Dzongs, Passes And A Thousand Emotions: Mohit’s Bhutan Story With Thrillophilia
Where Mohit’s Bhutan Chapter Truly Began
For Mohit Kapoor, Bhutan had always been one of those names that felt distant, mystical and dreamlike. When he finally decided to take this journey, he hoped it would give him the pause and perspective he had been craving. Life had been moving too fast back home, and Bhutan, with its gentle mountains, ancient monasteries and slow-paced culture, felt like the perfect place to reset.
On the day he landed in Bagdogra and drove toward Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan, he felt something shift. The warm air, the quiet roads and the calm landscapes slowly replaced the noise of daily routines. As he crossed into the border town, he felt welcomed by a sense of peace that only certain places on earth can offer. His adventure had begun.
Phuentsholing to Thimphu: A Drive Filled With First Impressions
The next morning, Mohit continued his journey toward Thimphu. The drive was scenic, with mountain roads, forests and small settlements appearing along the way. The atmosphere felt crisp and unhurried. He watched the clouds float low across the hills, and every turn revealed a new layer of greenery.
When he reached Thimphu, the capital city felt different from any he had seen before. Clean streets, cultural buildings, people dressed in traditional attire, and the calming rhythm of valley life made him instantly feel grounded. His check-in process went smoothly, and with a warm welcome waiting at the hotel, he began to feel at home.
A Day of Dzongs and Rivers in Punakha
The Next Day, Mohit began his full-day excursion to Punakha. The drive itself felt like a journey through time, moving from the open valley of Thimphu toward the deeper, greener heart of Bhutan.
Dochula Pass was one of his first unforgettable views. The 108 chortens stood proudly against the sky, surrounded by drifting clouds and layers of mountains stretching endlessly into the horizon. For a moment, he simply stood still, breathing in the cold air and letting the silence wash over him.
Reaching Punakha, the sight of Punakha Dzong left him awestruck. The structure stood tall at the meeting point of two rivers, glowing softly in the afternoon light. With wooden details, painted walls and prayer flags fluttering nearby, the dzong felt alive with history. Walking through its corridors, listening to his guide speak about ancient kings and spiritual leaders, Mohit felt connected to a world far older and wiser than his own.
The suspension bridge nearby added a touch of thrill to his day. The gentle sway, the colourful prayer flags, the river flowing far below and the mountains watching from a distance created a moment that felt both adventurous and peaceful.
A Day of Sightseeing and Slow Realisations
On the next day’s Thimphu sightseeing tour, Mohit discovered how deeply the city holds its traditions. From monasteries to viewpoints, each stop offered something new to understand.
He visited cultural sites, watched monks move in quiet routines, and admired the beautifully preserved Bhutanese architecture that stood proudly against the mountain backdrop. The city felt alive, but not rushed. Even in its busiest corners, there was a softness that allowed him to slow down and breathe.
The more he explored, the more he realised how unique Thimphu really was. A capital with no traffic lights, no loud chaos and no hurry to compete with the world. It was a place where people smiled easily, where spirituality was woven into daily life and where nature remained close no matter where one stood.
A Valley That Holds Stories in Its Silence
Leaving Thimphu and travelling toward Paro brought a new shift in energy. The valley opened up beautifully, framed by rice fields, traditional houses, and distant hills. Every corner looked picturesque, and the peaceful atmosphere made Mohit feel lighter.
His sightseeing tour here revealed quiet temples, markets, and scenic spots that blended perfectly with the calm surroundings. Paro felt like a place that invited reflection without asking for it. It was gentle, warm, and deeply connected to Bhutan’s roots.
A Climb That Changes Something Inside You
Mohit set out for the most-awaited moment of his trip, the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Known as Taktsang, the monastery sits dramatically on a cliffside, and reaching it is considered both a physical and spiritual experience.
The trail was steep in parts, but the fresh mountain air, the sound of prayer flags fluttering, and the forest views kept him going. His guide walked beside him, sharing stories of Guru Rinpoche, whose meditation here gave the monastery its legendary importance.
As Mohit climbed higher, the monastery slowly appeared between the trees, looking almost unreal. When he finally reached the iconic viewpoint, a wave of emotion washed over him. Standing there, looking at the white walls balancing on the cliff, he felt a deep sense of achievement and gratitude.
Inside the monastery, the silence felt sacred. Butter lamps glowed softly, monks chanted quietly, and the atmosphere felt like it held centuries of wisdom. It was a moment that stayed with him long after he walked back down the trail.
A Goodbye Wrapped in Wind and Prayer Flags
Mohit travelled back toward Phuentsholing via Chele La Pass. At one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan, the winds were colder, the views grander, and the sky clearer. Prayer flags fluttered wildly, carrying prayers across the mountains. Mohit stood there for a while, taking in the endless expanse of nature. It felt like the perfect farewell to Bhutan.
Departure: With a Heart Full of Gratitude
On the final day, Mohit made his way back toward the border. The trip had been smooth, meaningful, and beautifully memorable. He felt grateful for how Thrillophilia handled everything, especially the way Ankit understood his situation and effortlessly rescheduled his itinerary.
Effortless planning, kind support, and a team that stayed connected throughout made him feel valued. His journey through Bhutan was not just about landscapes, monasteries, and passes. It was about how deeply the place touched him.
What Bhutan Left Him With
Mohit returned home with quiet strength, clearer thoughts, and a heart full of memories. Bhutan showed him simplicity, spirituality, and silence in ways he had never known. The dzongs, the passes, the hikes, and the calmness around every corner made the trip meaningful beyond words.
For him, Bhutan was more than a destination. It was a reminder of how beautiful the world can be when one slows down long enough to notice it. And with Thrillophilia arranging each step with care, his story became one worth remembering forever.
Read more: Bhutan reviews