[16/12, 6:51 PM] Shradha Deshpande: Bhutan diary 1
In the month of October when we started planning for some nearby travel, first name come in my thoughts was Bhutan.Accordingly I did booking with Thomas Cook for 7 days Bhutan escape.We started our journey from Mum to Bagdogra.On reaching Bagdogra, thomas Cook representative picked us and by crossing India Bhutan boundary which is a single wall between jaigaon west bengal and Phuentsholing,we reached Bhutan.By doing check-in at hotel Bhutan ga me ga (happy happy) at Phuentsholing,we started our mesmerizing Bhutan stay.the first thing which strike both of us is warmth of Bhutan people.extremelly loving, very affectionate, gentle talking, well mannered behaviour won our hearts. Hotel where we stayed was very beautifully designed, and clean.spacious rooms, tasty Indian food, the added advantage. In the evening with our Bhutanese guide Yeshi Shivanshu,we visited Guru padmasambhava temple.Main religion in Bhutan is Buddhism.They believe Guru padmasambhava is incarnation of buddha.In all temples we have to rotate lot of wheels which are believed to be sacred. Spent some time roaming in local market.Beautiful huge gate is in between Phuentsholing and jaigaon.We can freely walk between India and bhutan.People of both the towns are
bonded.coming back to people of Bhutan,they have extreme love for their country as well as their Bhutan Naresh and his family, who is fifth king.Everywhere we are seeing his big portraits and his son, future king.They want to keep the pride of their country high.Today mrng when we visited immigration office for entry permit, what we observe they follow entry rules for indians also very strictly.though we don't require visa.We were unaware of online permit process, permit process took more than 2hours at immigration office.in Bhutan local guide and local driver is must.yeshi who is our local guide has the age of my elder son.As tourism is their main profession,they are very much loyal to it.Though we did group booking,may be on our dates, Thomas Cook may not get other tourist,so we get personalized tour.well planned,no last minute changes from tour operator.enroute Thimphu, which is a 5hrs journey from tPhuentsholing, it's pleasant scene.thimpu is hilly region.At present temp around throughout our travel to Thimphu our guide give us lot of information regarding social, cultural aspects of their nation.I am simply admiring their honesty, loyalty, sweetness and happiness towards life.All are smiling people.No wonder their happiness index is high though they are not much rich.experiencing beautiful scenic beauty,we reached Thimphu and checked in Hotel Geylsa Boutique, again one beautiful stay.
[18/12, 9:39 PM] Shradha Deshpande: BHUTAN DIARY 2
On reaching Thimphu, checked in at Hotel Gyelsa boutique, initially thought difficult to sustain in 3-4°temp. But with room heaters it's all warm. In Bhutan entire hospitality industry woman dominated. From porting the luggage, reception, house keeping, restaurant all managed by women. As Gyelsa boutique is at the center of the capital thimpu, after taking dinner we took a walk in nearby market. All hotels in Bhutan provide excellent Indian food. Masala bhendi, paneer subjis, Dal fry, salads,hot rotis, rice, sweet, everything in food. As far as local dishes are concerned, rice is their main food. With rice, various types of curries. Not much spices. Fried rice, veg or non veg is the most commonly eat dish. Next day morning we visited national memorial which was built by third king's mother in the memory of her son. It is based on the concept of mind of Buddha. Having three floors, and lot of stoopas, get astonished with the architecture. As Bhutan govt promoting tourism as the main revenue generation profession, everywhere we have to pay entrance fee not less than 300rs per person. As only one religion is prominent in Bhutan or Druks, (another name for Bhutan) entire nation revolves around Buddhism, learnings of Buddha, as well Guru Padmasambhava, it's practices, good deeds. After visiting national chortie, we visited grand Buddha statue at the outskirt of Thimpu. Huge statue of 132 feet studded with diamond at forehead, it's quite impressing. Statue surrounded by 36goddess deities which are extremely artistic. Then visited Takin reserve park.Takin is their national animal which is on the verge of extinction. Bhutan govt. trying to save this endangered species . Takin belongs to Antelop- goat family which is harbivorous.At the end of the day visit to Simply Bhutan museum which takes us to real culture of Bhutan. They welcomed us with rice wine. We got the glimpse of Bhutan mud houses, archery,divine mad man and his temple of fertility,folk songs,folk dances, and lots of cultural traditions. As 17th December is Bhutan's national day,it was a big day for all Bhutan residents but in stead of it, entire hospitality industry was working.it was a memorable day
