Hey travel junkies,
So I finally managed to experience how one of the most happiest place on earth look like. This was the most awaited trip in my list. The remote kingdom of Bhutan, who’s guiding principle is to satisfy the well-being and collective happiness of its residents through an index of measurable and attainable life goals, called Gross National Happiness (GNH). Their previous king even claimed GNH to be more important than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Though Bhutan still not in the top ten list (as per NGC report) in the world but it doesn't matter because what I have experienced I can vouch that in the world where people are fighting over religion/border issues they are happy in there own little world. This country enjoy more forest/Green land per square mile than any other Asian country, extremely high environmental standards, and a very low threat level making it one of the most peaceful places on Earth. My journey will prove you why I’m saying that:-)
My journey started with reaching from Bangalore via Kolkata to Paro in the first week of May. Their airport give you the feel of the valley where your flight will land.
It is also counted among the 10 most challenging airports in the world, that only 8 pilots are certified to land the flights here. The surrounding peaks as high as 5000 m makes it a bit of challenge, and yet Paro airport is something you should eye for. Getting mesmerized every second with the view of vibrant green valley with gushing sound of Paro river below, stunning blue sky above, and high mountains around the Paro valley makes it an enchanting picture. Don’t miss the sight of departing flights which in itself is an experience.
My broad ITINERARY which may be of help for you guys
Day 1&2 – Pick-up from Paro airport & transfer to Paro hotel. Afternoon sightseeing Paro. Overnight stay at Paro.
Generally there day ends @ 5 with guide, but people are nice and hospitable so they will go out of way to show you some of the places which are not part of the itinerary...its only possible if you are nice to them. Bhutan is known for many Dzongs/Monastries (Paro Dzong, National Museum) and for few Treks(Near Dochula pass & Tiger Nest monastery)...
Straight from airport I was transferred to my hotel in Paro. I must say unlike roads in Northeast part of India, this place is an exact opposite in that sense, they have amazing road condition with hardly any potholes even in the remotest part of the country . you will enjoy every bit driving or riding here.
I was starving by the time I reached hotel. I was excited to experience the local cuisines, my hesitation while travelling to exotic lands always gets me wondering if I’ll starve as a vegetarian. Well, I wasn’t disappointed and neither will you be. When in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, try what vegetarian food in Bhutan is all about. They love Momos (Momos which are traditional dumplings that are either fried or steamed and typically stuffed with vegetables and meat.) which are typically served with soy or chilli sauces, local Bhutanese love cheese and chillies equally and together, even more. So much so that Bhutan’s the national dish is Ema Datshi, which comprises chillies mixed with a cheese sauce. Usually served with red rice (hope your tolerance for spicy food is high:-)). Though this was not to my taste palate:-) Still I managed to survive on Fried rice, Momos and veg curries - little spicy but edible. I also tried the famous Bhutanese butter tea. I think you need an acquired taste to have the full one cup.. So my first two days were well spent in the hotel resting, trying some local cuisines and checking out some hot spots in Paro along with visiting some of the most famous Dzongs.
Day 3 – Morning I had to leave for Thimphu - Sightseeing Thimphu. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Places they will take you to will be - Thimphu King's memorial/ the Radio Tower which is one of Bhutan's tallest buildings,
and the Zoological Garden, where you can easily spot the National animal of Bhutan-The Takin.
For art lovers, the visit to Painting School is a treat and you are welcome to meet with the students and faculty if you share a common canvas. It’s a must go to place as you can bargain to pick some really great local piece of art or best of Thanka art piece...try and be nice to the locals as they love to talk to international tourists and exchanging notes...I’ve got great discounts at the gallery just because of being nice to them...so be polite.
Trashico dzong – very beautiful one…you will surely get some great shots here.. Jungshi handmade paper factory – nice stop over..
Day4 – Sightseeing Thimphu. Overnight stay at Thimphu…do check the tallest budha statue..ask your guide for hiking..if interested, pls do venture out, there is a small trek from there to town..its fun!
Day 5 – Morning transfer to Punakha/Wangdue (via Dochula Pass). Sightseeing Punakha/Wangdue. Overnight stay at Wangdue.
Dochula pass - If you are visiting Punakha or Central and eastern part of Bhutan, you will drive across this pass. At there you will see 108 stupas build by Her Majestry Azhi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
Nice view from Dochala Pass top. During summer would offer a stunning view of the Himalayan Mountains, the second highest in Bhutan, which are all snow capped. It reminds us of one of the war memorials as per Bhutanese culture and are revered by the people of the land as an emblem of religious sanctity. Notice their architectural beauty and the manner in which they have weathered the four seasons over the years. If the weather decides to cooperate, you can admire the glory of the snow-capped Himalayan Ranges from this vantage point...a must visit place if you are in Bhutan. A picturesque location for selfie lovers and an ideal location at a temperature altitude.
