[Travelmania]

It was winter and especially Christmas. A jamboree time to tourists. We planned to visit North India this time covering Lucknow, Amritsar, Dalhousie and Dharamsala. Be that as it may, due to unrest situation all over the northern part of the country taking our vehicle was not prudent. Our planned departure was on 20th December '19. On 19th December I sat with my family to get a last call to the goal. They curbed me from going towards North India.

Out of nowhere, my sibling recommended visiting happiness which we seldom find here. He began with a travelogue he got notification from my cousin who visited the spot a year ago. Honestly, it is Bhutan-The Land of Happiness or Land of Thunder Dragon whatever you say. Our group of five Members myself with the spouse, Debjit (brother) with the wife and little girl). Read some nice travelogues earlier, but in my case couldn't explore that way due to sudden decision to visit the place. Still, we pushed on.

There was no arrangement or a fixed schedule, I called Bhpian Atish Khettry (Hikersoul) concerning the entry rules and booking methodology. To my knowledge, I knew he visited Bhutan earlier. He helped me with a contact named Mr Vishal, who will make all the necessary game plans for stress-less travel.

On 20th December '19 late evening at 5 pm when we were setting our baggage into the vehicle, at that point, we still didn't know about our arrangements. Fingers crossed, predicting everything is excellent. After supper at Azad Hind Dhaba, we set off for our last stretch through Moregram, Malda Bypass, Raigunj, Dalkhola to reach Siliguri by 7.30 am. Here I have to specify two focuses. Initially, we confronted monstrous fog after Malda till Raigunj prompting low visibility after 80ft possibly. Followed a Bus to reach Raigunj consistently. Additionally, this time I picked Dalkhola rather than Botolbari route, because of odd hours.

Azad Hind Dhaba


Day 1: Checked in at Hotel Malisca in Siliguri. After some lazing, we took breakfast and began for Bengal Safari on Sevoke Road. It's an open zoo made by the state government for guests' amusement. Enjoyed the evening returned to the lodging to end the day.

Bengal Safari




Day 2: We started for Pheuntsholing on 22nd December '19 after fueling some energy in breakfast table. Our tour operator @Mr Vishal reserved our stay at Hotel Central. The hotel has been a recently revamped 3-star property, near the immigration office. The housetop restaurant amazed me with tasty food, prompt service and lovely ambience.
The required documents for Permit to entry in Bhutan are as follows:
1.One Passport Size Photograph
2.Passport/Voter ID Card (Xerox)
3.Birth Certificate for Children.
4.Car R.C. book
5.Insurance
6.Driving License of the driver
7.Pollution Certificate

After filling the forms, signed and submitted the xerox copy of self-attested documents to Mr Vishal for Permit.
Day 3: Bhutan was very packed because of the Christmas holidays. On 24th December, Monday we presented our papers. The permit office was overcrowded, so we needed to stand by long to get the documents stamped. Around 4 pm, we came out of the immigration office with all licenses (Human and Vehicle). Numerous cabbies began for Thimpu, yet we chose to remain back as it was close to sunset.
Distant hills drive around evening time on an untravelled highway isn't prudent as I believe. Kizom Café, an astounding pastry shop just opposite our inn, refreshed us with some snacks and expresso. Would suggest to fellow travellers not to miss this place while passing by Pheuntsholing. In any case, I should recall the terrific dinner that day at the housetop eatery in our hotel.

Central Hotel


Kizom Cafe







Day 4: As we lost a day in Pheuntsholing, we got up ahead of schedule to leave for Thimphu at 6 am. Although it was cold, despite everything, we were delighted in the first part of the drive to the capital city. We stamped our documents at specified intervals, but unfortunately, we couldn't find a single food kiosk open due to early hours and chilling climate. The way to Thimphu was very smooth, and seldom found any potholes. In the wake of coming to Thimphu, we got the essence of old-world appeal, mountains, conventional architecture, individuals, food and slow life of the citizens. The country has about 71% of forest cover that helps in maintaining and preserving the natural eco-system.



After crossing the butter, smooth main highway checked in at Hotel Lhaki Yangchak residency close to India House. It is situated bypassing the central part of the city. The property has sufficient space for parking. The rooms are large enough supported by a large room-heater and other present-day utilities of a hired accommodation.
After essential documentation at the reception immediately looked into the room. I had to rush for the further Permit to Punakha and Haa Vally from Thimphu immigration office. The owner of the inn Mr Dipan helped me a ton. Because of his college foundation from Kolkata, he had an adaptable behaviour to us as we were from Kolkata. He organised an agent to speed up the process at the immigration office.

Hotel Lhakhi Yanchak



After some light lunch, we left for sight scene around Thimphu. The hotel owner arranged a guide to assist us with the related significance of the spots we were visiting.

Spots :

1 National Memorial Chorten

2 Buddha Dodernma

3 Tashicho Dzong(Thimphu Dzong)

We started with the National Memorial Chorten. Built-in a Tibetian style as a commemoration to the third Bhutanese King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Beautiful architecture with whitewashed walls and brilliantly layered golden rooftops.

The National Memorial Chorten






After taking a few snaps left for Buddha Dodermna. A giant Shakhyamuni Buddha statue on the top of mountains overlooking Thimphu city, built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Fourth King of Bhutan. It was difficult to withstand the blowing cold breeze at the park. Mercury was ranging between 1°C to 4°C. Still proceeded onward and walked the entire area to take some delightful snaps of Shakhyamuni Buddha sitting tall to cool the world. After investing some energy there, we went to a spot from where the Thimphu Dzong was visible. Our guide requested us to hold up till nightfall to take the night enlightened Dzong. It merited hearing to him spoken by the photographs below.

