Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese's Guide Perspective on Happiness
Chencho Tshering, a seasoned Druk Asia tour guide with nearly a decade of experience, shares his journey, personal passions, and heartfelt insights. Whether you're planning a trip or simply curious about the Land of the Thunder Dragon, his reflections are sure to inspire.
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a tour guide in Bhutan?
My name is Chencho Tshering and I have been working as a tour guide for almost a decade now. I was born in Thimphu and both my parents hail from the western part of the country. My utmost passion for travel and adventure, love for photography and documenting nature and culture, and my niche to commune with people from different backgrounds have been some of the things which inspired me to become a tour guide. I feel honoured to have the chance to share and experience the culture and heritage and the rich biodiversity the country possesses with travellers from all over the globe.
Which part of Bhutan has the most breathtaking scenery?
Bhutan is a small landlocked country geographically, but due to its geographical location, the landscape is very diverse—from subtropical plains and jungles to the south, to valleys and gorges in the mid temperate zones, and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and glaciers up north. But if I have to choose one, it has to be Laya, a village nestled in the remote highlands of northern Bhutan. It offers the most stunning views of the Himalayan snow-capped peaks at the back and is surrounded by lush meadows filled with wildflowers and grazing yaks. Along with the culturally unique Layap people—a semi-nomadic tribe with their distinctive dress and traditions—all add to it.
What are your favourite Bhutanese dishes?
My favourite Bhutanese dish has to be the Ema Datsi, a chilli and cheese stew, prepared with chilli simmered in a local cheese, often cooked with garlic, tomatoes and onions. It can be a bit fiery yet comforting, and goes well with rice, bread, and almost anything. It’s vegetarian-friendly with variations you can add, including potatoes or mushrooms and other vegetables of your preference. It’s a must-try dish when you are in Bhutan.
What is your favourite Bhutanese festival and why?
Bhutan is known for its many vibrant festivals, with the Tshechu being the most renowned—celebrated with sacred mask dances, rituals, and deep spiritual meaning. But if I had to pick a personal favourite, I’d say the Royal Highland Festival in Laya stands out. Held annually in one of Bhutan’s most remote and scenic regions, this festival was initiated by His Majesty the King to honour the unique traditions of the highland communities and promote sustainable tourism. It’s truly one of Bhutan’s most authentic and off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences. From yak races and horse riding to traditional highlander food and handicrafts, it’s a celebration like no other.
What does Gross National Happiness mean to you personally?
As a Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness is more than just a policy—it’s a philosophy woven into our daily lives to balance it from blind growth. A pristine forest, a child’s education and a grandmother’s prayer hold equal weight to economic numbers. It’s a measure to remind us that development must nurture all aspects of life and not just wealth. To us, happiness is neither naïve nor selfish—it’s the courage to say a nation’s worth is in people’s smiles, not their wallets.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working as a guide?
I am an individual with a lot of hobbies. Whenever I’m not working, I love taking myself outdoors for a hike or treks in nature where I can do my photography and relax. On other days, I try keeping myself inside so I can either watch movies or work on my screenplay writings. Safe to say I’m a film enthusiast as well.
What’s your proudest moment as a guide?
The proudest moment for me as a tour guide is every time at the end of the trip, when we assess the satisfaction of the guest through certain surveys or questionnaires or feedback and reviews—when you realise you have played your part in making someone’s trip here worthwhile and meaningful.
Have you ever had a spiritual or life-changing moment?
I have learnt that spiritual moments here aren’t just the rituals—they are a living encounter with the sacred. From murmurs of prayers before sunrise to the sight of a thousand flickering lights on an ancient mural to chanting with nuns—these are all up there. But the pick of the bunch for me has to be the unfurling of the Thongdrel, which literally translates to ‘liberation by sight’. It is a giant appliqué, a sacred tapestry of Guru Rinpoche unfurled in the early hours of the last day of Paro Tshechu.
The ceremony starts by midnight as monks untie the silk ropes of the tapestry from its vault in the Paro Dzong, after which it is escorted outside to the temple, replete with a traditional ceremonial procession. As dawn cracks, the sound of ceremonial horns blown by the monks lets the Thongdrel plummet down the temple’s façade like a colourful waterfall. We will only have a few hours to absorb the blessings and pray before it’s rolled away for another year. I have attended that ceremony several times, yet my hair still stands on end every single time.
What’s the best souvenir to buy that truly represents Bhutan?
Bhutan offers some unique handicraft souvenirs that reflect its culture, religion and environment. From handwoven textiles to handmade papers, bamboo products to phallic mementos, and handcrafted local beers to premium local whiskies—these are just a few options from a vast array of keepsakes or remembrances of your Bhutan trip.
What do you want to say to someone who is considering a trip to Bhutan?
To those who are considering a trip to Bhutan, my suggestion would be to come with an open heart. It’s a place where you will find joy in simplicity and somewhere you get connected deeper to the world and nature. Whether you are in for an adventure, or seeking spiritual connections, a vacation to loosen up or tighten up—Bhutan is the destination, and we would like to warmly welcome you.
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This interview is part of the Passion and Purpose series where we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals shaping Bhutan’s industries and communities across the different industries. Each feature explores the unique journeys, challenges, and achievements of Bhutanese professionals across diverse fields—tourism, arts, entrepreneurship, and more. Through heartfelt stories, we uncover what fuels their dedication and how they contribute to preserving Bhutan’s heritage, sustainability, and Gross National Happiness ethos.
