutan in my eyes has the beauty of a peaceful land with friendly people.
Located at an altitude of over 3,000 m, the scenery here is as beautiful as a painting with ancient monasteries and fortresses hidden among the lush greenery in the valleys and mountain slopes. During this trip, I visited the tourist attractions on the main tourist route of Bhutan, passing through Paro, Punakha and the capital Thimphu.
About 10 km from the center of Paro town, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is considered a cultural symbol of Bhutan that visitors cannot miss when coming to this kingdom. This structure is located precariously on a cliff about 3,100 m above sea level, with mountains on one side and abysses on the other, creating a spectacular view. To get here, people have to walk for 5-6 hours both up and down.
The total height of the journey is only about 800 m. However, to overcome the winding rocky road of 8-9 km with a backpack carrying heavy equipment in thin oxygen conditions is a challenge, especially for someone who has had altitude sickness and pneumonia like me.
Knowing that my health is not good, I tried to exercise in the days before the trip but the situation did not improve, so I had to consider renting a donkey or horse to move. In the end, I still decided to go up to the monastery on my own two feet.
The 6-hour solo trekking journey gave me the opportunity to be myself without being entangled in anyone’s emotions or pressured for fear of affecting others. At that time, happiness for me was not setting foot in the famous Taktsang monastery, but the joy of being mindful with every step.
Breathing in and out, I walked slowly, listening to the birds chirping, the sound of pine trees rustling, watching the peaceful scenery, observing the people around me and feeling the efforts of each person on the journey. Without going up to the monastery, I stopped at the viewpoint, looking at the construction on the mountainside, looming in the thin clouds, enjoying the peaceful moment.
Coming to Bhutan in spring, I was able to freely admire the hundreds of flowers blooming while walking along the roads, visiting the constructions and monasteries.
Punakha Dzong, the largest and oldest fortress in Bhutan, attracted me with its classical architecture. It is now the administrative center, playing an important role in cultural and historical life, and is a must-see destination for tourists when visiting Bhutan. The Dzong was built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, surrounded by purple phoenix trees that bloom in the spring.
During my time here, I had the opportunity to admire a Punakha Dzong radiant in purple phoenix flowers, enjoy the fresh breeze, and feel the slow flow of life. Besides, you can visit the Punakha suspension bridge about 180 m long, standing out with colorful Lung-ta flags fluttering in the wind.
Coming to Bhutan in spring gives me the opportunity to admire the blooming flowers next to ancient monasteries and fortresses.
Along the way from Thimphu to Punakha, we visited Dochula Pass, which has a spectacular natural landscape. This season, rhododendrons bloom from Dochula Pass, interspersed with Lung-ta flags fluttering in the wind of those praying for peace for those traveling on this route.
Unfortunately, the time I arrived in Bhutan was quite foggy, so I could not see the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas, when I could normally see them far away on the horizon on clear days.
The Land of Sweetness
According to the schedule, we were going to visit Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, which stands tall on a hill, also known as the “Temple of Fertility”. Normally, the car would take passengers straight to the monastery, but for some reason that day the driver dropped my group off at a rather far away point, we had to walk across 2 fields to get to the temple.
Fortunately, on the walking route, my friends and I had the opportunity to meet the local people working in the fields and decided to stay and learn about the lives of the people in the place known as the happiest in the world instead of going to the monastery. Through the moments of fun, the people here brought us a sense of sincerity and hospitality even though we only communicated with each other through eyes, smiles and gestures.
Coming to Bhutan, visitors can easily see the colorful Lung-ta prayer flags fluttering in the wind on national highways, mountain passes, or on distant mountains… When the wind blows, the prayers and mantras written on the flags will spread throughout the space, praying for luck and peace for the journey. Along the roads, visitors will not find traffic lights. Instead, at traffic intersections there are always traffic controllers and warning signs for road users.
Arriving here, I had the opportunity to enjoy fresh, organically grown vegetables and fruits. The vegetables and fruits here are not diverse and do not look attractive, but they have a refreshing, sweet taste. Most of Bhutanese cuisine has a spicy flavor from chili and spices. If you cannot forget Vietnamese cuisine, you can bring some instant noodles, dried sour soup or pork floss…
This trip gave me the opportunity to contemplate, turn inward and laugh a lot. If the 5 lands around the Himalayas were called 5 flavors, I would choose Bhutan as the country that represents sweetness while India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet can be salty, bitter, spicy, and strong.
I hope that one day, after experiencing all 5 flavors, I will come back here to enjoy the sweetness as a dessert from this Happy Country.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bhutan you can refer to
- 5D4N Classic Bhutan Tour
- 9D8N Classic Bhutan Tour
- Thimphu Private Car Charter
- 6D5N Dagala Thousand Lake Trek
- 6D5N Druk Path Trek
- 14D13N Laya – Gasa Trek
- 7D6N Classic Bhutan Tour
- 8D7N Classic Bhutan Tour
- 6D5N Classic Bhutan Tour
Read more: The fullest Bhutan travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Bhutan for the first-timers and Bhutan guide here.
