It was November evening and me & sister (Snehal) were thinking how boring life has become …We then decided to utilize our Christmas holidays with an international travel destination.
We searched from various blogs,websites and finally zeroed down our search to ‘Bhutan-The happiest place on earth’
Why Bhutan?
• Bhutan is a neighbouring friendly country to India and no visa is required for Indians .Only travel permit at the border gate is required
• The currency rate of Bhutan and India is almost same
• Abundance of nature and diverse flora and fauna
• Can be covered in 7 days [Major tourist attractions]
Travel itinerary
We took a flight from Mumbai to Siliguri and reached there and stayed for a night .We shopped for winter clothes as it was December. Siliguri has good local markets [Hong kong market,Bidhan market ]and it can be covered with tuktuk’s just make sure you cover yourself well as there is hell lot of air pollution in Siliguri. Next day we went to Darjeeling and saw wonderful sights with a local taxi . Glenary’s café is a must stop for all the sweet lovers. We came to siliguri next day and catched a bus to Phuentsholing from Hawra market in siliguri.
Phuentsholing-
Upon arrival at the border we saw so many architectural differences on both sides one being Bengal’s bright side and other being Bhutan’s colourful side. There is a government office which issues travel permit to tourist .We went there and issued one with the help of a local agent who helped us jot down a travel plan.You may see all kinds of tourist making hustle there but to our surprise we met few Mumbaikar’s at the office who were like us on a trip to kingdom of happiness.So we shook hands and hopped on the same taxi for 7 days for Bhutan.
In our Ertiga we were 6 people all hailing from different backgrounds So it was wonderful ride with stories of introduction. The journey was beautiful on one side Hills and on other deep valleys and on the roads so much so fog that only our driver could make out the way to Thimpu.
We reached Thimpu at night and stayed there at wonderful hotel [Himalayan Kisa Hotel] .Next day we saw Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point, Motithang Takin Preserve, Tashichho Dzong ,Dochula pass and ofcourse the local markets with cafes and restaurants. We spent 2 days in Thimpu enjoying all this and much more.
Punakha-
Next day we reached to punakha and saw Punakha Dzong,Suspension bridge,Chimi L’hakhang Temple .This beautiful city is at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers and stayed in Hotel just next to the flowing river.
Paro
We headed to the west known as the valley of town ‘PARO’. Known for Tiger’s Monastery dated back 1692 and built on cliff .This 6 hour trek to and fro is a must do for all the tourist .Visiting ancient architecture and temples where Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have traveled to meditate in it.
Paro international airport ,National Museum of Bhutan many Dzong’s are worth a visit while you are in Paro.The Local market in Paro is colourful and take home for souvenirs. You can buy Kira [traditional dress] ,phallus [fertility symbol],Bhutanese handicrafts, jewellery etc.
Journey back home
After eventful 7 days in Bhutan we headed back to Border and from there to Siliguri where we flew with Indigo to Mumbai airport .The memories we made and friends on the trip are worth a diamond !!! Bhutan is a very safe place to visit with refreshing air that will make your health and mood great for coming days..
What we planned a trip for two sisters turned out to be a group event by the end of the tour. Nonetheless we met a successful banker-Arpita ghosh,Professional photographer-Tushar chavan,Intelligent youngster-Atharva palande ,Headstrong Girish potdar.. and my well-travelled sister Snehal Pasarkar we all made heaven of a group to travel with …
Miscellaneous
• Our total expense per person for the trip was 34,000 rupees including[flights,3 star hotels,land travel,food etc]
• Note that most of the ATM’s will not work in Bhutan
• Even though one can travel with public transport in Bhutan but having a taxi at your doorstep will save a lot of time for important things
• Entry fees to Dzong and museums is costly but worth visiting
• Prescription is needed for any medicines
I hope you all have enjoyed reading this travel blog .Do let us know for any queries.
-Gauri Pasarkar [gaurip91@gmail.com]
Snehal Pasarkar,Girish Potdar,Arpita Ghosh,Tushar Chavan and Atharva Palande