Dream Place, I guess

 I still remember having the nickname "Bumthab" as a child. I don't know who gave me that name or why I was called it, but ever since I was young, Bumthang has been my dream destination — a place I always wanted to visit, even though I had never been there before.

After reaching college, I shared my love for Bumthang and my friend gave me an opportunity to attend an advocacy program since she heard it was going to happen in Bumthang, unfortunately, it happened in Thimphu. I have tried so many times to come here but I never got a chance to visit. 

After my maternity leave, while heading to my workplace, we passed through Bumthang and took a day to visit some nearby monasteries and sacred sites. The moment I entered Yotongla, I felt at peace. The place was serene, calm, welcoming, and therapeutic. The air was cool, the landscape was open, and everything seemed to be in place.

Although I didn’t have much time to stay in Bumthang, at least for a moment, my long-held thirst for visiting this place was quenched. I told myself that I would definitely come back again.

This time, I came back for work, and though I don’t get time to explore, just being here brings me peace — everything looks so pleasing. The sky is beautiful at dusk, and the morning air is fresh and cool. I don’t know what karmic connection I have with this place, but I can clearly see why it is a religious hub and why it attracts so many tourists, both from within and outside. 

I still don’t get time to explore much, but I’m here with people who mean a lot to me, and commuting to work over the past five days has been incredibly calming. Of course, I love my hometown more, but this place is truly a sanctuary. 

A few years down the line, I will be coming for vacation, not anywhere but in this very place.

Bumthang, you are beautiful!