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Does anyone have any idea why Bhutan has been branded as A Land of Happiness? Kingdom head sets this parameter. We could have been in the dark if we were not visited this strict yet happy country. My trip to this Buddha-land with family was worth visiting. If I give a few examples then it will be clear. First of all, Bhutan’s economic development measures by gross happiness of its fellow countrymen and not by GDP. It’s a very rare case in the world. Note, every traveler from the USA needs to pay US$250 extra to the Bhutanese government as a tax for traveling. On the other hand, Bangladeshi people have a port entry. It was made possible due to the SAARC treaty agreement. It’s free entry for Bangladeshi tourists which is a cool deal.
Package tour to the Land of Happiness
We have opted package tour to Bhutan for 3 nights and 4 days. I really had no idea about Bhutan Package Tour before. Previously wherever I traveled, I did the planning on my own with the suggestions from my friends or colleagues. This time, I sought advice from the professional tour operator because of two reasons,
1) Time management and
2) Bhutan doesn’t allow adhoc tourists
I know it for sure, Bhutan doesn’t happen to be the tourist destination place like Thailand, Malaysia, or Nepal. If anyone is into nature, Bhutan is the right place to be. They have a negative CO2 emission rate due to its more than 90% forestation. As an amateur photographer, I find myself deeply enthralled by the beauty of the pastoral landscapes of Bhutan. Now I shall share my entire journey of Bhutan day wise with the readers through my travel experience.
Day 1: 21 August (Tuesday)
Welcome to Paro
Just the day after Eid-ul-Fitr, we reached in the land of the remote Himalayan kingdom by Druk Air at noontime. The only airport in Bhutan is located at Paro. This airport also considers to be the most scary for landing and take off in the whole world. As soon as we landed from the aircraft, all passengers were bowled out by the natural beauty. It was spectacular at first sight.
It is recommended to exchange foreign currency with Ngultrum (Bhutanese currency) at the airport. Ngultrum is equivalent to Indian Rupees. An important declaration I made before clearing immigration. I had to pay 200 Ngultrum for the pack of cigarette sticks in the way back in 2012. If you don’t do that you might fall in trouble. After the immigration, we were put in a brand new coaster where 4 other families were there as tourists. The new bond starts with new people whom we didn’t know before. And this is the beauty of traveling and making friends with strangers in the land of happiness. We all became friendlier in no time because every family had kids. After checking in late at Namsay Resort at Paro valley, we got freshened up. We took light lunch with a Bhutanese cheese made sandwich and potato fingers.
Day 1: Shopping in the land of happiness
After taking the lunch, we immediately moved to Paro town for shopping and a glimpse of it. It was merely a town of a couple of thousands of population. We found souvenir shops in the town. Had purchased some local souvenirs for our friends, colleagues, relatives, and of course for our home décor. Heavy bargaining is not recommended. If anyone is purchasing high-value items above Nu 1000, then a 5-10% discount is given if you ask for it. With a small round trip to Paro Bazaar for shopping, I found the town in a very neat and natty manner. On our way to the resort, Pacho River caught my eyeballs. Instantly, I planned within myself to explore the river early next day morning.
We all were very tired and hungry. We had an early dinner on the first day. My honest opinion about Bhutanese food, with no offense, was so poor in quality. They use cheese with every item of food. A small tip for the guest – always try to have the food in warm condition because it’s cold out there. When the food gets cold, no one will enjoy the food. Try to have chutney or pickles to avoid nausea.
Sound of the Silence
At the late-night, I was looking at the Paro valley through my window. Oh my god, it was too fascinating to listen to the sound of natural flowing fountain up from the hill. All night and day long, water flows down from top mountain source and gone for friendship with valley floor river. Every moment I looked into it, it was worth seeing nature’s most beautiful valley in the Himalayan range. Trust me; I spent an average of 5 hours sleeping every day so that I could explore the small cities more.
Day 2: 22 August (Wednesday)
Morning Exploration in the land of happiness
Yesterday’s wish, today’s command. Early in the morning at 5.45 am, after praying I went out to explore the Pachu river down the valley floor. On my way to the river and back to the resort I had observed so many wildflowers. I always get charmed by seeing the wild flowers and taking photos of those. Essentially my intention was to observe the beauty of the river closely which I did. The wave, the sound, the horizon, the landscape, the mist, the cloud altogether it was spectacular to watch and feel.
Drukgyel Dzong
When I came back to my hotel room, it was 7.15 am, and awaken my family members. By 8.30 am we all members were out from the Namsay Resort for sightseeing of Paro city. Amongst the Zhongs we visited, Drukgyel Dzong let the ruins of this dzong tell you a tale of how Bhutanese warriors defended Bhutan from the Tibetan invaders from the north in the 17th century. It was an awesome experience. Then we visited a long-established cantilever wooden bridge (called the Nemi Zam) at Paro, commonly known as the Rinpung Dzong. Locals call the fortress of a Heap of Jewels over the Pachu where one may pose for a photograph.
