Thimphu | Paro

Bhutan, The Last Shangrila, is the only country that follows Buddhism. It has sincerely preserved its culture, heritage. There is almost zero influence of outside world, neighboring countries, western culture so to say. It wouldn’t be wrong to call this country as a Third World.

We celebrated our 7th anniversary in this magnificent country. It was a 4N 5D travel package, and after a lot of research, we finalized our itinerary as follows based on the kind of things we wanted to do. We kept our itinerary simple so that we can both relax and do sightseeing, otherwise one ends up getting exhausted after including lot of things.

Thimphu

Day 1: Iron Bridge, Chuzom, 3 Stupas

We witnessed the Himalayan range as we were about to land in Bhutan. The view of the Himalayas from the plane is so mesmerizing. Post immigration at Paro airport we proceeded to Thimphu. On the way, we took 2 stops to witness Iron Bridge, Chuzom – which is a confluence of Paro and Thimphu River and 3 Stupas – Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

Day 2: Dochu La Pass, Kuensel Phodrang, Kings Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan

We started at around 10.00 AM. We first went to Dochu La, which is a mountain pass. One can view the eastern Himalayas from this pass. It is a pass to reach Punakha Valley.  There, 108 stupas were built by the queen in memory of deceased soldiers. It was very beautiful.

After our lunch, we went to Kuensel Phodrang, which is the World’s largest sitting Buddha Statue. It is one of the most spectacular places I have ever been to; simply mesmerizing. It is a photographer’s paradise – one could see the entire Thimpu Valley, a beautiful tall statue.

The Buddha temple was equally beautiful from the inside as from the outside. One cannot miss this spot. I could have spent hours sitting there, this place was that beautiful. But due to short of time had to leave. Then we visited Kings Memorial Chorten/BBS Tower, followed by Simply Bhutan – which showcases Bhutan culture, and Trashichhodzong – a fortress.

There are 18 Dzong/fortresses. One Dzong is in every district, and all the fortresses are identical. The king built them in the belief that they would unite and bring peace to all 18 districts.

All the Dzongs are ancient fortresses but now serve as a civil and monastic administration headquarters for each district. One really feels peaceful while visiting these Dzongs.

Day 3 – Taktsang Monastery

Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger Nest. A very beautiful place. It takes 3-4 hours to see this place if one has good stamina and walking pace as it is located at the cliff side of Upper Paro Valley. After halfway, there are approx. 600 steps to cross. Till halfway, a phony is available to climb, but one has to come back on foot as phonies don’t bring you back. There is a café in the mid-way where one can have snacks/lunch/tea//coffee etc.

From this point, one has to climb or walk on foot. Earlier, we were a little concerned whether we should go to this place or not as we had a one-year-old kid with us, but then we decided to go as this place is a must-visit if one is going to Bhutan.

The view is very beautiful throughout the climb. There is also a waterfall, which one can witness while climbing up. Upon reaching the top, we went inside the temple. There is a small cave, which is actually known as Tiger Nest. Many people avoid going inside the cave as the path is very narrow and steep. But my suggestion is believing in yourself, the only thing one has to do is balance oneself. You will be able to crawl/climb the steps easily. And then there are many other temples to visit around.

Photography is not allowed inside the monastery or temple. Guests must keep all their belongings in the locker provided.

We further proceeded to our hotel in Paro.

Paro

Day 4: Chele La Pass, Dzongdrakha Goempa, Drugyel Dzong, Local Market

Day 4 was all about Sightseeing at Paro. Chele La Pass, where we saw the spectacular view of Mt Jholmolhari. It was really cold up there, had 2 cups of Tea. Later, we went to Dzongdrakha Goempa, known as the mini Taktsang cliff temple, Drukgyel Dzong, the local market, and then for a stone bath.

Bhutan is famous for various trekking expeditions, but I don’t think I missed the same. Taktsang Monastery gave me a trekking experience. It is also a very safe place to travel, even late at night. All tourist spots close by 5. 00 PM in winter and 6:00 PM in summer.

Day 5 – Checkout and back to our home.

These days went so fast and became one of our most cherished trips.

Travel Tip – 1. It is advisable to hire a local guide for smooth travel in the country. The guide can take care of pass/permission arrangements, rules, visit timings of various tourists spots, time taken to travel from one spot to another, etc.  Also, it becomes easier to communicate with locals and to negotiate.

2. One should go in Oct to Early Dec as it is less crowded around this time and one can actually enjoy. Avoid going during the rainy season as one would miss Taktsang Monastery. It becomes very slippery and muddy these days, and climbing is very difficult in this season.