Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon

At the end of 2025 a wonderful experience was waiting for me: a trip to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”.

It is the kingdom of Bhutan in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, it remains a "Last Shangri-La," where the rhythm of life is measured by gross national happiness:

You get this feeling of happiness as soon as you get out of the plane; only the sound of the wind, the airport is more likely a wellness and relaxation center full of local art pieces.

Travelling in Bhutan by car takes time but it is the best to enjoy the landscape and stop in interesting places.

All the people I met have been very friendly and willing t talk in perfect English. In shops having a talk was as important as buying something. At the street market small shops were selling local craftmanship with beautiful textiles and colors as local clothes are.

Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan shaping the unique national philosophy of Gross National Happiness and is considered the “soul of Bhutan”. The Buddah Dordenma, a 54 m tall bronze Buddah statue, that is overlooking the Thimphu valley confirms it.

The Dochula pass, at 3.100 m altitude, is a wonderful place with a mix history, tradition and beautiful landscapes. At the pass 108 memorial chortens pierce the sky with the flutter of prayer flags that carry ancient mantras on the mountain breeze.

II’ve been very lucky because I had the opportunity to be there on the 13^th of December when the Druk Wangyel Tshechu takes place that is held since 2003 to commemorate the victory of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.. Hundreds of people mee t the pass to join the festival with performances of mask dances depicting stories from Bhutanese tradition, mythology and religion.

The scenery is astonishing due to the high peaks as the Mt. Masanggang 7.194 m and the Mt. Gangkar 7.570 m in the background.

The places to stay in Bhutan offer vibrant emotions with their views, architecture giving a full taste of local tradition. I had the opportunity to stay in local country sites and taste the best local food.

A wonderful hike has been the ascent to the “Tiger Nest” (Paro Taksang) that is less a hike and more a rhythmic meditation.  The journey begins in the shadow of towering blue pines, climbing the world below in the Paro Valley dissolves into an emerald tapestry, while above, the trail curls toward the heavens. Then the Monastery suddenly appears clinging defiantly to a sheer cliff 900 meters above the valley, its white walls and golden roofs glowing under the “sun’s tender embrace. It has been a wonderful experience that rewrites our heartbeat.

What surprised me where the wonderful sacred buildings as the Rimpung Dzong and the Punaka Dzong Fortress Monasteries.

Bhutan left me memories of a wonderful experience and I would like to thank the local colleagues and all the beautiful people I met for having offered the opportunity to know a little more of local life in the country of the Thunder Dragon.