From Chaos to Calm: Kicking Off Our Women’s Journey to Bhutan
The excitement was real. Bags packed, playlists ready, cameras charged, and hearts full—we were finally heading to Bhutan! Our girls’ trip had officially begun, and the energy was off the charts as we landed in Bagdogra.
First stop: food (obviously). We drove just about 30–45 minutes to a local gem called KB, and let me tell you, it was so worth it. Amazing food, full tummies, and the perfect start to what was going to be a magical journey.
From there, we hit the road to Phuentsholing—our gateway into Bhutan. And oh. my. god. The moment you approach the India-Bhutan border, it’s like a slap-in-the-face contrast. The Indian side? Crowded, chaotic, dusty. But take one step into Bhutan, and it’s like someone turned on the Zen filter. Suddenly: clean streets, quiet corners, organized traffic. It was such a stark difference, we were left wide-eyed. And this was just Phuentsholing!
We checked in to Legphel Hotel for the night. Clean, comfy, and perfect for a stopover. After a restful night, we were up early for our immigration process. Thankfully, it was quite smooth—took us just about 30 minutes. We submitted our passports, paid the Sustainable Development Fee, got our permits stamped, and we were all set.
Thimphu: Where the Clouds Kiss the Mountains and the Fun Never Stops
The road to Thimphu was like stepping into a dream. Winding mountain roads, cool fog wrapping itself around the trees, and a kind of stillness that made you slow down—even mentally. At one point, we just had to stop. The view was too pretty to just whiz past—misty valleys, rolling hills, and the kind of silence that fills you up. Cue an impromptu photo shoot, lots of laughter, and some dramatic poses for the ’Gram.
As we reached Thimphu, I noticed something instantly—it’s grown. Since the last time I visited, the city has evolved. It’s more developed, more bustling, but thankfully, it hasn’t lost its soul. The charm, that soft gentle energy, still lingers in the air.
We checked into the Lemon Tree Hotel—nothing too fancy, but oh-so-perfectly located. Right in the heart of Thimphu. Which meant we could literally walk to the cafes, shops, and even our spontaneous karaoke night (which, let’s be honest, was one of the highlights!).
Somewhere between café-hopping and shopping sprees, we sat down for our first proper Bhutanese meal—and it was love at first bite. Spicy, soulful, and hearty, it sealed the deal for us. We were officially on a mission to taste as much local food as possible. No boring buffets for this crew—we wanted momos, ema datshi, red rice, the whole shebang!
The cafes in Thimphu are an absolute vibe—warm, artistic, and full of good coffee and even better conversations. Shopping? Don’t even get me started. Between handcrafted jewelry, local textiles, and quirky souvenirs, our bags may or may not have gotten a little heavier.
And then came karaoke night. Picture this: a group of women, no inhibitions, singing their hearts out in a small Bhutanese bar. Some on key, some not-so-much, but all of us high on happiness. It was the kind of night that memories are made of.
Culture, Cardio & Curry: Our Day Out in Thimphu
Day two in Thimphu came with our first real adventure: a scenic trek to Cheri Monastery. It took us about an hour and fifteen minutes, and it was the perfect way to get our bodies moving (and prepping!) for the mighty Tiger’s Nest ahead. Lush greenery, chirping birds, and that mountain air—it felt like therapy with a view. Reaching the monastery was serene and humbling, and the path itself was peaceful, dotted with prayer flags and pure mountain silence.
After the trek we headed straight to Tomza, a specialty Bhutanese restaurant-and what an experience it was! The food was beautifully authentic, different from the usual fare, and full of bold local flavours. Every dish told a story. We sat there, soaking in the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality and loving every bite. Definitely a meal we font forget.
Post-trek, it was time for some culture! We headed to Simply Bhutan, a vibrant interactive museum that gave us the perfect crash course into Bhutanese traditions. We cheered through folk dances, tried our hand at archery (some of us were surprisingly good!), and even sipped on local rice wine in a traditional Bhutanese home setup. It was like walking into a living postcard.
And speaking of postcards—our next stop was the Bhutan Postal Museum, and it turned out to be a hidden gem! We designed and sent out postcards to friends and family back home, and guess what? Some of them have already reached India (we might be more efficient than Indian speed post!). There’s something incredibly nostalgic about putting pen to paper in a world of texts and DMs.
By the end of the day, our feet were tired but our hearts full.
Bidding Thimphu a Magical Goodbye
Day three began with a mix of excitement and wistfulness—we were heading onward to Punakha, but not before one last stop in Thimphu that left us completely spellbound.
We visited the majestic Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in Southeast Asia. Towering above the valley, wrapped in clouds, and radiating peace—it was absolutely breathtaking. But what made it truly special wasn’t just the scale or the setting. It was the storytelling.
Our guide shared moving tales—some mythological, some deeply personal—that brought the place to life. His passion and reverence were infectious, and for a moment, we all sat quietly, soaking in the stillness, the beauty, and the history that surrounded us.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get more magical, we stumbled upon a group of monks performing masked dances in the courtyard. Vibrant, rhythmic, and full of ancient symbolism, it felt like a divine send-off from Thimphu.
With hearts full and minds calm, we got back on the road—ready for what Punakha had in store for us.
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