Bhutan. Known for its Gross National Happiness philosophy and being one of the few countries in the world that’s actually carbon negative, it’s no surprise Bhutan is on many people’s travel bucket lists.
After putting it off for a few years, I finally decided that the time was now.
Honestly? This ended up being one of the most impactful trips I’ve ever taken, and here are 6 reasons why you should travel to Bhutan too!
1. The journey there is like no other
The himalayan peaks towering over the clouds from our plane
There are no direct flights to Bhutan from Malaysia. So when travelling to Bhutan, the highly recommended route there is through Kathmandu because you’ll be flying above the gorgeous Himalayan mountains, and can even get a view of Mount Everest!
Imagine, high mountain peaks with snow caps peeking through the clouds right outside your airplane window. The view really is too jaw dropping and surreal.
Tip: Book the left window seat for your flight from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan for the best views.
2. Experiencing one of the most thrilling airports in the world
The pilot skillfully navigating the plane at a close distance to the mountains | credits: worldaviation
Paro airport is located deep inside the Himalayan valley, with peaks reaching over 4,000m around it, creating turbulence and cross winds!
This means pilots cannot approach it in a straight line like normal airports, but must manoeuvre through narrow mountain corridors and make last-minute corrections.
Because of how complex it is, only a small number of specially trained pilots are allowed to land there. This really made the experience all the more special!
3. Bhutan is like a scene out of a movie
Tiger’s nest monastery, set at 3,120m, impossibly built into the side of a rock cliff
Situated within majestic valleys, the entire setting already feels cinematic — ancient monasteries perched on cliffs, mist rolling over the mountains, and crowds of locals dressed in rich, handwoven fabrics filling the courtyards.
The views were really just surreal!
During Paro Tshechu, locals get dressed in their best traditional attire, the gho for men and kira for women.
Local children wearing their most beautiful traditional attire for the festival
To join in on the fun, many tourists, myself included, rented traditional wear for half a day as we attended the festival.
Then comes the highlight: the masked dances.
Mesmerising dances framed by snow-capped himalayan peaks behind them
Intricately handwoven costumes that come alive in the performance
Monks chant and musicians play as dancers move through the open grounds in a powerful, spiritual performance
Monks and performers take to the courtyard wearing elaborate, hand-crafted costumes and striking masks that are carefully made from traditional materials and detailed textiles.
From traditional dances to singing, some performances are believed to cleanse negative energy, while others are performed to bless the land and its people.
A powerful mix of dance, singing, and acting that fills the audience with awe
If you’re curious about other festivals in Bhutan you can experience, you can check them out here.
4. Majestic landscapes with 70% of their nature deliberately protected
Sangaygang view point that overlooks their capital city, thimphu
Forest reserves in Malaysia are sadly becoming just a temporary term. Seeing the beautiful forest and landscapes of Bhutan felt like the complete opposite.
Around 70% of the country is covered in forests, and this isn’t just by chance — it’s protected by law and embedded into the country’s national identity.
During our six nights across Paro, Punakha and Thimphu, we felt our stress completely melt away. Some highlights include,
- Standing atop Chelela Pass at a breathtaking 3,988m
- Visiting the famed Chimi Lhakhang, a powerful and known fertility temple
- Soaking in the grandeur of Punakha Dzong that stands between two confluences
- Crossing the majestic suspension bridge that lets you overlook the beautiful valley and river below.
Each place adds to the country’s quiet, grounding magic.
Punakha dzong standing gracefully between two rivers and surrounded by mountains
Crossing the iconic suspension bridge in punakha, with valley views and the river rushing below
Standing at chele la pass, surrounded by snow and the himalayan ranges
Additionally, Bhutan is also popular for its trekking experiences, where you can journey through quiet Himalayan trails, pass by remote villages and yak grazing fields, and even camp beneath star-filled skies
You can check out more places to visit in Bhutan here.
5. You gain genuine peace and more meaning in life
Walking through rows of prayer flags on the way to chimi lhakhang, a sacred fertility temple in bhutan
This country isn’t the kind of destination where culture is “performed” for tourists, it is their everyday life. Prayer flags flutter above roads, monks walk alongside students in traditional robes, and sacred spaces are treated with quiet, everyday respect is a real eye opener.
Monks finishing their daily practice, gorgeous paddy fields enveloped by mountain ranges, prayer flags fluttering in the wind
What stood out most is how content people seem with life, even though it is much slower and less driven by money or material ambition compared to what we’re used to in Malaysia.
Being in the beautiful and peaceful city, you can’t help but see more to life than chasing KPIs, deadlines and materialistic milestones. Life can be fulfilling simply by being in the present and content with what you already have.
Locals and their families turning prayer wheels within the temple grounds
6. Bhutan isn’t like your usual Thailand or Japan trip
An archara performance that blends storytelling, movement, and even humour
You can’t just book a flight, hotel, and go. You’ll need a licensed guide which ended up being one of the best parts of the trip. After sifting through reviews, I shortlisted Yak Holidays, which instantly replied to my email.
Yak Holidays sorted everything out for us, from the itinerary and visas to a guide and driver. From the moment we arrived till the end, they really left a deep mark on us. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. He brought each place to life with stories behind the murals, symbolism, and history woven into every building.
Traditional farmhouse with humble, delicious comfort food
Do note, that Bhutan has a mandatory daily tourist fee (aka Sustainable Development Fee), which makes it one of the more “expensive” places to visit.
But I understood why it is the way it is.
Unlike most countries (Malaysia included) which aim to maximise tourism to boost revenue, Bhutan intentionally regulates tourists to reduce the negative impact on the country – think Bali and Phuket.
Inside paro dzong, intricate bhutanese architecture filled with murals, prayer halls, and quiet reverence
Their daily tourism fee is meant to:
- Prevent overcrowding and preserve their gorgeous natural resources.
- Preserve their cultural heritage and way of life
- Emphasise on quality, exclusive experiences instead of generic excursions where you don’t learn anything about the country
In Bhutan, there’s no overcrowding. No over-commercialisation. No tourist traps.
At dochula pass, where 108 chortens stand quietly, shrouded in magical mist
There’s really so much perspective this trip gave me — more than I can ever fit into one article.
If you’re keen to make Bhutan your next holiday trip, check this guide to help you out! It really is life changing.
