Embarking on a wellness journey often leads us to the crossroads of tradition and tranquillity, a path that meanders through the heart of ancient wisdom and the lap of pristine nature. For me, this quest for inner peace and physical rejuvenation beckoned towards the mystical lands of Bhutan.

Known as the last Shangri-La, Bhutan is a sanctuary for the soul, where wellness transcends the physical and touches the essence of being. It was here, amidst the verdant valleys and towering mountains, that I discovered a mindfulness moment, a blend of diet, environment, and the healing practices that define the essence of a Bhutan wellness getaway.

Chimi Lhakhang temple in Punakha, image by Shee Heng Chong, shutterstock

In Bhutan, the journey towards wellness begins with the air we breathe. The fresh mountain air, untainted by the trappings of modern industrialization, offers the first detox, cleansing the lungs and invigorating the spirit. But this is just the beginning. The pristine environment, coupled with a diet rich in organic and traditional foods, sets the stage for a holistic rejuvenation that detoxifies the body and mind.

Jambay Lhakhang Drub festival in the Chokhor Valley, image by Shee Heng Chong, shutterstock

Experiencing Wellness in Bhutan

The traditional Bhutanese Medicine Doctors, known as Drung-tshos, are central to Bhutan’s wellness ethos. These practitioners of one of the oldest surviving medical traditions in the world, dating back to the eighth century, embody the wisdom of centuries.

Bhutan, historically called Menjong — “Country of Medicinal Plants” in Tibetan — is a treasure trove of medicinal herbs. Under the Drung-tsho’s care, I experienced the profound impact of pulse measurement diagnosis and plant-based medicines, complemented by acupuncture and acupressure treatments. These therapies, rooted deeply in Bhutan’s nature and wellbeing tradition, utilize an array of Bhutanese herbs and Himalayan plant- and herb-based treatments, offering a unique approach to healing and wellness.

The luxury wellness resorts in Bhutan further elevate this experience, blending traditional massages, herbal treatments, yoga, meditation, and the iconic hot stone baths into their wellness offerings. My encounter with Bhutan’s hot stone baths was nothing short of transformative. Submerging into a large oak tub, heated with river stones and infused with pink Himalayan salt and Artemisia leaves, I felt layers of stress and discomfort melt away. This traditional remedy, known for alleviating joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders, and arthritis, left me deeply relaxed and tranquil, a testament to the healing power of nature.

Prayer flags in Thimphu, image by Shee Heng Chong, shutterstock

Meditation, a cornerstone of Bhutanese wellness, offered a profound sense of peace and clarity. Bhutan is an excellent place to learn and practice this powerful technique, with meditation centres and wellness resorts providing the ideal setting. From theory classes to silent evening prayer sessions, the experience is grounding and elevating.

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The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Punakha Valley and Wangduephodrang Valley, offered a serene backdrop for evening meditations. In places like Chaluna, where monks undergo meditation retreats ranging from four months to three years, the air seems imbued with serenity. Perhaps the most memorable was meditating at the iconic Tiger’s Nest and Tango monastery, where Buddhist teachers imparted wisdom in an environment that could only be described as heavenly.

Days in Bhutan filled with tradition, peacefulness and happiness

Staying at luxury hotels like COMO Uma Punakha, COMO Uma Paro, and Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary enhanced the experience. These sanctuaries of wellness, nestled in the heart of Bhutan’s ethereal landscape, offered comfort and a deep connection to the land and its traditions. Each day was an immersion into a world where wellness is a way of life, a journey that is as much inward as it is outward.

Resting Area in Thimphu, image by tonyzhao120, shutterstock

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple, Bhutan, image by Altug Galip, shutterstock

Immersed in the heart of Bhutan’s serene landscapes and ancient wellness traditions, I couldn’t help but ponder if I had stumbled upon the secret to the nation’s renowned happiness. Bhutan, often cited as the happiest place on earth, weaves the philosophy of Gross National Happiness into the very fabric of its society. This holistic approach, prioritizing its people’s wellbeing and preserving its culture and environment, resonated deeply with my experiences. As I navigated through days filled with meditation, healing treatments, and the simple joy of being in nature, the connection between Bhutan’s wellness practices and its happiness became increasingly evident.

Art and life in the Kingdom of Bhutan, image by sasha_gerasimov, shutterstock

The mindfulness and tranquillity that defined my days, the communal spirit of the Drung-tshos, and the reverence for nature I witnessed, all seemed to be manifestations of this profound national ethos. It was a revelation to see a society where happiness is not just an aspiration but a lived reality, supported by a commitment to mental and physical wellbeing.

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This journey through Bhutan’s wellness landscape gave me a glimpse into a way of life where happiness is cultivated through a deep connection to oneself, others, and the earth. Could this, then, be the reason Bhutan is considered the happiest place on earth? Reflecting on my own heightened sense of peace and contentment, I felt convinced that the Bhutanese way of life, with its harmonious balance between wellbeing and environment, might just hold the key to true happiness. ◼

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© This article was first published online in July 2024 – World Travel Magazine.