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Bhutan Travel Blogs

In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. To be updated

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By mrandmrssimmonds
June 7th 2007

Day 340 - Staying with royalty (nearly) Asia » Bhutan » Thimphu

The Farmhouse

Today we headed further towards central Bhutan, which first involves a climb up to the Dochu La pass at 3140m. Although we were on the national highway it’s not particularly wide and at one stage we clashed wing mirrors with an oncoming car containing what turned out to be a very angry man in the passenger seat. At the pass itself you can see a wonderful panoramic view of the Himalayas, or at least that’s what you see on a clear day; all we saw was cloud. So we contented ourselves with the 108 stupas that the eldest of the [View Full Entry]

By mrandmrssimmonds
June 6th 2007

Day 339 - The animal that befuddles taxonomists Asia » Bhutan » Thimphu

The Takin

The animal the Takin - heard of it? Didn’t think so! This is an animal that is said to have been made by a “Divine Madman” who after devouring a cow and goat used the bones of the said animals to create a new animal that came alive after he uttered a few words and it started to eat in the meadow. This is how the Bhutanese believe the Takin was created and so it is Bhutan’s national animal. And in the flesh it is just as weird but strangely mesmerizing, as it has such a gentle inquisitive personality, as [View Full Entry]

By mrandmrssimmonds
June 5th 2007

Day 338 - Tiger's Nest Asia » Bhutan » Paro

Taktshang Goemba

Waking up with the sun we soon found ourselves walking among the evergreen trees and rivers towards the Tstong Monastery or Tiger's Nest, a Monastery that was built in the 17th century on a rock cliff 900m high. As we made our way up the steep path there were many times when we could have been in England due to the surroundings and weather. The hour or so hike up to the monastery is well worth it for the many different views you get of the buildings as well as the exercise. From the top we got to look around [View Full Entry]

By Ilsie
May 4th 2007

Staying in Bhutan - The good, the bad and the ugly Asia » Bhutan

Thimpu was the best... every lane has more than a few hotels ... where do the locals live? I couldnt see any houses at all. But the hotels were great.. Hotel Pedling especially. We set out one morning early to find breakfast at 8:30 am - we searched most market lanes... the few "local" shops/bars/restuarants which were open had food from the previous night. Roads were deserted but clean... we finally found a place called Tasty Bites which gave us great Aloo Parathas which are nothing like the Parathas I have eaten before. (Thats us searching for a nice local breakfast [View Full Entry]

By Ilsie
May 1st 2007

Bhutan - Life in the City Asia » Bhutan

Thimpu - the new with the old

Bhutan is really an amazing place - traditional, almost like time has stood still. Thimpu is the city, Paro the town, and others are really tiny... Punakha - dont know if it can be called a town - its so small! Everyone wears the traditional dress. Though I did meet a teacher in Pheuntsholing - who was from Nepal and she said they have to wear the dress though they would prefer not to. But the police may check and hence they need to. Young boys play the guitar, sing, watch movies and TV.. but its all very protected from [View Full Entry]

By Ilsie
May 1st 2007

Bhutan - Gods and Spirits - The Philosophy Asia » Bhutan

Dieties

Dzongs is what you see - so many till you tire of them. Beautiful, inspiring. Locals love them, so do tourists. One way or the other - the idea is to get the prayers to God - be it through prayers, offerings, flags, wheels. Cats and kittens are welcome to live in the monasteries along with the monks - dogs are no-no. The Tigers Nest in Paro is a long walk - 2.5 hrs if you can walk at a decent pace - all uphill - and I was surprised to see many locals - modern college kids as well [View Full Entry]

Dochu La Pass - On Way from Thimpu to Punakha

By Ilsie
May 1st 2007

Indian Traveller in Bhutan Asia » Bhutan » Thimphu

Thimpu - the best hotels are here

Thimpu was the best... every lane has more than a few hotels... where do the locals live? I couldnt see any houses at all. But the hotels were great.. Hotel Pedling especially. We set out one morning early to find breakfast at 8:30 am - we searched most market lanes... the few "local" shops/bars/restuarants which were open had food from the previous night. Roads were deserted but clean... we finally found a place called Tasty Bites which gave us great Aloo Parathas which are nothing like the Parathas I have eaten before. (Thats us searching for a nice local breakfast [View Full Entry]

Drive back to Pheuntsholing - Misty Mountains

By Ekim
April 6th 2007

Druk Yul Asia » Bhutan

Dance

Bhutan. Druk Yul in the local language, Dzongkha. Translated, that is the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon. At one time this hidden country, high in the Himalayas, was considered the Shangri-La, the land beyond the blue horizon of so many fables and myths. Now, this isolated Kingdom is being confronted with incredible choices as they and the 21st Century meet. It is a Kingdom. There is a King. He and his predecessors have been in power for about 100 years. The Kings have been truly benevolent and caring rulers, looking out for what is best for their subjects. Like refusing [View Full Entry]

By jillybeansan
December 3rd 2006

Ready, Set, Gho to Bhutan! Asia » Bhutan » Paro

Mt. Everest Above the Clouds!

Okay, that title may not make sense now, but I promise it will soon! The highlight of our India/Bhutan tour was -- Bhutan! We wish we had planned to spend more time there and we've promised ourselves to get back there some day. We flew to Bhutan on Thanksgiving Day. Our flight was on DrukAir -- the Royal Airline of Bhutan -- and the ONLY airline allowed to fly in and out of the small Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan where about 700,000 people live. Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas and on our flight we were blessed [View Full Entry]

By grantcorp
October 9th 2006

Ai, chhö bjachichi du! Asia » Bhutan » Trashiyangtse

Chillies out to dry, Trashigang dzong

Waking up in the annex I fall prey to the usual tug of war; and as usual the warm bed always seems to lose in favour of a cold water shower, I don't know quite how that works. Dorji comes by to pick me up to drive me over to the hotel for breakfast, the token toasts with jam and some tea. It is a lovely morning, sunshine and quite warm already. I have some time to walk around town while we wait for the dzong to open up. Some of the shops located at the main square have already opened [View Full Entry]

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