Arrived Paro International Airport at about 1400 hours. The drive from the airport to Thimphu was through green Paro Valley along Paro river on fairly well maintained road. We stayed in hotel Kisa, recommended by our friend Dago Tshering. It is managed mostly by dedicated young ladies. We had delicious vegetarian food. The occupants of the hotel are mostly Indians. During this time of the year, Bhutan is visited by Indians in good number. More westerners come during the winters. It was 17 degree when we landed travelling in A319, a small aircraft. No big aircraft can land at Paro airfield. Landing reminded me of landing at Guwahati. Our guide is smart and English speaking.Can speak in Hindi also. He would be with us for seven days. He is well informed. Venita talked to him a lot to elicit information about Bhutan. I was always a patient listener to the conversation between him and her.
PM Modi is staying in The Taj nearby. Time difference here is half an hour. When we landed it was 1.30 P.M. according to our watch and 2 P.M. in Bhutan.
Retired to sleep at about 11 P.M.
Visited Memorial of 3rd King of Bhutan. Thereafter we went to a site where a huge statue of Buddha was being given finishing touches by the artisans. It's setting up was sponsored by few countries including Switzerland. Our friend Dago said that a Bhutanese monk along with some other monks of the Buddhist countries had a vision of Buddha and decided to setting up of the statue. Went to Lungtha Arts, Crafts and Jewelries famous shop. Venita shopped. In the evening Dago Tshering visited us. We had a long chat for over one hour. He is a retired Bhutan Govt. officer who had training with us at Mussoorie in 1964.
Retired to sleep at about 10.30 P.M.
Lungtha Arts, Crafts and Jewellries shop
Statue of Buddha
King's Memorial
17th
In Thimphu. It was our 3rd and last day of stay here. We would leave for Punakha next day. Punakha is Bhutan's winter capital. It is situated at lower altitude.
The view of tall green hills and Thimphu river from the restaurant of the hotel Kisa reminded us of Kulu valley. We had similar view from the ITBP Guest House, our place of stay there Visited the Zoo in forested area, fairly good climb. Saw Takin, Bhutan's National animal. It is found in Bhutan alone. It looked like sheep/goat. We fed reindeer. Takin did not come near us. Earlier and later Venita shopped. Had refreshing coffee/pizza in Cafe Italia. Visited the statue of God of Compassion with 11 different heads. Venita did not agree to climb too many steps to the monastery.Prayed to God from the zero point. In the evening went to impressive Dzong, seat of Bhutan Govt. Parliament and King's Palace. Thimphu is full of Modi's Pictures these days, some with King or with PM Bhutan or all by itself.
Retired to sleep at about 11 P.M.
At Thimphu Dzong
Dzong
Inside Dzong
18th
Reached Punakha 75 Km. from Thimphu. Road is under reapair. On way saw 108 Stupas of Buddha on a small hill. The place is known Dochula pass. On way met the convoy of King of Bhutan. He was sitting in the front seat. As we followed the last vehicle of convoy we could reach Punakha early. We took over all other vehicles. After lunch visited Punakha Dzong, seat of District Administration, a massive complex, constructed in 17th Century.
Retired to sleep at about 10.30 P.M.
In Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong
19th
Rafted for about 1.5 hours on Punakha river covering over 1.3 Kms. Waves flew over us sometimes rocking us to the hilt. Also visited a monastery of 14th Century. A group of Thais, about 60, came to our hotel. Some of them prayed with 2 monks. It was a touching experience. Retired to sleep at about 11 P.M.
Rafting
20th
We left Punakha at about 8.45 A.M. for Paro. After about one hour drive we came across a block due to widening of the road. It got cleared after about 45 minutes. Reached Paro at about 2.P.M. after brief stop-over at Dochula pass for tea. Checked in the Kichu Resorts in the outskirts of Paro. We have been provided with a comfortable KIV Sports Car, Sportage, by the travel agent for 7 day package in which our guide also accompanies. We had Thai dinner along with some Indian dishes, especially, prepared for us. We liked Thai vegetarian salad. A Thai group had dinner in the resorts but stayed in some other hotel. Had steam bath. Retired to sleep at about 10.30 pm.
21st
We visited upto zero point of Tiger's Nest Monastery. It is situated at a height of 9718 feet. World famous. Due to cloudy weather could not see it properly. Steep climb partly on mules and mainly on foot. a difficult trek. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach. As I have trekked in much more difficult, higher terrain of NC, Mizo, Naga, Manipur hills more than 10 Hours at a time patrolling in 1966, it would not be difficult for me to trek it. But Venita won't allow. Visited Kichu Monastry of 7th Century.
Retired to sleep at about 10.30 P.M.
Kichu Monastery
22nd
Left by Druk Air, a Bhutanese Airways, 11 am.. Arrived Delhi 1 pm. Spent remaining day unpacking and getting to know the happenings of last one week.
Retired to sleep at about 10 pm.
23rd
Went for 45 minute brisk walk. Visited SBI. In the chamber from 2 to 5 pm.
Retired to sleep at about 11.30 pm.
24th
Went for 45 minute brisk walk. Visited SBI. In the chamber from about 1.30 to 4 pm.
Retired to sleep at about 10.45 pm.
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