Deep, moving and Magnificent

Discover Bhutan's untouched beauty in the Himalayas, where ancient traditions and serene landscapes offer travellers a truly unique escape.

Bhutan is achingly beautiful, quiet, gentle and slow. But before we dive into its charms, let’s start with India.

India is everything, everywhere, all at once—a land of extremes and contradictions. It's loud and brash, yet somehow also quiet and intricate. You'll love it, hate it, and then love it again. India is impossible to ignore. I mention it because entry into Bhutan is typically from India or Nepal, and neither jumping-off point is without its fair share of chaos. This contrast only makes Bhutan’s peacefulness all the more captivating.



In the short few years since Bhutan has welcomed international tourism, it has quickly garnered a reputation as a place of respite and pristine beauty. I’m pleased to say that the experience truly lives up to the hype.



As the plane descends into the endless foothills of the Himalayas, gliding through valley after valley, the emotion takes over. The grandeur and majesty of it all, as the mountains wrap themselves around you, becomes an unforgettable introduction to the magic of Bhutan.



Stepping onto the Paro tarmac (no aerobridges in sight) and breathing in the crisp mountain air is an exhilarating experience. It's a sweet relief, especially after arriving from a neighbouring country where the 'heady' aromas seem inescapable—here, the air is as pure as it gets.



Next comes the silence. The silence between mountains feels distinct from that of a desert—it doesn’t stretch endlessly into the distance. Instead, it's contained, like a quiet, familiar conversation between old friends, comforting and serene.





The vast majority of Bhutan's landscapes remain untouched and covered with dense native forests, while a small portion of the land is dedicated to traditional rice terraces.



Then, you meet the people of Bhutan. In India, locals often look you directly in the eye—it can feel intense, inviting, even seductive. But in Bhutan, the experience couldn’t be more different. The locals are incredibly shy, their eyes downcast, not out of fear but out of deep respect. It’s both beguiling and charming, though a little frustrating at times—especially if, like me, you enjoy a good chat. 



This shyness permeates nearly every interaction you'll have in Bhutan, except within the beautiful hotels that have recently emerged to cater to modern tourists. Here, the wonderful young locals have been trained to engage with Western visitors. They’ll converse, laugh, and look you in the eye—and they might even flirt a little. Through these interactions, you gain a glimpse into how the locals relate to one another, offering a lovely window into the true joy of being Bhutanese.



Tourism in Bhutan is carefully controlled. As a relatively new concept, they want to get it right. The country is small, with no significant manufacturing or commerce, and they've wisely recognized that their most valuable asset is their largely untouched, pristine environment. The last thing they want is for the world to love it to death.





Colourful prayer flags flutter on hilltops, bridges, and along mountain trails.



When you first see the glowing ice-blue threads of the whirling rivers that seem to be ever-present, you realize how precious this place truly is. The sad irony lies in the fact that these innocent cascades of water nourish iconic rivers like the Ganges, which all too soon become foul and polluted. You can't shake the feeling of impending doom for these bodies of perfect water as they tumble down toward the deltas and floodplains of India.



Perhaps one of the richest aspects of Bhutan—and one that inevitably leaves its mark—is its spirituality. You can see it in the colourful prayer flags woven through giant rhododendrons in ancient forests and in the breathtaking intricacy of monasteries clinging spectacularly to cliff faces. But more than anything, you can feel it.



Buddhism is deeply rooted here—from the locals in the streets to the monks and nuns you encounter everywhere, all engaging in centuries-old teachings and traditions. It’s the quiet depth of their commitment and devotion that will humble you, providing a spirit reset you didn’t even know you needed.





A young Bhutanese girl offers a warm, welcoming smile. 



"Perhaps one of the richest aspects of Bhutan—and one that inevitably leaves its mark—is its spirituality."

3 MUST-DOS

1. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Taktsang

This iconic monastery is perched on a cliff 3,120 metres above sea level. The trek there is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views of the Paro Valley. It is one of Bhutan's most sacred sites and a must-see for visitors.



2. Explore Punakha Dzong

Bhutan's second-largest dzong (fortress), meaning the palace of great happiness or bliss. It is beautifully situated at the confluence of two rivers. Known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, it was once the seat of government and is still used for important religious and royal events.



3. Visit Phobjikha Valley

A peaceful and scenic site of the impressive ancient Buddhist Gangtey Monastery and home to the rare black-necked cranes that migrate here in winter. The valley offers lovely hikes and the chance to experience rural Bhutanese life, away from the more touristy areas.





A Buddhist monk performs a religious ritual.

Come join us!

Recharge your batteries as you immerse yourself in the spiritual culture and traditional lifestyle of Bhutan on our 12-day tour of Bhutan and Nepal, where happiness is a national priority. Join us from April 13th to 24th, 2025.



FOR MORE INFORMATION or to book, call 1300 233 200 or visit rosstours.com