I was transported to another world; Shangri-La

Kuzuzangpo La Sonam,

I called you earlier to give you my feedback actually but I am glad that you emailed me instead.

Well what can I say Sonam, you are so lucky to be born in Bhutan for you don't need to go elsewhere to breath fresh air and enjoy the most spectacular scenery in this world that is next to picture perfect. I was spellbound when I got off the plane at Paro International Airport. It felt like I was transported to another world; Shangri-La. But... do you know when the plane was taking off from Paro airport back to Singapore, my heart was so heavy, I did not feel like leaving this peaceful sanctuary. No place I have visited thus far impacted me this much.

10 days in Bhutan gave me the space and much needed time to think and get connected with my higher self. I felt I am a part of this bigger universe. I felt a sense of contentment, which I have never felt before. I had the peace to reflect and in the process came to some very interesting realization. How? I suppose the tranquility and fresh air allowed that. The greenery was just magical; the chirping of birds, the smell of nature and animals, and the air that enter into my lungs rejuvenated me. Yes I felt a life.

Your 10-day tour is ideal to discover and immerse in the Bhutanese culture. Your routes were well organized and carefully thought through. I love the small group tour as it allows greater flexibility and own time own schedule kind of arrangement. It also allows us the tourist to have more interaction time with the guide. I know I have missed out on all the wonderful things that one can see in September, October and November but summer is no less than a great time to visit Bhutan. Before I left I told you that I want nothing but great memories from Bhutan and yes Sonam you delivered that.

The people of Bhutan are indeed a living example of what happiness Index means. The fourth King (Jigme Singhe Wangchok) is truly a brilliant man looking from the many initiatives and foundations that he laid for his country and his people. The present King and queen are the nation's pride and joy and I am sure they are much admired by many around the world including me, as I am a big fan of theirs. I spend time talking to the people there, I stopped and talk to students (naturally as I am a teacher) and I must say I have never seen such cultured youth who addressed me as ma'am and answer every of my question with great attentiveness and patience. Even the monks were so polite when I gave out pens. They actually use two hands to receive the pens from me. I wish I had brought more.

The Bhutanese have such high regard for their national dress (Kira and gho) and take pride to dress appropriately when they enter the monastery and Dzongs. I was so in love with the Kira that I got a tailor to sew me two casual Kiras and one complete formal Kira and tegu. I am going to wear it for International Friendship Day in school and I am going to tell all my students and teachers about Bhutan.

Now about the guides and driver. I think I am so lucky or maybe they are all the same; my guide (Dawa) and Driver (Tzeinsing) were excellent. They were so caring, so helpful, so entertaining and so full of life. They gave me the impression that they love doing what they are doing and were great ambassadors of Bhutan. They went the extra mile when I sprained my neck. They took me to the hospital to get me treated and checked on me every now and then to see if I was all right. Apart from this, Dawa and Tzeinsing were great motivators too.

I remember the morning when we were scheduled to scale up to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), my back was hurting after a rough drive from Gangtey to Paro the day before. I told them that I may not be able to go for the Tiger's Nest hike and asked them to take my daughter instead. Both showed care and concern for me. They sat me down, had a cup of tea with me and ask me if I could try; if I really cannot then I can rest at the Tea House. Dawa stayed with me throughout the climb and she kept encouraging me. In fact to say she cheered me on when I told her okay I am ready for the last lap. Truly I wouldn't have reached the Tiger's Nest if not for Dawa. You rock Dawa! Similarly when we were going up to the Buddhist University in Thimphu; Tzeinsing was there to bring me up and down. He was very patient and encouraged me all the way. Thank you guys!

Every morning when they picked us up, they had a ready smile and will always ask if we had a good sleep and if the breakfast was to our liking. Out of their own pocket they will buy snacks and tidbits for my daughter. The little little things that they did for us really touched us; they will ask if we wanted to listen to songs when we were travelling, if we wanted to drink more water, if we wanted to stop for tea break or if we wanted to take pictures along the way and the list just goes on. We felt so pampered and well taken care of by Dawa and Tzeinsing. They are two great guides that you have. I do not know their full name; you can see them in the picture. Yes you may use the pictures.

I have never stopped talking about Bhutan since I got back. My friends are already asking me on trips to Bhutan… How many days are ideal, the journey, cost etc etc. I just told them to go to DrukAsia.

I would like to thank you Sonam for the bottom of my heart for making this trip happen for me. It’s magical. I would truly want to go to Bhutan for trekking in November 2014. And I will get in touch with you. And yes hopefully Dawa and Tzeinsing can be my guide again.

Kadin-Chhey,
Paramjit Kaur