Kuzu Zangpo La

In the Bhutanese language – Dzongkha, the above phrase means “Hello/How are you”. La is added as a mark of respect to the person being addressed.

From the time we were picked up from Paro airport until we returned, the entire country welcomed us with such phrases, spoken in a soft voice with genuine warmth. And why not? Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures GNH—gross national happiness—as a measure of prosperity.

The first thing you notice is that people generally are warm, polite, and happy, and the second is that Bhutan is beautiful.

We started our six-day all-women's trip on the 5th of March and ended with a trek to Tiger's Nest Trek on the 14th Of March.

Among Bhutan's many gems, the following three things changed me as a traveler and made me a better human being!

#Lesson 1 - Nothing is impossible?

The first one, the 3000-meter climb to the Taktsang monastery, was the high point of my trip, and whatever people say, you must attempt the trek. More popularly known as the Tiger's Nest, it starts steady and gradually increases in incline.

Throughout the way, sunlight filters in through the gaps in the trees as my eyes catch the colors of the swaying prayer flags–red, yellow, green, white, and blue–all fluttering like kites in the crisp breeze.

It takes six hours to complete the trek, the climb, and the descent. You can finish the trek quickly if you have an average fitness level. We had a woman who is 70 plus years old completing the trek! After nearly three grueling hours and some much-needed picture breaks later, I spotted the monastery perched on the cliff. It is the most stunning monastery I have ever seen. The Paro Taktsang looms impossibly on a cliff face in all its brocaded beauty.

It gave me hope that I could now try for a higher trek! My guide told me he has made about 400 treks since 2008 and will continue to do so. What an inspiration!

#Lesson 2 - Importance of Meditation

Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist country that has preserved its profound. Spirituality is a daily practice. It’s as essential as eating or sleeping to them. Meditation helps people remain calm and content even during hardships. They also understand that a human being aims to learn how to love.

Bhutan is home to some of the most mysterious and historic meditation practices you may explore there.

Whichever temple we went to, whether?Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong, or Chimi Lhakhang Temple, we were given time to meditate for as long as we wanted! Never have I meditated anywhere else in any of the Buddha temples in the world. This place is serene and calm—no rush or crowd!

Lesson #3: Helping others breeds happiness, inner peace, and a sense of security

The Bhutanese are one of the most compassionate, community-oriented races on earth. They’re acutely aware of suffering and actively help those facing hardship. Even a poor farmer with little to give will offer what he can to those in need. So it seems brightening someone’s day provides the ultimate compensation – the “feel good factor”.

Beyond?helping?the distressed, the Bhutanese also avoid causing pain…even regarding animals. The only form of legal “hunting” is fishing, which is approved on a catch-and-release basis.

Let me share an anecdote:?While climbing Tiger's Nest, I was finding it difficult towards the end, and I limped as I twisted my toe! Suddenly, From nowhere, a hand came to guide me. He placed my hand on his shoulder and helped me to continue the trek. The person was not my guide, and I didn't know him! He was with another group but saw me limping and offered his shoulder with a smile! Initially, I did feel awkward, but he was doing it so casually and, as a matter of fact, as if it's a part of his routine to help people in need!

Another incident that touched me was the gift I received from a young doctor at the airport! I was talking to her, and she said she wanted to give me something to help me remember her forever! I chose a tiny Buddha, and that is my most treasured possession! I didn't know her; we met for half an hour at the airport, but she made me realize the power of giving and joy! This is for you, Simran Pradhan!

To sum up, the Bhutanese believe every action inspires an equal?reaction. When you act selfishly or cause harm to others, it’ll leave a bad taste in your mouth and come back to bite you. If you’re compassionate and generous, you can rest easy and trust that help will find you when needed.

I will forever cherish my Bhutan trip, which changed something within me and made me a more compassionate traveler!

It's not about how advanced as a country you are, and it's about the people who live there and make the tourist feel important and loved from whichever part of the world you are!