[19/12, 5:33 PM] Shradha Deshpande: BHUTAN DIARY 3
After spending night at Thimphu at -1°C, we started our forward journey to Punakha, one more scenic beauty. Good thing about Bhutan is delicious indian food at all hotels. May it be breakfast or dinner, you get fantastic taste. If you want to taste local cuisine, can try at lunch. Enroute Punakha, we visited Dochula pass which has snowfall during the winters. From there we can see Himalayan mountain ranges very clearly. After doing lot of photo ops and playing with chubby dogs we started heading towards Punakha. Chubby and nonbarking dogs are the speciality of Bhutan.They are very much tourist friendly. While visiting Punakha, we have to take permit again. Enroute Punakha we visited temple of fertility, which has a very different story. For reaching this temple,we have to walk around 2kms through paddy fields and small glacier water streams. We experienced rural bhutan. On our way, we have seen few artists doing paintings related with Buddha by using all natural colors. For reaching this temple which was built by divine mad man we have to do slight climb up. In entire Bhutan we observed one funny thing. Bhutanese believed male sex organ as the sign of good fortune and it's replicas in various sizes kept everywhere. This divine mad man is their God and its belief that if someone has no child and if they take blessings in this temple, their worries get over. Following religious practices is the driving force for these people. All temples are decorated colorfully with bright red, yellow and green wall hangings. On the route to this temple, we saw many small wheels rotating on hydrolic force of glacier water streams. Bhutan has plenty hydro power projects so power is quite cheap and nation is free from power cut. Later we visited main fort situated in Punakha. It was built by Dharmaraja who is the god for bhutanese. He unified different tribal regions to form one Bhutan, brought laws and marked the boundaries. Very huge fort which was plenty of rooms, hidden routes and very big and beautiful Buddha temple. All royal weddings take place in this temple only. This fort is on the banks of river, where two rivers meet. The Phocho means 'he' river and the Mocho means 'she' river. Green water with clear base and white sand, perfectly spherical rocks is the delight for eyes. We met many indian architecture students, all of them on study tour. Strikingly different architecture with wooden windows which has lotus shape, small doors, painting of Buddha stories all over can be seen in Bhutan. As they believe second Buddha Guru Padma Sambhava took birth through lotus, lotus shape is prominently seen. After taking divine experience at the temple, back to Hotel Pema Karpo situated at riverside in Punakha.
To be continued
[22/12, 10:07 AM] Shradha Deshpande: *BHUTAN DIARY 4*
Hotel Pema Karpo at Punakha is situated at riverside.you have river view from your hotel's windows.very calm and serene place it is.After taking rest at hotel Pema, next morning,we started for one more beautiful place Paro.from Punakha to Paro,first we visited Simtokha -Dzong port which was built by Dharmaraja.Earlier it was a place for tantrik teaching now converted to school for Dzongkga language.Dzongkha is their national language.All ports have same architecture style. This port is on hills with plenty of rooms and big Bouddha temple.some religious practices were going when we visited.we met group of architecture students from Surat .They were on study tour to study dimensions of this particular port.were doing their work very sincerely.was happy seeing their dedication.after travelling 3hrs,we reached Paro Ta-Dzong national museum.Earlier it was a watch tower which is now converted to museum.It has 4-5 blocks showcasing culture,flora fauna, natural habitat of Bhutan.As compare to Indian museums, it's quite small.in first room, various folk dances masks were kept.second room showing photographs of dynasty of bhutan.third room has all preserved animals,birds and big portraits of their informations.fourth room has flora of Bhutan.After taking lots of selfies and scenic beauty pics,we headed for lunch at paros market market of Paro is irrestible.beautiful wooden shops with colourful paintings is good to watch.Bhutan has lot to shop.The gems Corel and Turquoise mines are in bhutan.so variety of jewellery we can after doing little shopping,one more stay at hotel drunchen, hilly hotel at Paro which is extremely beautiful.and getting excited for tiger's nest trek which was planned next day.
