Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon

Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon

There is something magical about Bhutan – The Land of the Thunder Dragon, the simple yet mesmerizing land somehow manages to touch your soul. The salubrious climate, the breathtaking views, and the majestic monasteries may seem to be the apt way to describe the beauty of Bhutan

Thimphu Tower - Thimphu Downtown

As I was wandering for an adventurous journey which is equally filled with fun and thoughtfulness I visited Bhutan to explore Monasteries, fortresses, temples, food and their tradition with that develop a deep understanding of their culture. In combination with a proper 4 days of Adventurous trekking and 3 days of cultural interaction with Local People, Bhutan simply blew me away. What makes Bhutan Unique is that, the Strong Culture that has been carried on from Generation to Generation and people still practice the same tradition in their everyday life.

Paro - International Airport

The Mountain Paradise of Bhutan Known as the Happy Kingdom on Earth has always been a Frontier land and a treasure Box of Alpine Scenery with Pristine Landscapes and Intriguing traditional architecture & perhaps its greatest asset – “The gentle and gracious People of Bhutan”.

Do you also want to have this unforgettable experience? Yes, well, then this is for you.

Flying to Bhutan from India is quite easy. There are two direct airlines, namely, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines that operate flights from Delhi, Gaya, Bagdogra, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport. Indian travelers can be offered special fares in Drukair, if the airline is contacted through email. Since we were travelling from Chennai , we booked our Flight from Chennai to Kolkata and from Kolakata to Paro. Our flight to Paro was at 8 AM IST on Sunday, So we booked the last flight on the previous night to Kolkata waited in the Airport since the International travel requires passenger to Check in 3 Hrs before the Boarding time.  With all the chaos around on Corona Virus effect the Airport Authorities were on high Alert and was flooded with people wearing Mask and looking scary even to go around within the terminal for a coffee. Tension and stress intensified whenever travellers  saw a Chinese or a Malaysian Airline Landing.

Aerial View of Thimphu Valley

Day 1 .

The west of Bhutan is Dominated by a fertile Paro Valley which sits placidly amidst the mighty mount Jhomolhari, the country’s highest peak. Paro is also the place where the Bhutan International Airport is located. Wondering how many international airport in the world are surrounded by undulating lush valley and rolling pastoral landscapes , yes we landed where the adventure began at the world’s most beautiful and most dangerous airport In Paro.

As soon as we landed our Bhutan Friend Mr.Nawang Dorji greeted us in the Traditional Bhutanese way.  We then headed off to Thimphu which is the capital city of Bhutan and on the way we visited Tamchog Lhakhang and adjoining iron Suspension bridge built by saint and engineer Thangtong gyalpo.

Archery Game being Played at Thimphu Archery Stadium

The very first day We had a chance to visit the Archery ground to see how the nation sport is being played . For Bhutanese Archery is not just a game , during the Game they Eat , they Drink , they Dance and at the same time it is a symbol for every man in Bhutan that once you play archery you have achieved your symbol of your manhood.

Traditional Brass and Wooden Handicrafts made in Bhutan

Way to Local Market

We then visited the Centenary Fruits & Vegetable Market which is located right opposite to the Weekend market , this is the place where the farmers sell their agricultural surplus.

Scene at the Local Market

The weekend market which is an Assault on the Sense , meander amongst the fluttering prayer flags ,traditional Dragon paintings and wooden handicrafts ,..Red hot chilies , dried grapes , dried cheese and what more than a freshly harvested fruits and vegetables on a breezy market preserved by Nature mother.

Sun Set view from Thimphu City

Artist making Brass Sculptures / handicrafts at Thimphu Market

It was 5 PM and the temperature was already dropping below 6 degrees ,the Windy and cold temperature reminded of the dusk which is all about to set off its curtains announcing the closure of another happy day on the valley. Foodies can acquire bottles of Wild Honey from the South of the country.

Dusk

A typical Bhutanese Restaurant 

Slowly as the sun sets off from the valley that evening we headed in search of the very own Café of Bhutan to try out the local Tea called “Suja’, Black / Milk tea with Butter and Salt…

No now don’t give that weird look..It was delicious. The people of Bhutan do not consume Coffee or sugar tea, unlike western countries, No Sugar , No Calorie ..But good Health ..

A Big ..Yes!!!!

Moon Rise view- Thimphu 

To be Continued ...