After spending an hour at Dochula pass post lunch we left for Wangdue valley... I managed to convince my guide for a village walk. you will walk through one of the most beautiful Dzong to the hotel crossing one of the longest metal bridge.. The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. The source of the Mo chu river is in the northern hills of Lighsi and Laya in Bhutan, and in Tibet.
Great place for spotting some birds as well...this walk will take about 3 hours...but totally worth it...don’t miss that, ask your guide if he can arrange a bicycle for you in advance if possible, since roads are awesome to ride with no traffic at all and views are really to die for. I was lucky that this walk helped me to cross few of the villages in that region and get to experience Bhutanese village life closely. overnight at Punakha.
The Hotel I stayed in was in-front of the river, the view was simply breathtaking. I made some amazing friends at this hotel (see the hotel details below), their staff was extremely friendly and courteous and so simple at heart:-) I don’t know how I connected so well with them all of them..specially with the hotel owner( the young chap below in Green T) and his wife (owner’s wife cum GM - Kizang) after working hours they took out time for me to chill with them at some local cafe..we sat there for an hour or so with few more locals, exchanging notes on both sides of cultures...it was a night always remembered fondly.
Day 6 – Transfer from Punakha - Paro. Overnight stay at Paro…
Your Glance at Bhutan continues as you leave for Punakha after breakfast. I was feeling sad that I have to leave this place so early. My hosts were fabulous...I seriously have to travel here again to meet this lovely couple and staff.
Don’t want to reiterate be nice to them they go out of way for hospitality…these guys are soft and love genuine travelers…so keep that in consideration. when you are traveling to a new country remember you are representing your country too:-)
For going back to Paro, we had to cross Dochula pass again. I have already told my guide (Chimmi) that I want to do a trek in advance, luckily he agreed to my plan. it was just before Docula pass from where we started this small hike...it was a two hour jungle hike which lead you to Dochula pass...on the on the other side..
After having quick lunch at the restaurant in Dochula Pass, we left for a Royal Botanical garden, this was just few km away from the pass. We walked around for about an hour or so in the Garden, where we met a young monk who was taking a break from his mediation in one of the eleven small man-made caves higher up in the garden path. He briefly explained to us his practice, it was an interesting and enlightening conversation with him.
The place is famous amongst the bird watchers and people who are interested in checking out some rare flower/plants.
Straight from there we left for Paro. we were staying in a new built hotel which was situated little away from the city near the river side. The location was perfect I sat near the river side to dip my feet in the cold water, I wish if time would have stilled this moment for me to enjoy this for longer ..what a picturesque place to end your busy day:-)
Though my day didn't end it here, after 8pm I left to experience the night life of Paro with two local friends. Nightlife in Bhutan is one that is not explored by everyone since the splendor of this tiny country is overshadowed by its monasteries. Yet, it leaves no stone unturned. After visiting the calm monasteries, you’ve got to visit Paro for a hearty dose of Bhutan’s nightlife. Remember, Wednesday has free entry for ladies in most of the places. Now, this is always a tempting offer for ladies to try nightlife in Bhutan, isn’t it?
I went to one of the Drayangs, which are famous for live performances by Bhutanese ladies/men. Traditional attire and cultural Bhutanese dances will be presented all evening with song requests made by visitors in exchange of tips ranging from 100 Ngultrums to 500 Ngultrums. Drayangs are usually hard to find, but once inside, you can relax with a drink in hand and experience Bhutanese culture, music, dance, and food. This is a must so do check with your guide in advance to visit one of these:-) It was a time for me to leave for the hotel..I reached back around 1am..next day was equally eventful and something which I had traveled for...I was finally travelling to the ‘Great Tiger nest monastery’
Day 7 – Trek to Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery. Overnight stay at Paro…
Tigers nest monastery- derived it name from the legend surrounding it. Its a beautiful and old monastery located at the edge of the hill. Some parts of the trek are very steep and will test your stamina. I went when the temperatures were low, around 15-20 degree and it was quite a breathtaking experience. Depending on your pace and fitness levels the small trek can take anywhere between 3-6 hours. I had completed it in 3 and half hours tops..Upto halfway horses are also there which can be used to reach the cafeteria at mid way. Good buffet food is available at this cafeteria and the ambience and setting is something you don’t mind spending time at. You can enjoy a good break here before you start on your uphill journey, though I didn’t stop here and kept walking to reach the monastery to get some time for my meditation.. The trek further up, will take you roughly an hour and a half again depending on your fitness. The trek is very steep and uphill in most of the places in this last stretch. The views are beautiful along the way and you will stop more often then not for a quick breath and photograph. Reaching the final monastery will leave you with a sense of accomplishment. Even then, to reach the actual cave, you have to climb down a narrow passageway. The breeze and view and the journal feel at this place will surely make you spiritual. One thing about Bhutan, the people just rock !! they are very helpful and very happeeeee. In case you are travelling solo, you will make enough friends on the way up... My all-time fascination Tiger’s nest monastery was an experience which I cherish forever...after trekking for half a day I realized what I was missing..
