Escaping to the Himalayas: Krishna’s Bhutan Trip with Thrillophilia

Krishna had never been the type to enjoy long vacations. As a software engineer, his world revolved around the glow of his computer screen, solving coding problems, and meeting tight deadlines. 

But there was something about Bhutan that had been calling him. The peaceful landscapes, the quiet monasteries, or the sheer idea of escaping the endless hustle of city life. One evening, as he was winding down from a long day of debugging, he received a message. It was from her. She had planned a surprise trip to Bhutan and asked to join.

Without much hesitation, Krishna agreed. It was a chance to experience something different, to breathe the fresh mountain air, and to step outside his comfort zone. Little did he know, this trip would turn out to be more than just a getaway. It would become a journey of self-discovery.

Discovering Thimphu’s Charm

The flight was a blur of excitement. Krishna had never been to the Himalayas before. As the plane descended, he could see the jagged peaks piercing the clouds like ancient guardians watching over the land. Bhutan was everything he had imagined and more. 

“Welcome to Bhutan,” she said with a smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked around at the pristine surroundings. Krishna, still adjusting to the beauty around him, gave her a simple nod, trying to take it all in.

They headed straight to the capital, Thimphu, a city that seemed to blend the old and the new effortlessly. The streets were lined with traditional Bhutanese architecture, yet there was a modern touch with coffee shops and small tech hubs scattered throughout.

Their first stop was the Tashichho Dzong, a majestic fortress that stood tall against the backdrop of the mountains. As they wandered through the beautiful grounds, Krishna marvelled at the intricate woodwork and golden roofs.  She caught him looking up at the sky, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked, her voice gentle.

Krishna nodded, his thoughts drifting. There was something different about Bhutan—something that allowed him to disconnect from his routine. Maybe it was the simplicity, the lack of distractions, or perhaps it was the purity of the place. For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel the need to check his emails or worry about the latest coding problem.

A Transformative Journey

The next day, they ventured to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on a cliff. The hike to reach it was challenging, but Krishna didn’t mind. With each step, the views became more and more breathtaking.

The rugged terrain gave way to lush forests, and Krishna felt a growing sense of connection to the earth beneath his feet. As they neared the monastery, the sound of monks chanting echoed through the valley, adding to the mystique of the place.

After a brief rest, they entered the monastery, its walls adorned with colourful paintings and statues of Buddhist deities. He had never been one for spiritual pursuits, but in that moment, something inside him shifted. It wasn’t religion he felt, but a deep sense of peace.

Later that afternoon, they sat by the monastery’s terrace, looking out over the valley. She turned to him, a mischievous grin on her face.

"Okay, Krishna, now tell me—what's your biggest fear?" she asked.

Krishna paused. It wasn’t a question he had expected, but Bhutan had a way of making the unexpected seem normal. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to articulate something he hadn’t really thought about in years.

“I guess… not being enough,” he said, his voice quieter than usual. “In my work, with my relationships, with myself. Always trying to do more, be more. It never feels like it’s enough.”

She was silent for a moment, her gaze soft as she took in his words. “I get it,” she said, her tone reassuring. “But you know, sometimes it’s not about doing more. It’s about being present, about living in the moment. And right now, we’re here, in Bhutan, together. And that’s enough.”

Krishna looked at her, feeling a warmth spread through him. For the first time, he truly understood what she meant. He didn’t need to be constantly striving. Bhutan had given him a gift—a reminder to slow down and appreciate what he had, to be grateful for the present.

Lessons from the Land of Happiness

The next few days were a blur of mountain treks, colourful markets, and delicious food. The Bhutanese cuisine, with its spicy chilli and cheese dishes, was a revelation. Krishna found himself enjoying every meal with a newfound sense of gratitude. The people were warm and welcoming, and the countryside was so peaceful that it felt like time itself had slowed down.

One afternoon, they sat by a river, watching the water flow smoothly over rocks. She turned to him, her eyes serious now. “Krishna, do you think this trip has changed you?”

He thought about it for a moment. He had been in the habit of rushing through life, always focused on the next task, the next project. But here, in Bhutan, he had learned to let go, to find joy in the small things, in the simplicity of nature and the company of someone he cared about.

“I think so,” he said finally, smiling. “I think I’m learning to be okay with just being.”

And that, Krishna realized, was the most important lesson of all. He didn’t need to have it all figured out. He didn’t need to be perfect. He just needed to be present, to enjoy life as it came.

And with that, he knew he would never look at the world the same way again.

Read more: Thrillophilia Bhutan Reviews