Mr. Rajneesh and his Wife’s Bhutan Adventure: A Thrillophilia Review
As I write this, our living room is a total mess. Half-opened suitcases with pilling clothes, jackets on the couch, and toiletries are still in their bags. We have just gotten back from Bhutan, and the memories couldn't wait, even though the mess could. As she takes out sweaters, my wife laughs and says, "I can still taste that salty butter tea." I am holding a wooden bow that I bought as a souvenir in Thimphu. "Do you remember how bad I was at archery?" I say, and we both fell to the floor, looking at pictures that already feel like treasures.
It wasn't just a trip to Bhutan; it felt like entering a slower, more peaceful way of life. The fresh mountain air, the prayer flags swaying against the snowy ridges, and the warm greetings from people all helped us relax. As two 50-year-olds trying to break up their routines, this was the perfect break we needed.
First Impressions at the Bhutan Gate
As soon as we crossed into Phuentsholing, the adventure began. The driver that Thrillophilia set up for us met us with a smile that made us feel safe right away. That night, even though my knees hurt from the long drive, my wife talked me into going for a walk around town. "We didn't come all the way here to just sit," she said firmly.
The Bhutan Gate was tall and beautifully carved, like a painting that had come to life. Kids played nearby while families walked through gardens. I remember thinking that if the entrance gate was this beautiful, the inside of the country must be magical. That short walk turned the tiredness of the day into excitement for what was to come.
Enchanting Views of Thimphu
It felt like being held by mountains on the drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu. Some rivers snaked along, clouds that were so low you could almost touch them, and every turn unveiled a new stunning view. My wife kept waking me up when I fell asleep on the drive, saying, "You're missing it all!"
Thimphu was different from any other capital city I had ever seen. It was calm and clean, with none of the noise and confusion that we usually think of when we think of cities. One of my favourite mornings was when I sat by Clock Tower Square and drank butter tea while watching people go about their day. Later, we accidentally walked into Simply Bhutan, where I got a bow and tried to shoot arrows. Let’s just say, the Bhutanese archers have nothing to fear from me. I can still hear my wife's laughter.
The Botanical Garden was another pleasant surprise, my wife ran around pointing out flowers and crouching down to take pictures, while I just enjoyed the peace. But the best part was the slow climb to Sangaygang Viewpoint. The air smelled like pines, and there were rows of fluttering prayer flags with each step. At the top, as the entire valley unfolded, Buddha Dordenma gleaming in the distance, monasteries tucked into hillsides, the sun melting into orange light, as we just stood there, hand in hand, silent.
Hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Paro made the stillness even stronger, as the town looked like something out of a fairy tale, with stone houses, winding paths, and monasteries perched high on cliffs. The Tiger's Nest trek, though, is something I'll always remember.
My wife wasn't sure if my knees could take it, and to be honest, I wasn't either. But the thought of turning 50 had made me strangely determined. We went slowly and took a lot of breaks to drink water and talk to other trekkers. There was a strange sense of community on that trail, people who didn't know each other were encouraging each other, sharing snacks, and making fun of their sore legs. The journey was just as important and enjoyable as getting to the monastery.
When we finally got to Taktsang Monastery, which was clinging to the side of a cliff, we both went quiet. The tiredness went away, and something hard to describe took its place. Maybe respect and gratitude. That one moment made the whole trip worth it.
Sweet Goodbyes
We crossed Chele La Pass on the way back, where the winds blew rows of prayer flags high into the sky. We bought small gifts for each other in Paro, like a prayer wheel for my wife and a set of coasters for our living room table. While coming back, my wife whispered at the airport, "A few more days wouldn't hurt” I held her hand tightly and said, "We'll come back,” and I was serious. Bhutan isn't the kind of place you can just check off once. It stays with you, like the taste of butter tea, the sound of prayer flags fluttering, or the way strangers become friends while trekking.
Thrillophilia took care of the planning and logistics, making the whole thing completely stress-free. We could just enjoy each other’s company and the mesmerising place without the headache of planning or booking anything.
Read More: Thrillophilia Bhutan Reviews