To be continued
In the month of October when we started planning for some nearby travel, first name come in my thoughts was Bhutan.Accordingly I did booking with Thomas Cook for 7 days Bhutan escape.We started our journey from Mum to Bagdogra.On reaching Bagdogra, thomas Cook representative picked us and by crossing India Bhutan boundary which is a single wall between jaigaon west bengal and Phuentsholing,we reached Bhutan.By doing check-in at hotel Bhutan ga me ga (happy happy) at Phuentsholing,we started our mesmerizing Bhutan stay.the first thing which strike both of us is warmth of Bhutan people.extremelly loving, very affectionate, gentle talking, well mannered behaviour won our hearts. Hotel where we stayed was very beautifully designed, and clean.spacious rooms, tasty Indian food, the added advantage. In the evening with our Bhutanese guide Yeshi Shivanshu,we visited Guru padmasambhava temple.Main religion in Bhutan is Buddhism.They believe Guru padmasambhava is incarnation of buddha.In all temples we have to rotate lot of wheels which are believed to be sacred. Spent some time roaming in local market.Beautiful huge gate is in between Phuentsholing and jaigaon.We can freely walk between India and bhutan.People of both the towns are
bonded.coming back to people of Bhutan,they have extreme love for their country as well as their Bhutan Naresh and his family, who is fifth king.Everywhere we are seeing his big portraits and his son, future king.They want to keep the pride of their country high.Today mrng when we visited immigration office for entry permit, what we observe they follow entry rules for indians also very strictly.though we don't require visa.We were unaware of online permit process, permit process took more than 2hours at immigration office.in Bhutan local guide and local driver is must.yeshi who is our local guide has the age of my elder son.As tourism is their main profession,they are very much loyal to it.Though we did group booking,may be on our dates, Thomas Cook may not get other tourist,so we get personalized tour.well planned,no last minute changes from tour operator.enroute Thimphu, which is a 5hrs journey from tPhuentsholing, it's pleasant scene.thimpu is hilly region.At present temp around throughout our travel to Thimphu our guide give us lot of information regarding social, cultural aspects of their nation.I am simply admiring their honesty, loyalty, sweetness and happiness towards life.All are smiling people.No wonder their happiness index is high though they are not much rich.experiencing beautiful scenic beauty,we reached Thimphu and checked in Hotel Geylsa Boutique, again one beautiful stay.
[18/12, 9:39 PM] Shradha Deshpande: BHUTAN DIARY 2
On reaching Thimphu, checked in at Hotel Gyelsa boutique, initially thought difficult to sustain in 3-4°temp. But with room heaters it's all warm. In Bhutan entire hospitality industry woman dominated. From porting the luggage, reception, house keeping, restaurant all managed by women. As Gyelsa boutique is at the center of the capital thimpu, after taking dinner we took a walk in nearby market. All hotels in Bhutan provide excellent Indian food. Masala bhendi, paneer subjis, Dal fry, salads,hot rotis, rice, sweet, everything in food. As far as local dishes are concerned, rice is their main food. With rice, various types of curries. Not much spices. Fried rice, veg or non veg is the most commonly eat dish. Next day morning we visited national memorial which was built by third king's mother in the memory of her son. It is based on the concept of mind of Buddha. Having three floors, and lot of stoopas, get astonished with the architecture. As Bhutan govt promoting tourism as the main revenue generation profession, everywhere we have to pay entrance fee not less than 300rs per person. As only one religion is prominent in Bhutan or Druks, (another name for Bhutan) entire nation revolves around Buddhism, learnings of Buddha, as well Guru Padmasambhava, it's practices, good deeds. After visiting national chortie, we visited grand Buddha statue at the outskirt of Thimpu. Huge statue of 132 feet studded with diamond at forehead, it's quite impressing. Statue surrounded by 36goddess deities which are extremely artistic. Then visited Takin reserve park.Takin is their national animal which is on the verge of extinction. Bhutan govt. trying to save this endangered species . Takin belongs to Antelop- goat family which is harbivorous.At the end of the day visit to Simply Bhutan museum which takes us to real culture of Bhutan. They welcomed us with rice wine. We got the glimpse of Bhutan mud houses, archery,divine mad man and his temple of fertility,folk songs,folk dances, and lots of cultural traditions. As 17th December is Bhutan's national day,it was a big day for all Bhutan residents but in stead of it, entire hospitality industry was working.it was a memorable day
