There is something magical about Bhutan, the simple yet mesmerizing land somehow manages to touch your soul, balm it with peace, and even mend the broken heart. The salubrious climate, the breathtaking views, and the majestic monasteries, may seem a cliched way to describe the beauty of Bhutan, but each word used for this gorgeous country is in its purest form. Visiting and exploring Land of Dragon was indeed a wonderful experience, something I will never forget!!
So, I narrate from the extreme beginning,which started from Kolkata(Howrah station) . One of the cheapest ways to reach Bhutan from India is by rail :') .We left for New Jalpaiguri by Darjeeling mail and from there boarded New Jalpaiguri Alipur Duar Intercity Express for Hasimara.
The Immigration Office in Phuentsholing(the other side of Bhutan Gate ) issues permit . There are few documents that need to be verified before the tourist permit is handed out.We went there early in the morning, around 8 :00– 8:30 AM,to dodge long queue and get free early since we had to reach Thimphu that day .
List of Documents: 1)) Original & Copy of Voter’s ID or Passport 2))A duly filled form collected from that office itself 3))Booked Hotel’s Voucher (It is mandatory to show hotel booking confirmation of at least one hotel in Bhutan) 4))Passport Size Photo... (caution:do check the permits once you receive from the centre as a small error in it can cause trouble in your way in the checkpoints!!)
THIMPHU: We went for sightseeing in Thimphu.First we vsited the huge 51m-tall steel statue of Buddha Dordenma commanding the entry to the Thimphu valley. The massive three-storey base houses a large chapel, while the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha. The Buddha looks best in morning light, or at night when it is illuminated.Next we headed to the Zoo which of much interest . There were some interesting recreation points on our way through Thimphu.Thimphu marketplace was very lively!!
Another interesting thing we noticed in Thimphu was that there was no traffic light by the streets .Bhutan is the only country in the world that doesn't have a single traffic light in its capital city. Instead, policemen in Thimphu stand at major intersections and direct traffic.I was really impressed by the drivers who were quite cautious of the pedestrians.
Next day we headed to Punakha .We had Dochula pass on our way.It has 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk
Reaching Punakha we went to Punakha Dzong. Entry fee for Indian tourist is ₹300 for most of the Dzongs(monasteries) in Bhutan.
Next day we headed for Paro. We went to Chelela Pass and the Paro Museum.Paro is the site of the country’s only international airport.
Next day we were to trek up to the Tiger's Nest.The Taktsang Palphug (Tiger’s Nest) monastery clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.
1. Tourists can enter the monastery as per these timings as long as your guide has arranged the standard permit in advance: 8 AM to 1 PM and 2-5 PM daily, October – March.Until 6 PM,April – September.
2. You have to register with the security at the entrance and deposit your bags and cameras.
Next day we began to return.....
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