Blogs from Thimphu, Bhutan, Asia - page 4

ON THE WAY TO THIMPHU: On the way from Paro to Thimphu we visited a small private monastery across the river, TAMCHHOG LHAKHANG. The suspended iron chain narrow bridge, from where colorful prayer flags were hung, was both picturesque and frightening to cross. It was built by a Tibetan saint, composer and engineer who built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan. A 100-year old tamarind tree and vertical white prayer flags completed the enchanting landscape. But what made the visit at this monastery quite special was to find a group of village Bhutanese seating on the yard outside the chapel and kids playfully around the yard, some playing soccer. THIMPHU, the capital of Bhutan: Nothing really special about the capital that doesn't have a single traffic light. The 4th king is responsible for many changes which ... read more

I would have thought I stepped into my own imagination. My own dream. This trip to Bhutan is so markedly off the usual, beaten paths. Not being melodramatic, but Bhutan is truly one fairyland. Men and women in local costumes, dogs blending in with the locals like they are members of the small Bhutanese populace (they are still under 1 Million as of this writing), mountain views and bubbling streams, a culture so unique, a very strong national identity. Dzongs as Fortresses and Monasteries White monoliths dominate the landscape. Like castles. Some on dry, dead mountains. Others at the junction of flowing rivers. We have been to three dzongs, but managed to explore only 2. We regret having missed exploring the interiors of the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) as we were dead tired after that climb ... read more

108 chortens/stupas ? Dochula pass Dochula pass (10,900 feet/3300 meter), is 16km far from Thimpu and some 30 minutes drive. You will admire the sterling view of snow-capped Himalayas and the hundreds of "broadcasting" prayer flags. Sometimes truck traffic can be a bit irritating .During winter road to Dochula pass is covered with mild snow. You will find mild snow fall in the entire Thimphu Vallley. Prime attraction to visit Dochula pass is 108 chortens/stupas. 108 chortens/stupas ? Dochula pass The sharp peak that stands at the Dochula pass is masagang (7200 m) dominating the region,other mighty peaks on in this region are Tsendagang (6960 m), Terigang (7060 m),Jejegangphugang (7158m) and Kangphugang (7170m). Read more : url=http://thinkingparticle.com/articles... read more

The plan today was to just wander around Thimpu and get necessary permits to visit Punakha, Thangu-Cherry and Takstang. Thangu-Cherry are hill monasteries accessible by half an hour treks from the Dodeyna village about 20 kms from Thimpu. The special permit to Punakha can be easily obtained at the immigration bureau, Thimpu (submit in the morning and collect it in evening). However a trek to Thangu/Cherry and Takstang requires some trekking at Thimpu itself for the permits. One has to trek up to department of culture with the photocopies of your Bhutan travel permit. You have to fill up an application form in Dzongkha, the official Bhutanese language ! Request the officer to fill it up for you and mostly he will oblige. Then walk all the way back to the market to take a photocopy ... read more

Photos : Here Duration : 9 days Cost : Rs. 4200/- per head for a group of 3 from Siliguri, India Itinerary * Day 1: Siliguri to Jaigaon (WB) (4 hour journey) and halt * Day 2: Obtained permits at Phuntsholing and head to Thimpu (5-6 hour journey). * Day 3: Local sight seeing in Thimpu and obtain permits for Punakha, Thangu-Cherry and Takstang monastry * Day 4: Day visit to Punakha monastery and back to Thimpu * Day 5: Day hike to Cherry monastery and back to Thimpu. * Day 6: Thimpu to Paro and local sight seeing in Paro * Day 7: Wasted in Paro due to extended friday night celebrations taking an unfortunate turn * Day 8: Day hike to Takstang Monastery and back to Paro. * Day 9: Paro to Phunstholing ... read more