I Went to Bhutan for the Mountains, But Stayed for the Dogs
When I first booked my trip to Bhutan, I had my heart set on one thing: the mountains. I wanted to see those cloud kissed peaks, hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, breathe that crisp Himalayan air, and come home with stories of dzongs, monks, and yak cheese.
But what I didn't expect was falling in love with the country's four legged locals.
From the moment I stepped out of Paro International Airport, I noticed them, gentle eyed stray dogs lounging in the sun, trotting beside prayer flags, dozing near monasteries like old souls in fur coats. At first, I was curious. By day three, I was in love.
Bhutan Has a Dog Culture Like No Other In most countries, stray dogs are seen as problems. In Bhutan, they are part of the ecosystem. Locals don’t shoo them away; they feed them, name them, and let them nap peacefully near temples. It’s not unusual to see a monk pausing mid prayer to pet a nearby pup. Compassion, here, is not a concept. It’s a way of life.
Then I learned about Zeus Nakulu Dog Shelter, Bhutan's largest dog sanctuary, currently home to over 780 rescued dogs. That’s when my journey took on a new meaning.
Enter CUDIS Zeus Furry Travels, a company that doesn’t just show you Bhutan, they let you be part of something bigger. Every trip booked through CUDIS supports the dog shelter: from feeding and medical care to building better living spaces for the rescues.
We visited the shelter in the cool of the morning. Puppies tumbled over each other. Older dogs basked in the sun. Volunteers smiled as they worked. And I found myself tearing up because I had come to Bhutan for the beauty, but I found something more enduring: purpose.
Bhutan Is More Than a Destination Yes, I saw the mountains. I hiked to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), stood breathless before the mighty Punakha Dzong, and watched monks perform sacred dances during the Paro Tsechu festival. I drank butter tea, lit butter lamps, crossed swinging bridges, and inhaled the fragrance of pine and incense.
But the heartbeat of Bhutan for me? It barked, wagged its tail, and sometimes snoozed beside my trekking boots.
When to Go & How to Get There The best times to visit Bhutan are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for clear skies, mild weather, and vibrant festivals. Fly into Paro International Airport, with direct flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Singapore, and even Dubai.
And if you book with CUDIS Zeus Furry Travels, know this: your trip is more than a vacation. It’s a contribution to a kinder world.
Final Thoughts I came to Bhutan for the mountains. I left with paw prints on my heart.
Book your journey with CUDIS Zeus Furry Travels and see Bhutan not just through your eyes, but through your heart. Because here, travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about the good you leave behind.
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E-mail: zeusbhutan@gmail.com
