Bhutan Trip with Mom: A Heartfelt Thrillophilia Experience
Sometimes, travel is not about checking places off a list but about rediscovering life with someone who means the world to you. For Soma Bhakat, this trip to Bhutan with her mother was exactly that – a journey of closeness and countless little memories stitched together across the Himalayas.
Soma had always heard that Bhutan was not just a destination but a feeling of peace, humility, and happiness that lingered long after one returned. After months of busy routines and city noise, she decided to give her mother the kind of vacation that they both really needed. She booked their 5-day Bhutan Tour Package through Thrillophilia, trusting the company to handle every detail, and as it turned out, that trust became one of the best decisions of their journey.
From Siliguri to the Land of Happiness
Their journey began in Siliguri, where the crisp air already hinted at the mountains waiting ahead. Crossing into Phuentsholing felt like stepping into a different rhythm with cleaner air, calmer streets, and a quiet sense of order. Soma’s mother looked out of the car window and said softly, “Even the air feels peaceful here.”
Everything from border formalities to transfers went smoothly, thanks to the planning of the Thrillophilia team. Their driver, who introduced himself as Dorji, greeted them with folded hands and a wide smile. “Welcome to Bhutan,” he said. “Here, happiness is not measured in money; it’s measured in smiles.” That one line stayed with Soma throughout the trip.
Their hotel in Phuentsholing was clean and comfortable and had a view of the hills fading into the mist. After a long day of travel, her mother enjoyed a cup of hot butter tea, a local speciality that quickly became their evening ritual.
The Calm Charms of Thimphu
The next morning, they drove to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital that truly felt like one. Instead of crowds and noise, there were prayer flags fluttering in every direction and monks walking calmly along the roads. Soma found it difficult to believe that a capital city could feel so serene.
Their Thrillophilia tour package included private sightseeing, and their guide, Tenzin, made the experience deeply personal. “You’re not just seeing Bhutan,” he said. “You’re feeling it.” He took them to the Tashichho Dzong, an elegant fortress with a backdrop of mountains. Soma’s mother, who loved architecture, was awestruck by its simplicity and grandeur. “It’s not just a building,” she murmured, “it’s a poem in wood and stone.”
Later, they visited the Buddha Dordenma statue. Standing beneath the massive golden figure overlooking the valley, Soma felt small yet peaceful. Her mother closed her eyes, whispering a prayer – perhaps one of gratitude, perhaps one for her daughter’s happiness. Moments like these made the trip more than a vacation; it felt like an emotional retreat.
At night, they explored the local markets, trying momos and ema datshi, Bhutan’s famous chilli-cheese dish. Soma laughed as her mother’s eyes watered from the spice. “You said you wanted authentic,” Soma teased, and her mother replied between giggles, “Authentic it is!”
A Sacred Pause in Punakha
On the third day, they took a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha for a full-day excursion. The journey itself was a highlight: winding mountain roads lined with pine forests and clouds brushing past their car windows. Dorji played soft Bhutanese music, and Soma’s mother hummed along without understanding a word.
Their first stop was Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens stood proudly against the Himalayan backdrop. The air was cold and thin, but the view was soul-stirring. Soma stood quietly, taking photos, while her mother tied a prayer flag, whispering, “For your and my peace, it is.”
At Punakha Dzong, often called the Palace of Great Happiness, they walked across the wooden bridge over the Pho Chhu River. Their guide shared stories of ancient kings and monks, and Soma’s mother listened with fascination. “This is the real history ,” she said, her eyes sparkling.
Lunch was simple but heartfelt with red rice and fresh vegetables served on their plates. As they drove back to Thimphu that evening, both mother and daughter were silent, lost in their thoughts, watching the sunset behind the mountains.
The Warmth of Phuentsholing and Last Goodbyes
Their last leg of the journey brought them back to Phuentsholing. The return felt bittersweet; they were heading home, but their hearts were still somewhere in the valleys. Soma’s mother spent the evening writing in her travel diary, something she hadn’t done in years. “I think Bhutan reminded me how beautiful slowing down can be,” she said.
Before leaving, Soma thanked Sumit Kesharwani from the Thrillophilia team, who had been their constant support from the beginning. From adjusting pickup times to ensuring hotel comfort, he stayed just a message away throughout the trip. “You made this trip worry-free,” Soma texted him. “My mom says you deserve five stars.”
Their driver and guide waved them goodbye the next morning. “Come back again,” Tenzin said with a smile. “Next time, maybe for a festival.” Soma nodded.
A Reliable Companion
Looking back, Soma realised that this wasn’t just a trip; it was a shared experience that deepened her bond with her mother. Everything from the perfectly timed itinerary to the comfort of hotels and the care shown by the team made her feel safe and valued.
In her experience, what stood out most was the human touch. The warmth of every person she met, the genuine effort to make their journey smooth, and the sense that she wasn’t just another traveller. For her, these were not just Thrillophilia reviews on a website but lived moments that spoke louder than words.
As their flight took off, Soma’s mother looked out of the window, smiling softly. “You know,” she said, “Bhutan wasn’t just peaceful; it felt like home.” Soma replied, “Maybe happiness really does live here.”
For anyone planning to travel with a loved one, Soma believes Bhutan is a place that teaches you to pause, breathe, and reconnect, and booking through Thrillophilia makes that journey effortless. In her words, “All you need is the right company and a trusted hand to guide you, and for us, that hand was Thrillophilia.”
Read more: Bhutan Reviews