The land of serenity

Bhutan, a tiny nation in the North East of India, proves that Size doesn’t matter, Attitude does!! 

A land of approximately 7.5L people, lesser in dimension than our state of Maharashtra. But far ahead in its way of life than us. I had heard about the Happiness Index of this country being very high, but one needs to experience Bhutan to justify this tag.

Medical services are free to all the citizens

Education is free till 12th and post that there is scholarship based on the grades achieved. 

No child labour even in the smallest of villages, all children attend school. 

Gender equality is not just a talk but seen everywhere.

Basically, the daily hassles of life which we face here are taken care of by the Royal Government. Equality, freedom of choice is a way of life. The air they breathe is pure, the water they consume is ample (rather surplus), they are surrounded by nature in abundance and strive to conserve it, the life they live is simple; so why should not they be happy!!

Biggest Buddha@Thimpu

Thimpu City

Weather
Bhutan’s summer is equivalent to Indian winter (at least Pune), but the sun can tan so do wear ample sunblock and always keep a light jacket handy as it can get windy often.

For adventure lovers - biking tours, birding tours, national park tours, trekking trips are highly recommended. But a permit is needed at most places so it’s better to book through a local agent or travel company for such tours. Travellers travelling on own, caution note – Offices giving permits are closed on weekends so plan your travel accordingly. If you travel by road from Phuentsholing then a 6- day permit is given for Bhutan (for more stay, you need to apply for extension) but if you fly-in then it is as per your hotel bookings.

Shorts and Half sleeves (both genders – equality here too) are not allowed in the Dzong (fortress – which houses administrative offices as well as living quarters of the monk) or Monastery complex so please dress up accordingly while visiting these places.

Thimou Dzong

Food
Indian food is readily available at all tourist places, but I would recommend trying local dishes like Emadatshi (spicy cheese dish made with chillies) or its other flavours like Mushroom, Potato or Thupka, Red rice and chilli chicken. Most Indian snack items are available in general stores so save the trouble of carrying from home. In Bhutan one can easily pick up a local Whisky brand, Bhutanse Beer or Breezer from a General store ( no license needed to store).

Language

Hindi movies and serials are all time favourites, most people speak Dzongkha (Bhutanese), English, Hindi fluently.

Indian tourist forms 70% of the tourism industry in Bhutan and thanks to Modi government we don’t need to pay for a visa or entry while other countries do. Tourist visit Paro and Thimpu majorly. We also stayed at Punakha (winter residence of the High Monk of Bhutan and the Royal King’s maternal place). Punakha has a Dzong located at the convergence of Mochu (Mother river) and Phochu (Father river) which reminded me of Dev Prayag (Alaknanda and Bhagirathi sangam). 

Punakha Dzong

Suspension Bridge

One can visit the suspension bridge across the river Phochu. Rafting is done in the Mochu (as per our driver this is the only rafting spot in Bhutan). Punakha can be a one-day tour from Thimpu or one can stay and enjoy the tiny town which looks like a Lego city (see pic). We stayed at Khuru Resorts, a nice place with a good view of the town and the river. 

We had planned to visit the Jigme Dorji Natiional Park which is close from Punakha but due to heavy rains the park was closed for tourists. We went to Phobji Kha instead, this is a Reserve National Conserve for migratory bird – Black necked cranes which fly in from Tibet during winters. A serene and beautiful valley, homestays are available here for bird lovers or otherwise too. The road to Phobji Kha is very scenic and further goes to Bumthang which is even more beautiful (known as Bhutan’s Switzerland)

Phobji Kha

On the way from Thimpu to Punkha one must pass through a high pass known as Dochula Pass where we saw 108 stupas built on a hill. A Botanical garden on way is also recommended.

Dochula Pass

Thimpu being the capital and the Kings’ residence is more developed city than others. The King does not stay in a palace as one would expect but in a moderate house near the Dzong where his administrative offices are located. The citizens of Bhutan revere their Kings and one can see the royal photos at all establishments. Thimpu located in a narrow valley is surrounded by mountains, we stayed at city centre and enjoyed the city life which was vibrant on the weekend. Leisurely walks on the streets and the cold winds were memorable (Thijha Café recommended for yummy pizzas)

Paro City

Paro is a beautiful city located in a broad valley and the houses here are inter spaced with patches of paddy farms. National museum here is must see. It also has a Dzong, this could be a place to buy your trip souvenirs or dress up in the local dress- Gho for men and Kira for women; and click some memorable photos. 

Gho &  Kira, the National Dress

The trip to Paro isn’t complete unless one visits the famous Tatsang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It’s a 10 km trek (to and fro) to this Monastery located in a rocky mountain but it’s worth all the sweat. Guru Padmasambhava landed here riding his wife who had taken the form of a tigress and so the name Tat meaning tiger and Sang meaning landing place or nest. The Guru meditated here for 4 months to ward off the evil. No food joints near the monastery so carry some fruits or chocolate bars along. A cafeteria mid-way for refreshment and food (a bit expensive though). 

Tiger's Nest Monastery

Kichu monastery is another one in Paro which is also must visit for the beautiful Rose garden around it. 

We travelled to Chelela Pass located at 13000 ft (highest Pass of Bhutan) from Paro by a 30 km winding road. Across the Pass is the Haa Valley where our Indian Army has a base. On clear days, one can see the highest peak of Jhomolhari (7320 m) from Chelela Pass but we could not see it due to cloudy weather. We enjoyed the cold winds and garam garam Maggi and Momos instead with a walk to the top of the Pass.

Wind & Cold@Chelela Pass

Paro has the only international airport in Bhutan so if you decide to fly it has to be to Paro. Druk Air flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata but the flights are infrequent and costly.

If you are looking for a lot of tourist attractions, then Bhutan is not the place. Bhutan,I felt must be experienced through its mountains, greenery, people, weather, simplicity, monasteries and its silences.