Welcome to Thimpu
Too many natural things we have experienced for the first time. Orchards of apple and orange were seen along the roadside of Paro. We tasted some apples and it was tasteless but fresh. After visiting a couple of tourist spots in Paro, we headed for the capital city. On the way to Thimpu, we have seen the world’s most greenery mountain which was covered by Alpine forest. We reached at Thimpu around 1 pm. It was a brand new city for us. The smallest capital in the Himalayan Mountain ushered us with another captivation. We were told to have lunch by 2.30 pm.
Day exploration in the land of happiness
Our next destination was to visit mini zoo where Bhutan’s national animal Takin was kept. and Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) from where Thimpu city is seen. We managed to visit both the places. Trail of mini zoo was very pleasant as we walked through Bhutanese indigenous people’s home. We bought handmade mufflers from them at a reasonable price compared to the city. Man made Buddha supposedly the world’s tallest Buddha in the world which was under construction. We were so lucky to view the rainbow from Buddha Point. It was my second experience to see the rainbow in hill station after Nainital, India.
Shopping Experience In Thimpu
We came back to the hotel by 4.45 pm. Then after having snacks, we gone for shopping in the Thimpu’s main street. Shopping in Thimphu is a colorful event. Hand-woven items and handicrafts are good souvenirs to buy. After spending a couple of hours, we bought local souvenirs for home, friends, and colleagues. We also bought Druk pickles and sauce which is a popular brand in Bangladesh.
Day 3: 23 August (Thursday)
My signature tour in the land of happiness
The next day early morning after Fazr prayer, I went out for a walk at the National Memorial Chorten. I didn’t know about its location. A young school going girl helped me to reach there. I had exchanged few words with her. In general, Bhutanese are very soft spoken and introvert kind of person. To me, this place supposed to be destination for walkers and prayers during all day long. Right in the centre of Thimphu City stands, this colorful Chorten (Stupa) is located.
Dochula Pass
When I came back to my hotel, it was 8.00 am. We were all ready for today’s visit to Dochula Pass by 9am. Dochula Pass which is the most known pass in Bhutan is just 30 odd Km drive from the Capital City Thimphu on the way towards central Bhutan. Dochula Pass is located around 3150 meters from sea level and it’s mostly covered with white clouds. We had to take permission from Bhutanese govt. by showing our passport. On the way to Dochula Pass, we took a short break to buy fresh apples, chips, walnuts, water from the roadside. Weather was very shiny for the first time during the entire trip. It was about an hour and a half journey to reach the pass.
Significance of 108 Chortens
The 108 Chortens at the Dochula Pass gives the passer the beauty of the fresh and high altitude vegetation around. The 108 Chortens makes a must-visit place for all the people. We were covered by clouds on the top. And the weather was changing frequently. The cloud came on us and covered the entire place with mist. I roamed 360 degrees around the pass top. It was quite an experience.
Brief visit to the Botanical Park in the land of happiness
Then I explored the Royal Botanical Park (Lungchu Tsey Pilgrimage) which is situated above the Dochula Pass. Later I and my son went up to the Dzong. My son was relentless during the whole trip. On our way back, I requested our guide to visiting National Memorial Chorten for other visitors. At the noontime, I had seen more tourists and followers came to offer something to Buddha. Our day trip finished by 1.30 pm. After having lunch, then we took some rest, again gone out for shopping at Thimpu town for the second time. One thing I observed that Bhutanese paintings is very famous. Wall paintings, wooden furniture paintings are very common. So I decided to buy a colorful wooden painting which is locally called “Chodrom.” It’s like a small knee height table.
Day 4: 24 August (Friday)
“I was senseless for few seconds when I drifted down 3m
from the fragile railing along with my DSLR”
S M Sajjad Hossain
The last leg of my journey was too pathetic for me. I was damn lucky to survive when I fell down unconsciously while taking photos early in the morning. I drifted down and lost my sense for a couple of seconds. My left leg was severely dented and thank god that it was not broken and my camera was protected. As I’m a firm believer in myself and my religion, I nearly escaped from a big injury. I appreciate the concern of my group people for my leg injury who advised me how to take care. Thanks to the hotel receptionist as well for their suggestion. A special thanks to the medical receptionist who instructed how to put medicine and wrap with a bandage.
Travel Insurance thought first came after my injury
In the end, an invaluable thanks to my wife for charging me up mentally and dressing me up in the hotel room. Otherwise, it could have been a worst-case scenario for me. It is to be mentioned that amongst three early mornings photography, I enjoyed the last day’s session. So many nice shots had been taken which actually satisfied me. Surprisingly, my favorite picture was taken right after my injury which is a cover picture of this blog. Also last day injury was a blessing for me because none was disturbed by my injuries. If it would have happened in Day 1/2 then my entire journey could have placed in the hospital room. So I was damn lucky on those aspects. After that incident, I was thinking about travel insurance but it’s never been materialised for my other trips. Probably post pandemic situation will force me to contemplate seriously.
Testing.