Whispers of the Himalayas: Monika Rajput’s Solo Trip to Bhutan with Thrillophilia
In misty realms, where mountains sigh,
Rivers dance and prayer flags fly.
The peaks touch clouds, the valleys bloom,
A timeless land where spirits loom.
Unmatched beauty, nature’s art, Bhutan, you heal the wandering heart.
Monika was done with her 9 to 5 grind back in Pune and only her heart knew how desperately she needed some time away. The stress she’d been dealing with for the past few months made her crave a solo escape, a break to recharge and rediscover herself.
‘I am a solo traveller, and I generally select Thrillophilia for my travel plans’.
So, on one ‘not-so-fine’ morning, while struggling hard with the Monday blues, she began searching for trips on Thrillophilia’s website. She took a pause and quite impulsively, filled up the inquiry of a group trip to Bhutan.
But after an hour, she received a call which lasted for nearly one and a half hours, after which she sat down to write an email, applying for leaves!
Yes, she was going on a vacation, that too to the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.
Drawn towards spirituality, something larger than life…
So finally it was 17th March and Monika felt a rush of emotions- happiness, anxiety, fear and excitement - all of it - while her early morning flight was taking off for Bagdogra.
Upon reaching, the driver introduced her to other fellow travellers who were going to be her companions throughout the trip. So while the car took turns through the winding roads towards Phuentsholing, Monika’s heart swelled, soaking in the astounding beauty of mother nature.
As the group journeyed through the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan, Monika found herself increasingly drawn to the monasteries.
In fact, on day 5, during their visit to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a moment of stillness completely washed over her. The monastery, perched precariously on the edge of a mountain, felt like it was suspended between heaven and earth.
That day and at that very moment, she truly felt something deeply spiritual about Bhutan. It’s not just the physical beauty, but the way the country connects you to something larger than life.
Words of Wisdom
The world has known Bhutan to be the most hospitable and welcoming country. But nothing beats the feeling of experiencing their warmth in person.
“They are some of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met,” Monika said. “I remember talking to our guide, Sonam, about life in Bhutan. He told us about how happiness is measured here, not by wealth or material things, but by the quality of life and mental well-being.”
In Punakha, while visiting the famous Punakha Dzong, Monika had a chance to meet a local family. “They invited me into their home for a cup of butter tea. We sat around a small fire, exchanging stories, and I felt so at home despite being miles away from my own."
The Taste of Bhutan
Monika is an ardent fan of Deepika Padukone and ever since she has heard DP talk about her favourite food, she has dreamt of visiting Bhutan and having the authentic ‘Ema Datsi’ with hot red rice.
So, the day her group took a halt at the Mountain Cafe in Paro, she knew exactly what she's going to order. After hours of chatting over the tastiest meal of her entire trip, Monika felt it was safe to say,
‘The food in Bhutan is like the country itself – rich, flavorful, and full of surprises’.
Where Nature Meets the Divine
Each day brought in some new spectacle of awe that Monika battled to document through her camera. One fine morning, while having tea with the most amazing view, she said to herself ‘Enough! From now onwards, I am going to capture it with my eyes and soul’.
And, such was the drive to Dochula Pass, where she found herself speechless at the panoramic view of the Himalayas. “It was as if the world had paused, just for a moment, so I could breathe it all in”.
Chele La Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan, was another highlight for her. “At 13,084 feet, the view of Mount Jomolhari was simply breathtaking. It’s one of those places where you feel connected to something much larger than yourself,” Monika recalled.
In that moment, the words of William Wordsworth lingered through her mind and taking a deep breath, she murmured- “Nature never did betray the heart that loved her.”
Changing Perspectives
For Monika, the monasteries in Bhutan weren’t just beautiful; they were transformative.
A visit to the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, was one such experience. “It wasn’t just a visit; it was an education in faith, tradition, and life.”
Her visit to the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu was another moving experience. Monika stood there, watching the locals spin prayer wheels and walk around the stupa in absolute faith. It made her realise how disconnected this world has become from reality and she promised herself to always find joy in the little things of life.
On the final evening of Phuentsholing, Monika and her group sat down for one final dinner before parting ways. Laughter filled the air as they reminisced about the week gone by.
“Every moment has been magical, but the connection I felt here- both with nature and people- was life-changing. I think Bhutan has a way of getting under your skin and staying with you. It’s as if the country itself is alive, inviting you to slow down, breathe, and just be’, Monika shared her thoughts with the group.
The next morning while standing at the airport, Monika realised that Bhutan had not only shown her the beauty of the Himalayas but had also reminded her of the beauty of simplicity, faith, and human connection.
She mused to herself remembering Robert Frost’s words,
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Read more: Thrillophilia Bhutan Reviews