By afternoon I was back in Paro city, I had asked my guide to arrange a cycle for me to ride to near villages. Please opt for this if you have enough stamina, its worth every penny. I left for 2-3 hour long cycling tour and clicked some amazing spots on the way. There are beautiful places don’t miss that..its awesome to ride on hills…
My day ended with checking out another live music place where I had my dinner. Paro and Thimpu are the only two cities in Bhutan which are known for there nightlife.
Day 8 – Departing from this wonderland to Kolkata.
All good things come to an end so early!! Departing word itself is sad, I was leaving this happy place with a heavy heart which I don’t think I ever felt for any other place yet. Saying goodbye wasn't easy, it was not just because of the places I saw in this mini Kingdom but the Bond I created with the people here...I was carrying some memories which will never fade in my hard-disc(in my heart) and one hope that I will travel here soon to create more bonds...
Adios Bhutan I will come and see you soon:-)
Depart from Paro International Airport. Tashi Delek!
My next stop was Kolkata for few days with my bestie Priti..after spending two days there I left for Bangalore finally:-)
Some important pointers before you plan to one of the most happiest place on earth:-)
1. being an Indian national please remember the following - A reminder to carry your original passport/voters ID card/ Aadhar card. Please carry the document according to which your ticket is issued will not face any problem while filling formalities during your visit.
Famous hot stone bath in Bhutan
2. The Tigers Nest Monastery trek is doable by anyone with a basic fitness level. In case you have a feeling, you cant finish the trek, you have an option of resting at a cafe mid-way while the others finish the trek. If you don’t wish to do the trek at all, there are enough options for you guys to explore, starting from checking the city center to going for the famous hot stone massage😊. Please note, If you wish to do the hot stone bath, please let your Guide/tour operator know on the first day itself so that this can be arranged for as n when required (To set up the process takes hours so do pre-plan)…Payment to be done directly to the vendor.
3. Bhutan international airport is in Paro, and there are only two flights from India – Druk air and Bhutan airlines. For Indians - Druk Air from Delhi, Kolkata & Bagdogra and Bhutan Airlines from same places but at different timings, I took flight via Kolkata as Delhi flight was coming out little expensive..so if you are planning from Delhi than you will get direct flight option.
Pls do get your flights tickets block in advance if travelling in the peak touristee months(which starts from May onwards) as Bhutan has become a most popular/Fav destination for many Indian/Eurpoean in recent years and gets difficult for people to get flight tickets as per their choice. Though you can travel via road as well from India - 'Bagdogra' side..all you have to do is to take flight from either Delhi/Mum/Guwahati to Bagdogra than drive down to Paro. Which will take 5-6 hours..this route is beautiful and some really nice spots for photo op..
4. If planning In May than its fine else plan post Sep onwards...June-Aug are bad months due to monsoon…though I leave it up-to you guys as monsoon has its own charm.
5. Do check there festival calendar before booking for the trip, its always nice to experience one as you get to see the real culture of the country.
6. Local cuisine is full of cheese so will leave the food choice to an individual discretion, you can get good food in cities... so explore what you like to eat…that’s not my fav..you will find Indian cuisine as well in Thimpu/Paro..plus there are better options in Non veg and I am sure my Meat eater friends will be delighted with this news😊
7. For shopping- You can check local paintings/Masks/ woolen stuff (jackets/ mufflers)..rest don’t waste time as everything goes from India/China. I preferred Thimpu/Paro for this as you have more options in these cities.
As mentioned above be nice to them, you may get lucky to get good discounts😊
8. Please make sure to carry enough cash with you, which you can convert it at any local currency exchange shop, not all ATM's except Indian cards plus with every transaction you will be charged 3.5% surcharge as well. So make sure to carry enough cash so that you don't end up stranded on the tour or wasting money in taxes.
9. However Bhutan is a liberal country but for all the ladies make sure you dress up according to the place. you need to cover your legs and hands whenever going to any Monastery..make sure you pay some respect to the culture.
HOTELS :
- Paro (2 nights) – TIGER'S NEST RESORT (one of the best)
- Thimphu (2 nights) – PHUNTSHO PELRI (hotel is nice centrally located but if you wish for nice view than check other hotels like le meridian..but this hotel has some great economical shops inside where you get good deals for shopping)
- Wangdue (1 night) – PEMA KARPO (very nice property secluded..so not many options near the place to venture for food..you can place your order in advance so that they can prepare for you)..do explore small joints with locals to drink
- Paro (2 nights – May 6 & May 7) – REMA RESORT (beautifully located but say if planning to go in sep onwards their le meridian Paro one is opening...made a friend their can help you to get a good deal)..Meridian gonna be one of the best after Uma resort.
Local Contacts for Booking -
Kezang Punakha Dzong, Punakha, Bhutan - 097517429095
Phub - Local travel agent @Paro - +9758271414/ +97517606780 /+978271357
Few of my most loved shots:-) For more pics follow me on https://www.instagram.com/sassyadventurer03/
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