Spending time in Bhutan can teach you to slow down, connect with nature and be inspired by Buddhist compassion. Bhutan is renowned as a country of peace and contentment, unique for measuring national success by its Gross National Happiness Index instead of the traditional GDP. With a profound respect for nature, deep-rooted spirituality and ancient wellness practices, the Himalayan kingdom seems to move at a different pace from the rest of the world.
If you are looking for a New Year trip to unplug and recharge, spending time in Bhutan can teach you to slow down, connect with nature and be inspired by Buddhist compassion. From hot stone baths to hikes to sacred lakes, here’s how to find wellness in Bhutan. Last year, the Trans Bhutan trail which runs across the Himalayan country reopened after 60 years.
The epic takes 10 days to complete and is considered very challenging. For visitors who want to venture into Bhutan’s misty mountain ranges and climb up to cliff-clinging monasteries in a shorter time scale, there are plenty of other to pick from. Bhutanese hiking expert says her favourite is the Nubtsonapata Trek.
This route takes you through the peaks of Haa in western Bhutan, an area that tends to be less visited by tourists. The winds through blooming rhododendrons and fragrant juniper forests and crosses lofty passes as high as 4,350 meters above sea level. The invigorating route is perfect for some self-reflection as you reach the scared Nubtsonapata Lake on day thre.
