6th Jun 2026
Above is a map of Bhutan which shows most of the places we visited (click on to enlarge to read). The twisty mountainous road distance from our start in Paro to the furthest east we went, Ura, is about (according to Mr Google) 270km (168 miles), and presumably about the same back. It was arduous driving!
So, in random order, some added comments on the Bhutan experience:
1. It was a remarkably well organised, superbly guided tour and fairly packed with places to visit. Perhaps a bit of 'temple overload'. One had to have a modicum of fitness to manage some of the mountainous treks at altitude....but I am no athletic spring chicken and seemed to manage it....although puffing and wheezing a bit at times.
2. The place is festooned, at random throughout the countryside, by 'prayer flags' of various shapes and sizes. However, I saw no sign of their national flag flown anywhere, not even at the Dzongs. Perhaps they only get them out on special 'National' occasions.
3. I couldn't work out how the country makes its money. They have all modern mod-cons, decent cars, excellent internet systems, smart hotels and restaurants etc. Perhaps it's a bit more basic out in the far wilds. Yes, they export a lot of hydro-electricity to India and get a lot of revenue from tourists, but no 'industry' as such. I think they have a beneficial 'treaty' with India (not China I hasten to add) which might be the answer.
4. They have a semi-vegetarian culture and a particular fondness for growing and eating food laced with very hot chillis, although plenty of decent un-chillied meats is on offer for tourists. Their national dish is 'chilli cheese'. Beware.
5. The Bhutanese (that I met) were all very charming, smart, polite and have a good sense of humour. They are a remarkably proud, hardy and self-sufficient people; no such thing as welfare scroungers exist there. Their philosophy/policy of 'Gross National Happiness' which prioritises collective well-being and sustainable progress over strictly material wealth seems to serve them well.
I might find a few more things to comment on.....but that will have to do for the time being.
Where next?
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