Bhutan, Incredible Country, People and Experience
There is so much of Bhutan that is more a feeling than anything else. It is such a unique and authentic experience that it is difficult to articulate, but I will give it a go. Anyone that has visited Bhutan knows that you really have to want to visit. You don't just step off a plane, clear customs and Bobs your uncle ... it takes a great deal of planning and more than a few dollars, but well worth the effort. Bhutan has a tourism policy of 'High Value-Low Impact' and in order to accomplish this, every visitor must arrange their visit through a licensed Bhutanese tour company. For me, I chose Gomo Adventures (gomoadventures.com), and it's not an understatement when I say it was the trip of a lifetime, made possible by our incredible tour guide Ugyen Wangchuk. I've known Ugyen as a friend for 19 years and he has been encouraging me to visit Bhutan for that long and I am only sorry that I waited so long. Bhutan only opened up to tourism in 1971 and they limit the number of tourists, which protects their environment (Bhutan as a country has the only negative carbon footprint in the world), people and way of life. You pay a flat fee of between $200 and $250 a day, depending on when you visit. But, although this seems high, as I said, it's a high-value vacation. From the time you step off the plane until your guide waves goodbye, you are well taken care of. The fee covers your visa, hotels, food, transportation in country and, best of all, your guide. When you decide to visit, your first step is to contact a tour company such as Gomo Adventures. Planning is the key. You will work with the company to decide on an itinerary, based on your interests, such as hiking, trekking or a more relaxed pace of visiting the main sites and enjoying the stunning scenery. Once you have your itinerary and dates settled, the tour company will invoice you for the entire cost, including the flight into Bhutan (more on that later). You pay everything up front and then relax as your tour company goes to work arranging your flights, hotels, meals, and everything else. There is a limited number of 'jump off' points to fly into Bhutan, including Bangkok, Singapore, Kalkata etc. There are only two airlines that fly into Paro, the only international airport in the country ... Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. As you fly by views of Mt. Everest, it's one of the most spectacular and scary landings you will ever encounter and there are less than 15 pilots in the world authorized to land in Bhutan. Once you land and clear customs and immigration, you will be met by your guide, who will make sure your every need is met and ensure your comfort and health. Once in Bhutan, your adventure begins by taking in the incredible mountains surrounding Paro. Depending on your itinerary, usually your first stop will be your hotel to freshen up and then, without a moment to waste, off you go for one amazing experience after another. After greeting Ugyen at the airport, we immediately headed for Thimphu, the nation’s capital. Along the way, we stopped at a small store to use the facilities and ended up having a lovely (and unscheduled) visit with a family that lived nearby. That is how it is in Bhutan, yes, you have a schedule and itinerary, but when you have a tour guide like Ugyen, the day is filled with surprises. Your guide will make suggestions on how the day will progress, but will remain completely flexible to other options, such as stopping for photos, a snack, a monastery or, just visiting a random family. The people are incredibly friendly and almost always pose for a photo if asked. They are generous, gentle and always willing to lend a hand if you need a little assistance. The country is 75 percent Buddhist and the people truly live their religion, without being imposing. Everywhere you will see Stupas, Dzongs, Monasteries and Monastic Schools, all woven into their everyday life. Your guide will instruct you on how to respectfully visit each without being dogmatic and will laugh with you if you happen to make a faux pas. Each of the main sites, such as the Tigers Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong or the Monastery of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley etc. hold an interesting history and your guide will explain all and answer your questions, such as "why do we see so many phallic symbols painted on houses?" All of the hotels and restaurants meant for tourists and locals alike have to meet a certain standard and be approved by the government. I felt extremely comfortable and well fed with the large rooms and abundant and delicious food, plenty of hot water and very adequate WIFI. Since all of your basics are taken care of in advance, you do not need much money, but you will want to take back some souvenirs, pay for laundry and tips, especially your guide and driver. Exchanging money can be a challenge, but there are ATMs in the larger cities, such as Paro and Thimphu. Your guide will assist you when needed. When you visit, it won't be long before you step into the peaceful rhythm of this beautiful country and when you do, you will understand what I mean by your visit being more a feeling. With views of the Himalayas, valleys, quaint towns, ancient monasteries and authentic, sincere and wonderful people, you will soon wonder, why can't the rest of the world live this way. Bhutan has come a long way in the past 50 years, introducing television, the internet, and yes, even Pokemon Go, but it retains the same charm as it always has. It truly is paradise found.
