Mythical Bhutan - April 2026 - Hostess Round Up - Dawn Caputo

Bhutan?? Bhutan is a small country nestled in the Himalayan mountains between China and India, half the size of Tasmania with a population of just over 700,000. It is only as recent as the 1970s that the country opened its borders to travellers and is very proactive in protecting both its natural beauty and culture.

Flying into Paro (international airport of Bhutan) we were lucky enough to have been allocated a window seat allowing us to experience the spectacular views of the Himalayas and Mt Everest. It was a breathtaking experience, not knowing where the clouds finished and the snow capped mountains started ! We were greeted by a clear and sunny day and the magic of a calm, easy atmosphere was in the air. Our destination was Bhutan's capital Thimphu - 50km away on the one and only National highway that runs through the country - no traffic lights, no speed cameras ( 50km per hour is the maximum speed allowed on the one and only freeway) It is on this journey that  we  learnt our very first bit of important information. In Bhutan "we don’t follow time, time follows us", this was to be the phrase that set the pace and mind set for our days ahead. Whilst in Thimphu we visited the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, a traditional school of the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan. Dressed In the traditional dress (Kira) our afternoon continued to a traditional handmade paper-making factory and followed by exploring the art & craft bazaar of Thimpu. Our itinerary headed north -east but not before stopping at one of the largest sitting Buddha Statues with commanding views of Thimphu city. Driving over the spectacular Dochula Pass, which sits at an elevation of over 3000 meters to reach Punakha. Our day started with a "calm rafting experience ". Yes, we had reservations, but it really was a calm and wonderful experience as we laughed and joked, at the same time trying to capture this special moment. A picnic lunch by the river before a visit to the nearby Punakha Dzong. We were in luck, our visit fell on a national holiday celebrating the Unification of Bhutan. The Dzong was filled with school kids, parents, old and young dressed in their best coming to pray at the Dzong. Continuing via Trongsa crossing the Black Mountains onto the valley of Bumthang, rich fertile land covered in Cypress trees dotted with red & white rhododendrons and every so often with a wild rose bush. The following morning, we drove to the village of Ura for the Ura Tshechu (mask festival) Unfortunately, the festival was postponed but it allowed us the opportunity to explore the beautiful rural Ura village. The day had a perfect ending with a cooking class in a local farmhouse, this for me was one of the many highlights - being able to visit someone's home and enjoy the kind hospitality of the owners - plus the food was delish ! Our trip was halfway through as we started heading back to Paro via Phobjikha. The following morning was the much-anticipated hike of Taktsang(Tiger's Nest) Monastery perched on  a cliff about 3000 feet off the valley floor is Bhutan's most iconic sacred Buddhist site. Clinging to a sheer granite cliff it is a demanding 4km trek with a 900-meter elevation gain, along with   over 10,000 steps.  Our group of 8 hiked up to the halfway mark with 5 intrepid sisters continuing onto the very top.! The reward was a relaxing traditional hot stone bath - bliss !!! The following morning the "wind down" continued with a "meditation & wellness" class before heading off to visit the Ta Dzong Museum, a cultural show and some last-minute retail therapy. We have been privileged to experience Butanas natural beauty and culture but more importantly to take away some of their simple philosophy on life which is centred around "Gross National Happiness" focusing on living in harmony with both humanity and nature.  Make the opportunity to visit! 

Thank you to the wonderful group of 7 sisters that made this trip so very special  xo