Magical Bhutan
If you want to see something not ordinary, visit Bhutan. It is no ordinary place. A small peck on the world map, this Himalayan kingdom is expensive not only in its
topography but also in mystery and magic. Countless ridgelines, the Dzongs (fortress
monasteries), enormous valleys, traditional Buddhist culture and the Gross
Happiness Index makes this country much more wonderful and exciting to explore.
 |
| Thimphu |
There is one and only international airport to
enter into Bhutan and that airport is Paro International Airport. No other
Airline except The National Carrier of Bhutan, Druk Air, is allowed to operate
regularly to and from Paro to Kolkata (India), Delhi (India), Gaya (India),
Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Dhaka (Bangladesh). Tourists may opt
for the bus, Private vehicle or any other local transportation to reach Bhutan
via the open land border at Phutentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu.
 |
| The kuensel Phodrang Nature Park |
After arrival at Paro and check in at Thimpu, the
treasure hunt starts with the visit to Motithang
preserve, named after the national animal of Bhutan, The Takin. Next, the visit to Tashichhodong (The seat of Government), a historic building and
also the showpiece of Bhutanese architecture, The Folk Heritage Museum with a large collection of household items
and old tools used by the locals, The
kuensel Phodrang Nature Park with one of the Largest Statue of Shakyamuni
or Buddha Dordenma inside will be one kind of an experience to you. The BBS Tower Point which commands
panoramic vistas of the Thimpu city, offers a lot of photographic opportunities
to the people who love to be behind the lenses.
 |
| Punakha Dzong |
Next comes the historical town of Punakha, also known as Punakha Dzong-one of the oldest and
largest dzongs in Bhutan. The road will certainly excite you as you will cross
through the Dochu La or Dochu Pass.
It is also famous for the 108 shrines built here by Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji
Wangchuk. During the stay at Punakha, you can not only witness the union of two holy rivers namely, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu but also enjoy the rafting on Pho Chhu river which features
a couple of class III rapids, also known as the Wrathful Buddha, and ends near
the Punakha Dzong. A visit to Chimi Lhakhang,
built in reverence to Drukpa Kunley, who was known for his unusual way of life
and also referred to as The Saint of 5000 Women, will reveal an altogether new
story to you.
 |
| Drukgyel Dzong |
After the realm of a peaceful river, towering hills
and monasteries, the Paro Valley welcomes you again with all its heart. You can
spend moments of peace at the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, said to be one of the 108 Buddhist temples, built
by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, to defeat a demoness, which created
problems in the spread of Buddhism in the region.
 |
| Ta Dzong |
At Ta Dzong-the National Museum of Bhutan will certainly help you
understand the culture and people of Bhutan. Interestingly, some of the
artifacts kept here date back to 4000BC. You can also explore the Drukgyel Dzong, a wonderful
archaeological site, used to be an important defense base until a few years ago
but abandoned in 1951 after a fire turned it in ruins.
 |
| Paro Taksang |
The visit to Bhutan will not be complete without
the visit to Paro Taktsang, well
known as Tiger’s nest temple. The
Temple or the monastery is the most famous of the Bhutanese monasteries. It is
said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at
the monastery. Perched precariously on the edge of a 1200m cliff, this
monastery is an impressive sight and the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. The
up-hill hike would take around 2 hours. You could also choose to ride a horse
from the parking lot to the monastery.
Besides all these wonders, there are many more to
explore in Bhutan. The two third of Bhutan still lacks the motorable road and
thus gives ample opportunity for the trek lovers to explore the centuries old
trading routes, link mountain villages, regional markets and the borders with
Tibet and India. These ancient trading trails now double as trekking routes.
There are few treks (2 Days to 24 Days) to suits all kind of trekkers.
Saga La Trekking Route (2 days)
– An easy overnight trek following the traditional route from Haa to Paro.
Nabji Trekking Route (4 days)
– Low altitude winter trek to experience Monpa culture and spot exotic wildlife
and birdlife.
Jhomolari Trekking Route (8 days)
–Offers spectacular views of Mt. Jhomolari (7314m)
Laya-gasa Trekking Route (11 days)
– Trek to remote regions to meet Laya people and spot takin, blue sheep and the
Himalayan blue poppy.
Snowman Trek Route (24 days)
– A long and grueling trek across the roof of Bhutan
Still many
more to see and experience.
Comments
Post a Comment