Bhutan

Prior to the visit when I would tell people I would be going to Bhutan, most replied "What's a Bhutan?" My quick answer, It's a small landlocked asian country in the Himalayas. Think what you think you know about Nepal and I think that's essentially it.
Now after being there, I barely know what a Nepal is... but the land of the Thunder Dragons is a place I found truly awe inspiring. The endless lush jungle scaped mountains and valleys were truly glorious. Cascaded with shafts of light or draped in calming low clouds. I found myself constantly staring from our vehicles' windows anticipating what was around the next curve. "Click... click"

The Bhutanese live amongst thousands of valleys, with a similar feel to Austria if you've been lucky enough to have been. Although a real treat is the beauty of the countless monasteries which reach up near the tippy top peaks. The second thing you notice right away and dominates the rest of the trip is the people. The Bhutanese are the warmest, most welcoming people I've met. Constantly smiling with so much pride for their tiny nation of 700 000. Ready to gleefully explain the Gross National Happiness index and how they live so well in spite of not having the "things" we Westerners think we must have to live.

Upon arrival, we started with an intention filled meditation session with a local Lama (spiritual master or guru) and lunch under the charming pines. After filling our bellies, we set out for our first night's stop in the Capital of Thimphu. The town felt on the edge of bustling. Streets lined with a fair number of residents and school children wearing the customary Goh and Kira. With essentially only one single laned high street it wasn't about to get out of hand though. The calmness of the driving, with the many roundabouts and someone always generously allowing your car to join the traffic felt foreign. No honking and no traffic lights to hold anyone up unnecessarily. Everything just meandered on gently like the flowing rivers. The architecture, almost alpine in nature, has been mandated to all resemble the same traditional Bhutanese modest style with interlocking wood work and flourishes of paintings covering the buildings. They were covered in depictions of mainly "Druks", Dzongkha for dragons. As well as phalluses on homes that were apparently in need of support from the fertility gods.

Thimphu housed the Parliament and in surrounding hills perched atop was the 169 ft Buddha watching over the valley. Standing in its shadow made one feel tiny. I ventured north with a smaller group up to the Punakha Dzong. The stunning former winter capital. Which of course houses one of the most special monasteries of the trip. Our group without fail all entered, (Sorry no photos in temples) in complete awe. In most of these monasteries seemingly no surface is ignored. Amongst the larger than life Buddhas and tapestries all was considered.

Our last locale was back to Paro for the daunting but exquisite Tiger's Nest Hike. This was day four of the trip by now, I had to pace myself but soon enough on the trail I felt strong and able. I was fortunate not to deal with much in the way of altitude sickness as a wrong turn took me up above Tiger's Nest another 50m. The brief solitude helped me realize I was likely on the wrong path. So I retraced my steps and rejoined the group.

When you finally reach the Tiger's Nest you almost forget immediately the effort of the climb. Clinging to the sheer cliff of the mountain, Tiger’s Nest soars above the clouds as if weightless. We marvelled at each intricate room of the many monasteries. One of which had a small number of monks trumpeting and chanting a deep resonance which felt attuned to your soul. The whole moment for me was quite overwhelming emotionally. Bhutan's pace slows life down to a human speed. Your mind stops racing. It gives one time to pause and reflect. I quickly realized how grateful I am in life and friendships. That every moment in my life until this point. Every conversation, set back and achievement had brought me to this place on that day. The love I have for my family, my wife and my friends stirred something in me which I will try to never lose. I truly am grateful.

To be able to share this adventure with my sister Chelsea was a once in a lifetime trip. I'm not exactly sure if my path will lead back to Bhutan again, but I do hope I'll get to reunite with new friends again one day. I know the country and it's many beautiful people are in such great hands. The King leads with a gracefulness that if all works out for the Gelephu Mindfulness City or GMC (Check it out to see what's happening there). I'm sure soon enough more people will find themselves in the lands of the Thunder Dragons.

- Backpack Broda