Do you remember the time when big countries like Russia and China were closed to the public? Or have you read about travel in ancient times when distances and borders were different from what they are today? Obviously, it was also Jules Verne’s writing skills that kept us hooked on these stories. But the fact is that the most intriguing trips are those to places that are not often visited.
One of the last places on earth that is little explored is the kingdom of Bhutan. Between the Himalayan mountains, it kept its borders closed for many years. But not so long ago, the borders were opened for you to have a vacation in Bhutan.
Isn’t it similar to other Himalayan countries?
Looking at the prices to travel to Bhutan, you will surely think twice. It is much cheaper to visit other places, including neighboring and similar places like Tibet, Nepal or Darjeeling. But that is not the same.
Of course, the Himalayan mountains are similar to those in Tibet, the trekking is similar to trekking in Nepal, and the people are just as friendly as in Darjeeling. But if you want to know what life was like in Tibet before the Chinese invasion, just visit Bhutan.
Don’t you wish you could see Tibet in the fifties?
Traveling to Tibet is still great, but it can’t be compared to doing the same thing in the fifties. The first tourists in Vietnam, after its borders were opened, saw the same beautiful temples and nature, but without the annoying tourist traps and children yelling “sir, sir, postcard?” Tourism changes countries, whether they like it or not.
You only get one chance to explore Bhutan while it is still untouched. Take advantage of that opportunity, before people get used to tourists and the travel industry goes crazy during Bhutan holidays.
