Bhutan Travel Diaries

Where My Lungs Thanked Me and we Almost Kidnapped our Tour Guide

A week in the magical, carbon-negative kingdom with MadFun.co

If you're thinking of a place with fresh mountain air, kind strangers, zero traffic lights, and cafés cozier than your ex’s hoodie, Bhutan is your sign to pack your bags.

Prayer Flags flutter across Bhutan

I recently took a 7-day Bhutan trip with the amazing folks at MadFun.co, and let me just say: it wasn’t a vacation—it was a detox for my city soul. We swapped the usual office drama for mountain views, monasteries, momo, and a dash of meaningful silence. And of course, we paid the Sustainable Development Fee like responsible tourists, because Bhutan may charge you to explore, but in return, it protects its peace, people, and pristine air like a boss. Respect.

Let’s walk through this unforgettable journey (spoiler alert: I wanted to pack our guide Choeing Dorji in my suitcase and bring him home).

traditional dress for women in Bhutan is called the Kira.

Bhutan Travel Diaries: Day 1: Borderline Butterflies & Bhutanese Beginnings

Our trip kicked off in Siliguri, where we hopped into the cars waiting for us and made our way to Phuentsholing, Bhutan's border town. The immigration process was smooth (bring your passport or Voter ID), and by night, we were already sharing laughs over dinner.

Phuentsholing was our first taste of Bhutan Travel Diaries: clean streets, polite people, and zero honking. Yes, zero. I was already suspicious this country wasn’t real.

Just me, smiling like a forest fairy who finally found her WiFi-free happy place

Day 2: Buddha Vibes & Wild Takins

We shuffled the itinerary a bit—did Day 3 on Day 2 and vice versa. Why? Because MadFun believes in flexibility and good vibes. And also maybe because roads in the Himalayas have a mind of their own. Bhutan Travel Diaries, you see!

We started our day in Thimphu, the capital city, and visited the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a MASSIVE gold Buddha sitting atop a hill, blessing all our future Instagram reels. Next up was the Tashichho Dzong and the National Memorial Chorten, a place so peaceful it made me want to whisper even in my thoughts.

Big Buddha energy. Small me vibes.

Oh, and Bhutan has a thing for wild animals with majestic energy. Enter: Takin, Bhutan's national animal. It's a goat-cow hybrid. Kinda weird. Kinda wonderful. Very Bhutan.

Takin - The National Animal of Bhutan

Stared at the takin long enough to start understanding its life choices.

Day 3: Clock Tower Square & Storytelling Nights

Since we swapped this with Day 2, we chilled with some market time at Clock Tower Square. Think warm cafés, prayer wheels, and cute souvenir shops that make you question your carry-on limits. We sipped hot coffee, explored local stalls, and ended the night with storytelling under the stars.

No agenda, no chaos, just calm vibes and the smell of momo in the air.

Sitting on a hill, wind in my hair, smiling like I just got a free dessert… because why not? Happiness is literally doing cartwheels in the air today!

Day 4: From Mountain Passes to Suspension Bridges

The road to Punakha was dreamy, literally, because most of us dozed off mid-drive. But before we knew it, we were at Dochula Pass: a scenic spot with 108 chortens (mini shrines) and panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. We collectively gasped and took 87 photos each.

Then came the jaw-dropper: Punakha Dzong. Set at the meeting point of two rivers, it looked like something straight out of a Disney animation.

Adventure? We crossed one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, screamed halfway, and survived. The night ended with Ema Datshi: a dish of chilies and cheese that cleared our sinuses and our regrets.

Some wear sneakers to cross bridges. I chose chiffon.

Day 5: Paro Café-Hopping & a Little Thing Called the ‘Phallus Temple’

We said goodbye to Punakha and headed to Paro, stopping at the famously blessed Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple. Without getting into too many details, let’s just say... It’s shaped like what it blesses you with.

The vibe in Paro? Chill café culture meets ancient monastery magic. We explored Rinpung Dzong, and snuck into a few charming cafés with locally brewed coffee and buttery pastries. MadFun gave us plenty of “me time” too, to wander, chat with locals, or sit by the river and stare into the void. 10/10 for balance.

Brioche Cafe in Paro, must try Blueberry Cheesecake and Coffee

Day 6: The Tiger’s Nest That Stole My Soul

No Bhutan travel article is complete without this hike. The Taktsang Monastery, aka Tiger’s Nest, is a cliff-hugging monastery that makes your knees wobble even before you start climbing.

Dorma at the Tiger's Nest Base

The hike took a few hours (depending on your cardio and your chai breaks), but every drop of sweat was rewarded. The view? Breathtaking. The silence? Sacred. The selfies? Glorious.

It’s the kind of place that humbles you. Also, the kind that reminds you to stretch before hikes. My calves have never forgiven me.

Some places aren’t just seen, they’re felt. Tiger’s Nest was one of them.

Day 7: Goodbyes, Group Hugs, and A Stolen Guide (Almost)

Our drive back to Bagdogra was full of quiet reflection, sleepy eyes, and emotional goodbyes. But let me take a moment to talk about Choeing Dorji, our Bhutanese guide and new best friend.

If “please come to India with us” was a photo.

