Mythical Bhutan - April 2025 - Hostess Round Up - Carolyn Allen

Bhutan - a tiny landlocked country between India and China.  They measure Gross National Happiness rather than Gross Domestic Product.  There are no traffic lights, no billboards, no homelessness and are the first country in the world to become carbon negative.

We know we are in for something special as we experience the pilot skilfully manoeuver our aircraft along the narrowest and windy landing approach between the majestic Himalayas.

Buddhism is not a religion, it’s a way of life in Bhutan. As we immerse ourselves in its tangible and intangible culture we are encouraged to constantly think about our state of mind.  As we leave Western civilisation behind for a bit, we feel calm, we are happy!  We enjoy the company of friendly locals, step back in time at a folk village, shop up a treat at the craft markets before picking up a paintbrush to become budding artists.

The Bhutan landscape is mountainous, dotted with temples and stupas, making it not only scenic but oh so interesting.  In the ancient capital of Punakha, a way of life washes over us.  We feel blessed to be able to interact freely with local people as they go about their daily lives.  We visit a nunnery and chat to the female monks, we stroll with the locals at the Chorten (stupa) – a daily ritual always in a clockwise direction.  A gentle float (well, mostly!) down the river allows us to take in the beautiful valley.  A delicious picnic lunch is followed by a visit to the Dzong to round out another amazing day in Bhutan.

Life on the road for the Sisters is a windy one at that.  Twisting and turning our way through the Himalayas, we fall in love with the countryside, its many Dzongs and Stupas and most of all its friendly people.  We are lucky enough to join the monks for prayer at the Trongsa Dzong.  A moving experience none of us will forget.

Bhutan’s jewel in its crown is Taktsang Monastery, more well-known as the Tiger's Nest.  Regardless of our fitness levels, we challenge ourselves to trek vertically for the best possible view.  We are all so proud of our accomplishments as we tick off having trekked in the Himalayas.

Bhutan, you have embraced us in your calm, compassionate, caring and happy way.  Your people, your mountains, your clean air, your way of life – you might be small, but western society could learn so much from you.  We leave enriched by our experiences and hope this little gem in the Himalayan foothills never changes.

Thank you, Bhutan!  Thank you, my travelling sisters!