Bhutan is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, a reference to the violent thunderstorms that strike its valleys from the surrounding Himalayan peaks, blasting in like a dragon. The country was all but closed off to the world until the early 1970’s when it allowed a small number of tourists to visit; three decades later tourism is still strictly controlled. (Only a small number of Bhutanese pilots are qualified to fly the approach through the Himalayas to Paro, so it is easy to restrict flights; the overland journey through India is not easy either.) But travel to the area was not always restricted; ancient Bhutan was a waystation for traders from India enroute to Europe and the Middle East. Despite its challenging topography, it was an ancient crossroads for the exchange of goods, ideas and culture.
Today, Bhutan is grappling with the right balance of old and new; how to maintain its distinct cultural heritage while more actively engaging with the rest of the world. As technology and tourism expand, this challenge will only intensify.
We had spent ten days exploring Bhutan four years earlier, so a couple days in Paro did not hold the same charm as it would for a first timer. Nonetheless, we would revisit Paro’s majestic dzong and hike again to Tiger’s Nest. Another special treat was a repeat stay at Paro’s Zhiwa Ling, a National Geographic World Heritage hotel, a beautiful, traditional property that immersed one in Bhutanese culture. And of course, we will keenly observe the changes wrought by increased technology and tourism.
March, 2023