More Than Just a Solo Trip: Monika’s Bhutan Adventure with Thrillophilia
Some journeys are best taken solo, but with the right company, even solo travel feels like a shared adventure.
But, Monika didn’t realise this, until her recent trip to Bhutan.
Monika had always been a free spirit. She wasn’t someone to wait around for company to embark on her adventures. After all, why should one wait for the world to catch up when there's so much to explore?
So, when Bhutan called her name—a land of happiness, mysticism, and towering monasteries perched on cliffs—she knew it was time for her next solo escapade.
Bhutan was her dream destination for as long as she could remember, and it didn’t disappoint. From the moment she stepped off the plane, Monika was enveloped by the serene beauty of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Bhutan’s air smelled like fresh pine, the sky was an intense shade of blue, and the mountains stood tall, like silent guardians of a world that still believed in magic.
Solo, But Not Alone
Bhutan wasn’t her first solo trip, but this one stood out because of how Thrillophilia organised everything.
Monika, who had always cherished her moments of solitude, found herself being part of a group that was just the right mix of solo travellers and adventure enthusiasts.
"I’m usually one to keep to myself during trips, but this time, something felt different," Monika shared with a smile. From the start of her journey at Bagdogra Airport, the butterflies in her stomach quickly transformed into excitement when she met her fellow travellers.
Everyone in the group had their own stories, backgrounds, and reasons for choosing Bhutan, but there was a shared sense of curiosity that bound them together.
Monika quickly struck a bond with a few fellow travellers, especially with a quirky backpacker from Kerala who had a joke for every situation. “Bhutan is magical, but nothing beats the magic of meeting people who turn a trip into an unforgettable memory,” she said, recalling how their group dinners would often dissolve into fits of laughter and storytelling.
A Spiritual Awakening
Bhutan is a country that doesn’t just show you mountains—it reveals its spirit.
Monika had always been drawn to the mountains, but seeing the Himalayas up close in Bhutan was something else entirely. "Punakha, Dochula Pass, Chele La—each place felt like it had its own personality," she said.
The first moment that truly took her breath away was during the drive to Punakha. Passing through Dochula Pass, the towering peaks of the Himalayas came into view, and Monika’s heart skipped a beat.
Of course, no trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to the Tiger’s Nest. The iconic Taktsang Monastery, clinging precariously to the side of a mountain, felt like a beacon calling out to Monika.
That hike up was gruelling, and by this time, Monika had learned to pace herself. She took deep breaths, letting the tranquillity of the surroundings seep into her.
The prayer wheels she passed spun slowly, and Monika found herself whispering prayers under her breath, even though she wasn’t particularly religious. There was something about Bhutan—its silence, its reverence, its simplicity—that made you feel connected to something greater than yourself.
When she finally reached the top and stood before the monastery, Monika was overwhelmed. She wasn’t sure if it was the altitude or the beauty, but her eyes welled up with tears. “I don’t know why I’m crying,” she laughed, wiping her face.
“Bhutan has that effect on people,” her guide said, smiling.
Inside the monastery, the scent of incense filled the air, and monks in maroon robes went about their rituals. Monika sat in a quiet corner, the hum of chanting filling her ears.
A Sprinkle of Serenity
From the moment Monika set foot in Thimphu, she felt a sense of calm wash over her.
One moment that stayed with her was visiting Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. "I didn’t expect to feel so moved, but there was something about the temple’s simplicity and the stories surrounding it that touched my heart," she shared.
The temple, nestled amidst paddy fields, is believed to bless visitors with fertility and protection. Though Monika wasn’t seeking either, she found herself captivated by the reverence of the place. “Sometimes, it’s not about what you’re looking for; it’s about being open to what you might find,” she reflected.
Monika also spoke fondly of her visit to the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu. Watching locals perform their daily prayers, she felt a deep connection to the spiritual energy that flowed through the place.
“There was something incredibly humbling about seeing people of all ages come together in prayer—it reminded me of how connected we all are, despite our differences.”
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
One thing Monika loved about her solo trip was the freedom to wander, both physically and mentally. "Travelling solo as a woman can be risky, but in Bhutan, I felt safe, welcome, and empowered," she said.
Bhutan's warm hospitality and stunning landscapes made her feel at home, even though she was miles away from her usual routine.
The local markets of Thimphu were a particular highlight. Strolling through the vibrant stalls, Monika found herself admiring handmade crafts, traditional Bhutanese textiles, and quirky souvenirs.
“Shopping solo has its perks—you don’t have to justify buying that extra scarf or that quirky little trinket and there is definitely no one to slow you down!” she quipped.
And whether it was for travel advice or just checking in on her, the support from the Thrillophilia crew made her feel like she had her own travel safety net.
The Final Chapter? Just the Beginning
"Bhutan didn’t just fill my travel journal with beautiful sights—it filled my heart with memories that I’ll carry with me forever," she said as she concluded her review.
Monika returned from her trip feeling lighter, happier, and more connected to the world around her. And while she may have started the journey solo, she came back with new friendships, stories, and memories that would stay with her forever.
But one thing was certain: wherever she went next, Thrillophilia would be her travel companion, helping her write the next chapter of her journey.
Read more: Thrillophilia Bhutan Reviews