Ankita and Shalaka’s Soulful Bhutan Trip: How Thrillophilia Made it Better

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PNR: BKDQBVJVZCV     
Rating: ★★★★★
Travellers: Ankita Varma Datta and Shalaka Sushil Nagwekar
Trip Duration: 6 Days | 5 Nights
Date of Travel: 27 May 2026 - 01 Jun 2026
Package Booked: 6 Days Of Exploration In Bhutan Unveiling Hidden Gems

Reviews usually talk about a traveller's trip, its logistics, and how satisfied they were with it, and for good reason. After all, reviews and feedback are what help our team improve its approach. However, Ankita’s Bhutan review on Google was more than just a review. It was a prose that detailed how travelling to Bhutan moved something within her, something that she was grateful to have experienced.

“Bhutan doesn't just welcome you — it holds you. Bhutan did exactly that for me.”

Check out Ankita complete review on Google Maps.

Having realised Ankita’s longing for a Bhutan trip from the very first call, Dinesh, her destination expert, knew that the itinerary and trip support needed to focus on ensuring that she experienced Bhutan exactly how she had pictured it so many times. The misty roads, its warm people who welcomed travellers without pretension, and the food whose taste Ankita knew no restaurants in her hometown could ever quite capture, the team promised her a trip filled with soul and backed by logistics.

And that is exactly what she got.

A Gentle Welcome to the Land of Happiness 

Before leaving for Bhutan, Ankita and Shalaka had read plenty about the country's philosophy of Gross National Happiness, but it wasn't until they crossed the ornate Bhutan Gate at Phuentsholing that they truly began to understand what it meant. The transition from the bustling Indian border town to Bhutan's orderly streets was immediate.

Their comfortable transfer from Bagdogra to the deluxe hotel in Phuentsholing was well-paced, allowing them to settle in without feeling rushed. Small touches in the planning, from a smooth hotel check-in to timely coordination of arrival logistics, ensured the day unfolded effortlessly. With the formalities behind them, they spent the evening exploring the town at their own pace. 

Rather than overwhelming them with sightseeing on arrival, the itinerary allowed time to slow down, absorb the atmosphere, and ease into the country's unhurried rhythm. Ankita’s own words on her Bhutan review highlighted the very warmth she felt on her first day in Bhutan.

“From the moment I stepped into Phuentsholing, through the misty mountain roads to Paro and Thimphu, I felt something rare: genuine warmth without performance. People here smile easily and speak softly. There's no rush, no pretense - just a quiet dignity that lingers in every interaction.”

Mountain Roads, Sacred Landmarks & Bhutan's Timeless Spirit 

Leaving Phuentsholing behind, Ankita and Shalaka journeyed deeper into Bhutan, where winding Himalayan roads, pine forests, and river valleys transformed the drive itself into an experience. En route to Thimphu, a stop at the Chukha Hydropower Project highlighted Bhutan's remarkable balance between development and environmental stewardship. Their permit formalities and transfers were smoothly coordinated, allowing the focus to remain on the changing landscapes rather than logistics. By evening, they had settled comfortably into Hotel Cholay Khangzang (or a similar property), ready to explore Bhutan's capital. 

The following day revealed why Thimphu feels unlike any other capital city. Here, monasteries, government buildings, and traditional architecture exist in perfect harmony with everyday life. Ankita and Shalaka visited the National Memorial Chorten, admired the grandeur of Tashichho Dzong, encountered Bhutan's unique national animal at the Motithang Takin Preserve, and enjoyed panoramic views from Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley. Stops at cultural landmarks like Changangkha Lhakhang added further insight into the country's deeply rooted Buddhist traditions. 

Having explored these destinations, Ankita was surprised and moved at how strongly Bhutan preserved its heritage and how respectfully each destination was taken care of and managed and highlighted the same in her review.

“What moved me most was how fiercely Bhutan protects its soul — every dzong still standing tall, every painted facade untouched by the harshness of modernity, every monastery whispering centuries of devotion.”

Later, they continued to Paro, checking into the river-front hotel, where the quieter valley setting perfectly complemented the spiritual and cultural immersion of the past two days. 

The Tiger's Nest & A Scenic Farewell Through the Highlands 

No journey through Bhutan feels complete without the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), and for Ankita and Shalaka, it became the emotional high point of the trip. Beginning from the trailhead at Satsam, they ascended through fragrant pine forests lined with colourful prayer flags, gradually reaching the monastery dramatically perched on a cliff over 3,000 metres above sea level. Beyond its breathtaking setting, the monastery carried profound spiritual significance as the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, and exploring its ancient prayer halls, murals, and meditation caves gave the experience a quiet sense of reverence. The well-planned transfers and flexible pacing allowed them to enjoy the challenging hike comfortably before returning to their hotel in Paro. 

The following day, they bid farewell to Paro with a memorable drive towards Phuentsholing via Chele La Pass, Bhutan's highest motorable mountain pass. Surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and sweeping Himalayan panoramas, the pass offered one final reminder of Bhutan's extraordinary natural beauty. 

It was a fitting conclusion to their Bhutan adventure, one that reflected the country's rare ability to leave visitors feeling enriched long after the journey itself had ended. 

Ankita’s Memories and Thrillophilia’s Contribution

Ankita came back with a piece of Bhutan’s soul ingrained in her heart. She felt as if Bhutan had hugged her for those 6 days, caressing away all her worries and stress and blanketing her with warmth through its people. She realised the quiet steps and preparations the team had consistently made throughout the trip, ensuring that all Ankita experienced was Bhutan just the way she envisioned, without all the hassling trip logistics.

She received what she asked for, and her review ended on a soulful note in her love letter to Bhutan.

“Overall Bhutan is not a destination. It is a reminder — that a nation can choose to measure its wealth not in numbers, but in happiness, heritage, and humanity.”

Also Read: Ramesh’s Trip of a Lifetime to Bhutan With Thrillophilia