He was more than a guide, he was our storyteller, translator, photographer, weather forecaster, and snack dealer. We miss him. Honestly, if human trafficking wasn’t illegal, we’d have zipped him into our duffel bag and brought him home. Hehe!

Toyota Coaster > any luxury car. Not just a ride… this bus was a whole mood.

Why Bhutan is So Loved (And Why It's Not Crowded)

Here’s why Bhutan feels like another planet:

• It’s the world’s only carbon-negative country. Yep. While we’re busy polluting, Bhutan is planting trees, preserving forests, and chilling in peace.

• They charge tourists an SDF (Sustainable Development Fee)—₹1200 per day for Indians. That might feel like a lot, but it helps preserve the country’s ecosystem and prevents overcrowding. It’s like paying a cover charge to Heaven, honestly.

  
  

  

  The MadFun Group!

  
  

• Bhutan limits daily tourist numbers. No crowds. No chaos. Just nature, culture, and you.

• Direct flights to Bhutan are expensive. Pro tip: flying to Bagdogra and entering via land is waaay more budget-friendly. Save that cash for souvenirs and spicy pickles.

Karma, our guide at the Simply Bhutan Heritage museum in Thimphu, Bhutan

Our guide Karma dropped all the Bhutan culture facts while we tried not to embarrass ourselves. Also, Bhutan’s people? Sweetness overloaded for sure!

Ara: Bhutan’s Sweet (and Sometimes Spicy) Local Wine

Fun Facts You Should Totally Share at Parties

1. Bhutan had no TV or internet until 1999. (Millennials, breathe.)

2. They measure success with Gross National Happiness, not GDP. Oh hello!

3. The national dish, Ema Datshi, is so spicy it could file a lawsuit.

4. Bhutanese people wear traditional dress every day. And they look fabulous. Trust me on this one! Blindly! I repeat, blindly!

5. The country banned plastic bags before it was cool.

Me staring at the ‘Bhutan Pilgrimage: Taktsang’ sign like — ‘Yep, this is happening. Time to pretend I’m ready for this epic trek!

The MadFun.co Experience: More Than Just a Tour

Traveling with MadFun.co wasn’t your regular point-A-to-point-B tour. It was:

• Meeting strangers who became lifelong friends.

• Getting free time to explore instead of rushing with flags and whistles.

• Learning photography tricks, hearing folk stories, and sharing Zumzin before dinner!

• Feeling safe, seen, and stress-free throughout.

Also, they clicked the best candids I’ve ever had. Instagram thanks you, MadFun.

Me, caught in a serious stare-down with the pink strawberry slushy and Swiss swirl cake at Bhutan’s prettiest café honestly, who needs prayers when you’ve got dessert this divine?

Would I Go Again? 100% YES.

Bhutan changed something in me. Maybe it was the mountain air. Maybe it was the peace. Maybe it was the spicy food-induced brain reset. Whatever it was, it’s calling me back already.

Until then, I’m keeping Bhutan safely tucked in my memories, along with the echoes of prayer wheels, the smell of fresh pine, and the warmth of new friendships.

And hey, Choeing Dorji, if you’re reading this: you’re missed. We’ll bring a bigger suitcase next time.

Spotted: Buddha statues at the local market, silently judging my souvenir choices.

What Made This Trip Special: The MadFun.co Magic

• Flexible Itinerary: We swapped days based on what worked best. Stress? Nowhere in sight.

• Solo Time + Group Time: Time to explore on our own and connect with fellow travelers.

• Cafés, Conversations, & Candid Clicks: We weren’t herded around. Instead, we lived each day.

• The Guide of Our Dreams – Choeing Dorji: We’ll say it again, we wanted to adopt him.

Eyes closed by the giant window, breathing in Bhutan’s peace; grateful for this moment, and for choosing this adventure just for me.

This trip made me realize: sometimes, peace isn’t found in silence, it’s found in Bhutan. A land that whispers instead of shouts, smiles instead of sells, and protects instead of pollutes.

So if you're dreaming of fresh mountain air, spicy food, new friendships, and a soulful break from city madness, Bhutan is waiting. And MadFun.co? They're the fun, crazy, organized crew you want by your side.

Madfun Insta Page: https://www.instagram.com/madfun.co/

Choeing Dorji's Insta Page: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKJphp2MD4J/

My Insta Page: https://www.instagram.com/miss.kachua/

A Love Letter to Jimmy and His Toyota Coaster

How dare I even think of wrapping up this story without talking about the real MVP of the mountains, Jimmy, our brilliant Toyota Coaster driver. Not once during this winding, twisting, uphill-downhill Bhutan ride did anyone suffer from motion sickness. Not even the usual suspects. Jimmy didn’t drive that bus; he glided it.

And when only a handful of us wanted to go for the famous hot stone bath experience in Paro, Jimmy didn’t blink. He just smiled (as always) and said, “Let’s go, I’ll bring you back.” Who does that? Who cares that much? Jimmy, that’s who.

Jimmy, you and your Toyota Coaster don’t just belong on the road, you belong in heaven. Bhutan may be the Land of the Thunder Dragon, but you? You’re the Lord of the Smooth Ride.

real MVP of the mountains, Jimmy

Me leaning on our trusty Toyota Coaster one last time like it's the end of a K-drama. Thanks for all the bumpy roads, tea breaks, and emotional support; you were too good!