Changing Seasons: A Time of Renewal

There is a spot I often rest at on my walks along the road to Drukgyel Dzong. It's a small haven just off the road, nestled among a cluster of trees.

There's nothing particularly special about it—a simple rock to sit on—but its tranquillity, set back from the road, offers a quiet refuge. From here, I can catch my breath and gaze out over the valley, where the rice fields are now planted and filled with water, and potato plants fill the other paddocks.

Now that it’s mid-May, it finally feels like the seasons are changing in Bhutan, shifting from winter to spring. This transition brings about a dramatic change in the landscape. The beauty of Bhutan’s scenery is a constant source of awe, with hillsides transforming from snow-laced trees to forests coming alive with fresh greenery.

The days have grown noticeably warmer, although as I write this, I still have a jacket on. It’s not too warm yet, but the nights are now cool rather than cold. I still turn on the electric blanket just to warm up the bed.

Rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom along the trekking trails, especially on the trail to Tiger's Nest, while in the valley, green fruit trees and lush rice fields fill your view.

The snow atop the mountains has started to melt, leaving behind only small pockets. Yet, the peak of Mt. Jomolhari still shines white in the distance, a constant sentinel watching over the changing seasons.

 I’ve never really thought about the mythical Shangri-La experiencing a change in seasons. But here in Bhutan, it’s a vivid reminder that even the most serene and timeless places undergo their own cycles of renewal.

The seasons remind us that after every winter, there is a spring waiting to happen. No matter how harsh the winter, spring’s arrival is inevitable. In the same way, no matter how difficult our struggles, things will improve. It’s a reminder that change is a natural part of life and that we are all capable of renewal and regrowth.