Five Sister’s Promise: A 7-Day Bhutan Journey of Friendship Reborn

In April 2024, I received an email from Ms. Suty, a retired history teacher from Indonesia. She and three of her closest friends were planning a “Cultural Discovery Journey” to Bhutan.

“We want to see the kingdom at the foot of the Himalayas, where happiness matters more than GDP,” she wrote.

For them, this wasn’t just a vacation. It was a spiritual journey at a new stage of life.

But just three days before departure, an unexpected message arrived—an old classmate, Professor Lin, who had been estranged from the group for over 20 years due to a misunderstanding, decided to join.

The request form that followed was detailed:

“Professor Lin had knee replacement surgery and needs two hours of rest daily. She’s also passionate about Buddhist murals and wishes to explore restricted monastic libraries…”

Her sudden addition reshuffled the original plan and created a new challenge for me as the trip designer.

Last-Minute Adjustments: Making Friendship Possible Again

To ensure that all five sisters could travel together, I redesigned the itinerary. I carefully assessed the physical demands of each site and explained them one by one to the group. Transportation was upgraded to a spacious vehicle so Professor Lin could stretch her legs comfortably during long drives. Hotels were rebooked with accessible rooms and direct elevator access.

I reassured them:

“Don't worry, we are a private tour. The itinerary can be completely adjusted based on everyone's physical condition, so you can see the sights you want without getting too exhausted from the journey.”

Care and Experience Throughout the Journey

In Thimphu, when visiting the National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Point, our guide slowed down the pace and carried a folding chair so Professor Lin could rest anytime. In front of the 108 stupas, the five friends posed for a photo. Suty whispered:

“It’s been 20 years since we last walked together—today feels like we are young again.”

That afternoon, I arranged a special visit to the museum’s restricted library, where a  knowledge guide explained the Buddhist murals in depth. Professor Lin listened, utterly captivated.

In Punakha, we prepared a walking stick and designed a lighter route inside Punakha Dzong. An assistant accompanied her throughout, so the rest could freely explore the grandeur of the fortress and the suspension bridge.

Crossing the Punakha Suspension Bridge, the wind made it sway. Professor Lin hesitated, fear flashing in her eyes. One of the sisters reached for her hand: Don’t worry. We’ll cross together.” Tears welled up in Lin’s eyes, but she stepped forward slowly and firmly, smiling when they paused for a group photo in the middle of the bridge.

In Gangtey, the planned hike was replaced with a vehicle ride to the best viewpoint. The guide stayed with Lin while the others completed the trail, reuniting at sunset. She told me later: “I thought I would slow everyone down, but your arrangements let me share the same scenery with them. That meant everything.”

At Tiger’s Nest Monastery, we created a “dual plan”: the fitter sisters hiked to the top, while Lin rested at a teahouse halfway up, listening to the guide recount the monastery’s legends. This way, no one was left out, and everyone had their moment.

For the finale, we booked a traditional hot stone bath in a well-regarded family-run lodge. I personally coordinated water temperature and privacy details. Soaked in warm water, laughter echoing, the five women finally opened their hearts. Old misunderstandings dissolved like mist in the steam.

Journey’s End: The Rebirth of Friendship

After seven days, their trip came to an end. At Paro Airport, the five Magnolia Sisters embraced with tears in their eyes.

Suty told me:

“Betty, this trip wasn’t just about seeing Bhutan. It was about finding each other again.”

Professor Lin later wrote:

“Thank you, Betty. Without your care and adjustments, I could never have completed this journey. What I gained was more than a trip—it was a restored friendship I thought I had lost forever.”

My Reflection

This journey reminded me that travel is not only about sights and schedules, but also about healing bonds and rekindling connections. Because of Bhutan, the five Magnolias walked side by side once more. And because of our professional care, their long-lost friendship bloomed again.

For me, helping them fulfill both a dream and a reconciliation is the most precious achievement of being a travel consultant.