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(Written on 24 Jun, 2025)
What's Good: A Soulful Sojourn to the Land of the Thunder Dragon: Bhutan
Our recent family trip to Bhutan—the mystical, serene Himalayan kingdom—was truly captivating, weaving unforgettable (Read More)moments into our souls. As we descended at Paro Airport from Delhi on the golden afternoon of June 14th, we were embraced by two radiant souls who would soon become far more than just guides: Mr Giri Raj Ghalley and Mr Yeshi Wangdi. With their infectious warmth and genuine kindness, they transformed into our cherished companions and cultural ambassadors for the next seven days.
From the moment they welcomed us at Paro Airport at 3:30 p.m., their professionalism and heartfelt hospitality set the stage for a journey as seamless as a river carved through ancient valleys. From June 14th until our bittersweet departure on June 21st at 7:30 a.m., we were cocooned in the care of this dynamic duo, who treated every moment like a precious gem and ensured our adventure was not merely a vacation but a soulful immersion into Bhutanese life.
A special bouquet of gratitude must be handed to Mr Hemlal Sharma, CEO and founder of Teem Travel Bhutan, whose meticulous planning and thoughtful touch orchestrated an itinerary as balanced as a perfectly brewed cup of butter tea. Each day unfolds with the right blend of history, natural splendour, cultural treasures, and leisurely moments. Despite a particularly hot day when an air-conditioned vehicle would have been ideal, the exceptional warmth and service we received overshadowed this minor inconvenience.
What truly elevated our journey from memorable to magical was the personal touch of Giri and Yeshi. Giri, our erudite guide, was a walking encyclopaedia of Bhutanese lore, his passion for his homeland as contagious as laughter among friends. His fluency in English and Hindi made us feel at home, and his insights turned every monastery mural and hidden eatery into a storybook come alive. Giri not only introduced us to Bhutan, but also allowed us to experience its essence.
Yeshi, our ever-smiling, unflappable driver, navigated the serpentine Himalayan roads with the precision of a master calligrapher. His punctuality and gentle demeanour infused our travels with a sense of calm, as soothing as a lullaby in the mountains. Together, Giri and Yeshi formed an exceptional team, demonstrating patience, attentiveness, and a constant sense of adventure.
One evening, when a family member fell ill, Giri and Yeshi, though already home, returned under the cloak of night just to check on us. This act of kindness, simple yet profound, profoundly moved us, reminding us that Bhutan's true magic lies in its people.
Adding to this constellation of experiences was Mr Sharma’s gracious invitation to a cultural evening in Paro—an intimate celebration of Bhutanese traditions, where dance and music wrapped around us like a warm shawl. Here, we weren’t mere tourists; we were honoured guests, embracing the heartbeat of Bhutan.
Our itinerary led us through Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, each destination a jewel in Bhutan’s crown. The majestic Dochula Pass, with its 108 stupas standing sentinel like silent monks; the architectural wonder of Punakha Dzong, cradled between two rivers; the serene Chimi Lhakhang, whispering tales of divine madness; and the iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), where every step felt like a pilgrimage—each moment was both humbling and exhilarating.
But what truly set Bhutan apart was not its monasteries or mountains—it was its people. Their unfailing politeness, quiet pride, commitment to cleanliness, and the palpable peace in the air made us fall in love with the country. Bhutan is not just a place; it’s a feeling—a gentle reminder to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with nature, others, and ourselves.
As our plane soared from Paro Airport on June 21st, our hearts swelled with gratitude and longing. We arrived as curious travellers, but we departed as quiet admirers of a nation that prizes happiness over profit, balance over haste, and nature over concrete.
We wholeheartedly recommend Teem Travel Bhutan to anyone dreaming of a Bhutanese adventure. Their meticulous planning, ethical approach, and, above all, their incredible team—especially Mr Giri Raj Ghalley and Mr Yeshi Wangdi—made our journey truly unforgettable.
Bhutan, you have our hearts. We look forward to our next meeting.