[19/12, 5:33 PM] Shradha Deshpande: BHUTAN DIARY 3
After spending night at Thimphu at -1°C, we started our forward journey to Punakha, one more scenic beauty. Good thing about Bhutan is delicious indian food at all hotels. May it be breakfast or dinner, you get fantastic taste. If you want to taste local cuisine, can try at lunch. Enroute Punakha, we visited Dochula pass which has snowfall during the winters. From there we can see Himalayan mountain ranges very clearly. After doing lot of photo ops and playing with chubby dogs we started heading towards Punakha. Chubby and nonbarking dogs are the speciality of Bhutan.They are very much tourist friendly. While visiting Punakha, we have to take permit again. Enroute Punakha we visited temple of fertility, which has a very different story. For reaching this temple,we have to walk around 2kms through paddy fields and small glacier water streams. We experienced rural bhutan. On our way, we have seen few artists doing paintings related with Buddha by using all natural colors. For reaching this temple which was built by divine mad man we have to do slight climb up. In entire Bhutan we observed one funny thing. Bhutanese believed male sex organ as the sign of good fortune and it's replicas in various sizes kept everywhere. This divine mad man is their God and its belief that if someone has no child and if they take blessings in this temple, their worries get over. Following religious practices is the driving force for these people. All temples are decorated colorfully with bright red, yellow and green wall hangings. On the route to this temple, we saw many small wheels rotating on hydrolic force of glacier water streams. Bhutan has plenty hydro power projects so power is quite cheap and nation is free from power cut. Later we visited main fort situated in Punakha. It was built by Dharmaraja who is the god for bhutanese. He unified different tribal regions to form one Bhutan, brought laws and marked the boundaries. Very huge fort which was plenty of rooms, hidden routes and very big and beautiful Buddha temple. All royal weddings take place in this temple only. This fort is on the banks of river, where two rivers meet. The Phocho means 'he' river and the Mocho means 'she' river. Green water with clear base and white sand, perfectly spherical rocks is the delight for eyes. We met many indian architecture students, all of them on study tour. Strikingly different architecture with wooden windows which has lotus shape, small doors, painting of Buddha stories all over can be seen in Bhutan. As they believe second Buddha Guru Padma Sambhava took birth through lotus, lotus shape is prominently seen. After taking divine experience at the temple, back to Hotel Pema Karpo situated at riverside in Punakha.
To be continued
[22/12, 10:07 AM] Shradha Deshpande: *BHUTAN DIARY 4*
Hotel Pema Karpo at Punakha is situated at riverside.you have river view from your hotel's windows.very calm and serene place it is.After taking rest at hotel Pema, next morning,we started for one more beautiful place Paro.from Punakha to Paro,first we visited Simtokha -Dzong port which was built by Dharmaraja.Earlier it was a place for tantrik teaching now converted to school for Dzongkga language.Dzongkha is their national language.All ports have same architecture style. This port is on hills with plenty of rooms and big Bouddha temple.some religious practices were going when we visited.we met group of architecture students from Surat .They were on study tour to study dimensions of this particular port.were doing their work very sincerely.was happy seeing their dedication.after travelling 3hrs,we reached Paro Ta-Dzong national museum.Earlier it was a watch tower which is now converted to museum.It has 4-5 blocks showcasing culture,flora fauna, natural habitat of Bhutan.As compare to Indian museums, it's quite small.in first room, various folk dances masks were kept.second room showing photographs of dynasty of bhutan.third room has all preserved animals,birds and big portraits of their informations.fourth room has flora of Bhutan.After taking lots of selfies and scenic beauty pics,we headed for lunch at paros market market of Paro is irrestible.beautiful wooden shops with colourful paintings is good to watch.Bhutan has lot to shop.The gems Corel and Turquoise mines are in bhutan.so variety of jewellery we can after doing little shopping,one more stay at hotel drunchen, hilly hotel at Paro which is extremely beautiful.and getting excited for tiger's nest trek which was planned next day.
To be continued
