Feature

Discovering Bhutan- the land of the peaceful dragon

Marzia Rahman

Istrongly believe in the saying, “The world is like a book and those who do not travel, read only a chapter of it.” I decided to read as much as possible of this wonderful book. In 2007 in the month of October, I read a new chapter, venture into a new world and discovered a new country that is Bhutan, known as the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon.'

My 'Druk Air' flight transported me from the crowded, busy city of Dhaka to the quiet and peaceful Paro. From the minute I set foot in Bhutan, I felt myself in a magical land of beauty and mystery. During my 10 day visit (1st oct-10th oct), I gained a deep respect for the people and the rich culture of Bhutan. Bhutan, a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom is unsurpassed in its scenic majesty and vibrant culture. The Kingdom shares with Nepal the world's greatest concentration of mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia which allows only limited number of travelers to enter the country in order to protect its fragile environment and culture.

The only airport of Bhutan is situated in Paro and generally visitors stay and discover this valley before traveling to other places. I was no exception. The first thing that came to my mind when I landed in this valley was that if ever a place exists where men and nature consulted to create their dearest image, it must be the valley of Paro. My belief became more strong as I visited places like the DrukGyel Dzong, Ta Dzong, the Museum, Rimpung Dzong fortress and the ancient Taksang monastery of hermits in Paro.

I was most impressed when I saw the Taksang monastery. Perched on the side of the cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro valley, the Taksang monastery seemed suspended between heaven and earth. The only sounds I could hear when I reached the top were the murmurs of wind and water and the chanting of the monks.

My next destination was Thimpu, the modern capital of Bhutan, which lies at an elevation of 2300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu River. The journey from Paro to Thimpu was another experience which seemed to me like riding a dangerous roller coaster which filled you with both fear and fun. From Paro to Thimpu, the narrow, potholed, gravel road was steep. I looked out a bit anxiously as the taxi crept up the mountain side's many switchbacks but my tension soon gave way to awe and appreciation by seeing the breathtaking view.

While many tourists visit the country for trekking, I wanted to enjoy the panoramic view and immerse myself in the culture and paintable scenes of Bhutanese people. My aim was fulfilled to the fullest. Everywhere in Bhutan one is mesmerized by its breathtaking scenic beauty. Besides, the warm sun, the cool breeze and the serene silence gives you the feeling of heaven. The wonderfully friendly people express the essence of Bhutanese hospitality with their warm smile and their helping attitude. I had a remarkable experience in a remarkable country. This journey gave me the opportunity to see not only its exquisite Himalayan scenery but to experience its rich and ancient tradition and understand its simple, selfless people. In this age of superpowers when the world has become a 'waste land' and the modern people are engrossed in selfish destruction, this peaceful small nation with its unspoilt nature seem like a paradise. Here the people uphold the essence of Buddhism by believing in spiritual happiness rather than material well-being. No doubt, I returned from Bhutan with heaps of experiences which will always stay in my memory and I decide to use this memory like Wordsworth did in his poem, 'I wandered lonely as a cloud'-

“For often, when on couch I lie/In vacant or in pensive mood, /They flash upon that inward eye/ which is the bliss of solitude; /And then my heart with pleasure fills.”

Like Wordsworth when I close my eyes, it flashes before my eyes and fills my heart with peace and pleasure, the panoramic natural beauty of Bhutan and it's divinely Buddhist people blissfully spinning their prayer wheel and I feel like I could hear their chanting the mantra 'Ummahu Bata Guru, Ummahu Bata Guru.' (Love thy God, Love thy God.)