I always wanted to explore the world. Bhutan is a perfect place to start with. That is what I have mentioned in my previous post. Paro is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of Bhutan. Minimum 2 days is required to cover the must visit places around Paro. We chose Tiger Nest and Cha le la pass .
Stay
We stayed in Galling resort which is a 3 star hotel and the service and food was good.
Tiger Nest Bhutan
Tiger Nest monastery in Paro is a must visit place in Bhutan. If you want to do shopping, the entrance to Tiger nest hill is the right place. It is much cheaper than other places.
Trek to Tiger Nest might require 4-6 hours depending on your experience in trekking. The first half can be covered with horse but the second half we need to walk. Rakesh and Shruthi who were with us also came for the trek. Both the ladies took a horse ride but we decided to walk. We took the difficult route which was challenging. In between there is a canteen which is a bit expensive. During lunch time only the buffet is available. Try to bring the food from your hotel.
Second half of the trek is the most beautiful part. I can say it is very much poetic and romantic path. The tiger nest monastery was fully covered by mist when we reached the canteen. Suddenly it started moving to other direction. As we started walking towards the monastery, it started drizzling and it was followed by a heavy rain. That's the most romantic part of any trek. Due to slippery path your partner might need support. That is where you understand each other. Caring and sharing is part of the trek and what else can be more romantic than this situation.
The water falls on the way to monastery can catch your attention and provoke you to get wet in the water. Once you get into water you will surely search for your towel and jacket because you are at more than 10000 feet and the temperature is very low here. The monastery is at an altitude of 10,232 feet. 6 km stretch from the starting point can make you little tired if you are a beginner since it is a high elevation trek. This was my fifth Himalayan trek so it was easy for me. But for Vanita and Shruthi it was little tougher. This is not a trek which you need to cover it faster instead you can have stops in between to enjoy the beautiful view. I suggest people going for tiger nest to start early in the morning because you can get a clear picture and various faces of the Himalayas.
When we reached the monastery , we were told to keep all our luggage outside and we were accompanied by a guide. The monastery and the surrounding hills can tell a story about Himalayas. But the monks inside have a different story about the monastery. This is the place where Buddhism started in Bhutan. People say Guru Padmasambhava flew to this location on Tigress back. That is why the name Tiger nest. According to legend Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, who is reincarnation of Guru Padmasambhava built this monastery in 1692. Still this monastery is house for many monks who came here to get more knowledge about Buddhism.
When I went here I thought my wife would not let me complete the trek. But this is the place which can inspire any one . It was raining heavily while returning. I took her to difficult route which was slippery and dangerous. Still she managed to complete it. So it did motivate her to walk with me. This is the place which can provoke you to visit Bhutan. If you are a traveller this should be in your bucket list.
Chele le Pass
Above pictures are from the view point on the way to Ha Valley. Chele la pass is at an altitude of 13084 feet or 3988 meters. This is the highest altitude motorable road in Bhutan and it attracts a lot of tourists. If you trek a little you can get an amazing view. If not the rain we were not ready to leave this place. People come here seeking peace and nature has never disappointed anyone here.
Paro airport
After having coffee we did stop near the airport viewpoint which can give you a glimpse of the the most beautiful airport in the world. Surrounded by hills and river Paro Chhu it has an amazing view. Please do stop here if you are in Paro.
Paro to Phuntsholing route
This route is paradise for bikers. We did stop near a Chuka power house which has an amazing view .
We had tea near the viewpoint. Most of the tourists stop here for a cup of tea.
I should say thanks to our driver Samidhul who took us to these beautiful places.
Bhutanese people and tradition
I have mentioned about food in Bhutan in previous post. Let me take you to people and the tradition in Bhutan. Bhutanese are most friendly in nature. But I was really inspired by hard working Bhutanese women. In hotels and restaurants we found mainly women working there. They were ready to help you in any way. They are beautiful and natural in their smile. Their dress is also unique. My wife got an opportunity to wear their traditional dress Kira.
Even I wore their traditional dress for men Gho. I could feel the traditions of the Bhutanese in their dress. All the government officials has to wear the Bhutanese traditional dress. That is the first thing we need to learn from Bhutan. If we encourage Khadi, we could give job opportunities to many people. We could have taken our traditions to the whole world.
I have mentioned about food in Bhutan in previous post. Let me take you to people and the tradition in Bhutan. Bhutanese are most friendly in nature. But I was really inspired by hard working Bhutanese women. In hotels and restaurants we found mainly women working there. They were ready to help you in any way. They are beautiful and natural in their smile. Their dress is also unique. My wife got an opportunity to wear their traditional dress Kira.
Even I wore their traditional dress for men Gho. I could feel the traditions of the Bhutanese in their dress. All the government officials has to wear the Bhutanese traditional dress. That is the first thing we need to learn from Bhutan. If we encourage Khadi, we could give job opportunities to many people. We could have taken our traditions to the whole world.
Tourism is one of the main source of income for the second fastest growing economy (in 2007) in the world though it's economy is small. It can be linked to their other occupation which is agriculture and handicrafts. You can find tasty apple for cheaper price on the road side. Even orange is popular here. They sell electricity to our country that is the main source of their economy. Handicrafts are the major attraction for tourists.
It is run by the constitutional monarchy i.e they have their own democratically elected government. You can find the king and queens photo every corner of Bhutan. People worship them.
The most beautiful part of Bhutan is their love for nature. In Spite of mining activities and power plant they have made sure that conservation of nature is their biggest priority. You don't find unnecessary widening of roads here. BRO of India has helped Bhutan in many road construction in such a difficult hills of Himalayas. You feel like home in Bhutan because nature is every one's home.
What we missed
In spite of making a detailed plan and choosing the cheapest travel agent, we missed few places. Phobjika valley should be second on your list after tiger nest. Unfortunately we couldn't go. Bumthang is one of the must visit place. People backpack here for more than a week. It is also called by travellers as the switzerland of Bhutan. Ha Valley is another place which you must visit. It is very near to Indo Tibetan border. You can trek to Chele la pass from Ha Valley. According to locals this is a beautiful trek. Bhutan is a paradise for trekkers. There are many beautiful treks which can start from west of Bhutan and ends in East Bhutan.
Bhutan was the best experience I could share with you. If I get another opportunity, I would like to visit Bhutan again.
For the love of Nature and to learn how to conserve nature, we must visit Bhutan.
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