How Bhutan Became My Chosen Home

“And it was around the 3rd year, when I actually discovered Bhutan and then my life changed forever.

It’s a fair warning that what you may read ahead may come across as a little dramatic. After all, Bhutan is just another place, and you’d be absolutely correct. But very slowly and steadily, Bhutan became my place. A land where I wouldn’t be reprimanded for being too nice, where sustainability wasn’t a buzzword but simply a way of life. It became my safe space – a place where I was nobody, yet somehow, always somebody to the locals.

The year was 2012 and my love story (read: obsession) with the mountains wasn’t unknown to my immediate circle, including my workplace back then, Make My Trip. Like a child wishing dinner wouldn’t be a boring vegetable, I wished to be assigned to a mountain-laden destination and next thing I knew, I became the first Destination Manager to be sent to Bhutan.

And that’s how it all began.

Over the years, I’ve often asked myself — why Bhutan? More importantly, why me? What makes me fit to take people to the Land of Happiness when there are so many others who can do the same? The answer is simple: Bhutan is deeply personal to me and I would never want to gatekeep the experiences and discoveries I’ve had here. I believe this land should be experienced by anyone willing to receive it with an open mind.

Bhutan reveals itself slowly. Beyond the monasteries and mountains are stories, rituals, food spots and philosophies that rarely make it to travel brochures – the kind of discoveries that stay with you far longer than photographs ever will.

Momos, Dosas & Datshi

A tiny hole-in-the-wall near the sabzi mandi serves momos so good, they genuinely altered my standards forever. Then there’s the military canteen near Chhukha, unexpectedly home to some of the best dosas in Bhutan. But no matter what you eat here, don’t leave without trying Ema Datshi or Kewa Datshi. It’s comforting, fiery and deeply Bhutanese in every way.

The Hidden Stupa Story

Bhutanese folklore is woven deeply into everyday life. One story speaks of a lama who dreamt of a hidden stupa near the villages of Issuna and Shaba by the Pachhu River, believing it would bring prosperity. After hours of searching, the riverbank cracked open to reveal a stupa-shaped rock within. Strange as it sounds, Bhutan has a way of making stories like these feel entirely believable.

Married Among Sacred Chants

Not many people know this, but outsiders can get married in Bhutanese temples amidst rhythmic chants, flickering butter lamps and mountain silence. I did and it remains one of the most surreal and grounding experiences of my life. There’s something deeply moving about beginning a chapter of your life in a land that treats spirituality as a way of being, not performance.

A Country Rooted In Nature

What fascinates me most about Bhutan is its deep-rooted philosophy of worshipping nature. Their connection to the land reflects in how gently they continue to live with it even today. I also admire how societal norms are openly questioned here - not rebelliously, but thoughtfully, with a quiet confidence that feels refreshing in a world constantly trying to conform.

Valleys Beyond Imagination

One of Bhutan’s greatest gifts is how quickly it transports you into another world. Drive merely three hours away from the main town and suddenly the landscapes begin to feel almost mythical. Valleys open into endless quiet, clouds sit low against the mountains and time itself feels slower. My personal favourite remains ______ - a place I still think about long after leaving it behind.

This isn’t a journey for the socials or for grand adventure tales. It’s a journey for the soul, one that teaches you to pause, look deeper and discover gentler ways of living.

Beyond surface-level travel, Bhutan invites you to truly interact with life itself.

Mr. Raju Rai

Over the years, Bhutan gave me many things, but one of the most special has been Mr. Raju Rai – my best friend, brother and partner through countless journeys across the mountains. Here’s something he often says about Bhutan:

“What makes Bhutan truly special isn’t just its landscapes, but the way its people have protected their culture, forests and way of life. It’s a country that quietly changes everyone who chooses to experience it with an open heart.”

With over 35 years of experience in travel, Raju isn’t just an industry veteran to me. He’s family; a guide, partner in crime and the person responsible for most of my Bhutanese slang lessons along the way.

Here are 3 things you can expect if you do decide to trust me as your co-traveller in Bhutan:

A localized trip, beyond the regular

Since I have travelled the Druk Yul far and beyond, the tour will be structured based on your preferences, sprinkled with lots of discoveries. The itinerary will be broken down into, must visits, experiential visits and surprise visits, ensuring you go back home with tales of your own adventure.

Experiencing Bhutan from within

Over the years, a few people in Bhutan are like family to me. On this journey, your interaction with them won’t be limited to a meal or home visit, you will sit with them, hear their stories, take home a memory and who knows? You may just get back home with a new best friend.

The most random facts ever

If you type ‘Facts about Bhutan’, google will send you a minimum of thousand and I can promise, the ones you would experience with me won’t be a part of the thousand. For example: (add)

If what you’ve read & experienced till now speaks with you, even in passing; and you’ve been eyeing Bhutan for a while, I’d love to speak with you and design a personalised itinerary, over a call or over a local Bhutanese beer.

Testimonals

This piece of writing can go on and on, I could tell you about my most horrible time in Bhutan that eventually turned out to be a blessing in disguise or I could tell you about how I ate this one dish for lunch for 48 days straight because it satiated me beyond measure or how I love their custom to serve a small amount of alcohol to a newborn baby fascinating – but I rather save that for when we speak with each other, as powerful as words are, they would only be able to convey a portion of my excitement to you.

Kezang Dorji Hotelier & Businessman, Thimphu

"If you're looking for a memorable journey to Bhutan, look no further than Ninad."
I have known Ninad for many years and watched him explore Bhutan far beyond the usual tourist circuits. Having spent a significant part of his life here as a Destination Manager, his understanding of Bhutan is both vast and deeply personal. As the owner of Hotel Migmar, I've worked with him closely and have seen firsthand how he transforms a standard holiday into a meaningful experience. He knows the hidden corners, the best place to have Ema Datshi, the stories behind local places and, most importantly, how to make guests feel connected to Bhutan.

Bishnu Kr Ghaley Local Guide, Bhutan

"Anyone travelling with Ninad is not just seeing Bhutan, they are truly experiencing it."
Working with Ninad has always been a joy. His love for Bhutan shines through in everything he does and he has an incredible ability to turn every journey into a memorable story. His curiosity, warmth and genuine passion for the country make him someone travellers instantly connect with. I can't wait to see Druk Origins grow and touch many more lives.

Choki Dorjee Local Transport Partner, Bhutan

"His experience, vision and determination make him uniquely prepared for this journey."
I had the privilege of working alongside Ninad for many years in the travel industry. What always stood out was his professionalism, reliability and genuine commitment to creating memorable experiences for travellers. He approaches every challenge with positivity, builds lasting relationships wherever he goes and carries an infectious passion for Bhutan. I have no doubt his venture will be a success.

Chencho Tshering Former Executive Director, Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd. & GM, Olathang Hotel

"Few people have contributed to promoting Bhutan with the dedication that Ninad has."
It has been a pleasure knowing Ninad both personally and professionally over the years. His connection with Bhutan goes far beyond business; it is built on genuine affection, understanding and respect for the country. With decades of industry experience and a deep appreciation for Bhutanese culture, I am confident Druk Origins will continue introducing travellers to the country in a meaningful way.

Menuka Giri Former Colleague, Bhutan

"You were always curious about the world, but especially about Bhutan."
Working with Ninad was a wonderful experience. He was thoughtful, creative, humble and always eager to learn. What stood out most was his genuine love for Bhutan and his desire to understand the country beyond the obvious. Even after all these years, that curiosity remains unchanged. I wish him continued success in helping others discover Bhutan the way he did.