Buddha Dodernma














It was an unbelievable experience to drive around Thimphu city in the evening time. No sound of horns, traffic moving like a stream with no blockage or traffic jam. As if a piece of music on a violin is played at background when driving in Thimphu city. We returned to the hotel after investing some vigour at the local marketplace. Later after arriving at the hotel heard that our Permit to Punakha would be given on the following day morning when the immigration office opens.

[Travelmania]

Continued from Day 4

Day 5: Was eager to visit Dochula Pass first. We didn't get consecutive two days booking at Thimphu. We moved as per the availability of accommodation due to unpremeditated planning. So woke up early and took breakfast quickly to arrive at the immigration office at the sharp time given. Quickly we got the stamped Permit on paper and started for Punakha at earliest. First stop was Dochula Pass situated at 10170 ft above sea level and located on Thimphu to Punakha highway where the Eldest Queen Mother has built 108 memorial chortens. It additionally offers an overwhelming 360° panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. But due to mist, we didn't get a good sight then. There was a Coffee shop to renew your energy and spare you from the chill. Got some attractive snaps all around and left for our onward journey to Punakha. The highways of Bhutan is always praiseworthy. Thimphu to Punakha is 68 km, barely a drive of 1.30 hrs. However, because of the stoppage at Dochula Pass, it took 3 hours to arrive at our lodging at Punakha.







We checked in to Punakha Residency booked earlier by our agent. A pleasant boutique hotel with great rooms and amenities.



After lunch, we went to visit Punakha Dzong. The Dzong remains situated between Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu river in Punakha Valley. It is additionally the administrative head office of Punakha District. Indeed, even the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in Bhutan. After the primary customs of ticketing, we went inside the Dzong. The authorities gave one Lady guide to explain the historical aspects of the architecture. Took some snaps while roaming inside the complex.















Our Team


Later after dropping our family to hotel, myself and Debjit(Brother) again went to the shooting spot after dark to take some photographs of the lit-up Dzong.



Day 6: As we booked just a day in Punakha, we needed to miss Phobjikha valley. Our program was to visit the suspension bridge. There are two ways to go to the suspension bridge. We took the path using the Dzong by walking. The photographs will depict the magnificence better.



The Suspension Bridge










After visiting the Suspension bridge, we took a riverside drive to a small park nearby. It was a prominent spot loaded with natural elegance. Mo chhu stream was flowing on small rocks creating quiet music of water stream. The place had a facility of river rafting for enthusiast tourists.















Later began our journey by 2 pm to reach Paro by twilight. We reserved accommodation at Jia Resort beyond the central Market. A 2-star property with regular amenities. Then at around 8 pm, my sibling and I went to take the night lit pictures of Paro Dzong. It was freezing at Paro, and mercury was ranging from -4°C to 1°C after evening and early morning.

http://youtu.be/d97j638AiJY

Jia Resort


Night lit Paro Dzong

[Travelmania]

Continued from Day 6

Day 7: A day to visit CheleLa Pass at the height of 13083ft above sea level. Local taxi drivers predicted a closure before 5 km due to snow. We were optimist and decided to move until the car refuses to go further. It was freezing in the morning. Overnight mist on car windscreen formed ice granules.



We started for Chelela Pass after breakfast. Paro to Chelela distance is 37 km. The road was good enough with minor potholes after 20kms. It was due to snowfall I understood. The fabulous windy atmosphere at the top and all-encompassing perspective were phenomenal. Regardless of the chill, we relished the drive immensely.
The following photographs and video will explain the drive better.

The AirStrip at Paro Airport


























Chelela Pass Drive

http://youtu.be/OCHUpqWM6vc

While returning took some lovely photographs of the way and grand scene all around. Paro Airport was looking excellent from the top. There were a couple of good Coffee shops in the essential Market. To start with, we jumped the Market to locate some nearby ancient rarities. Later had a few bites and espresso in a well-managed coffeeshop.

Paro Airport








Even though we were unable to climb to Taksang Monastery(Tigers Nest), we saw it from a distance and mainly wandered in the city of Paro to immerse into nature around.



Roaming around Paro

http://youtu.be/NKuK_xFwvRY

Day 8: To begin with, we visited a Dzong(Drukgyel) in upper Paro.Couldn't go inside as it was closed for visitors at that time. As we were driving back to Paro Dzong, suddenly we saw the mighty Chamolhari/Jomolhari in a clear sky. Later learnt from Wiki that it is straddling between Yadong County of Tibet and the Thimphu district of Bhutan. As read in Wiki, she is usually known as "Bride of Kanchendzonga". Then we visited the Paro Dzong to view the traditional Bhutanese culture portrayed on every architecture of the compound. There are two ways to visit the Dzong. One by entering from the main entrance and climb to the main compound. The other was to drive a circular path to land at the backside of Dzong on the same level. We took the second one.



Chamolhari from Paro














Continued...

[Travelmania]

Day 8 Continued...

From Paro, we again came back to Thimphu due to our unplanned travel story. It was a blue sky and an unobstructed view of the distant landscapes. My sibling proposed taking another drive to Dochula Pass to see the panoramic view of Himalayan Peaks. Congrats to the expectation of my kin, we got a clear perspective of the Himalayan tops from Dochula Pass. The Photographs will justify the revisit to the place





















After some time on a cup of coffee, we sat a few more minutes to enjoy the environment in the vicinity. Later before dusk, we returned to our hotel.

Day 9: With lots of memories and enjoyment in our travel bag, it was time to get back to our root for livelihood. We planned to stay at Dooars for the day. Accordingly started from Thimphu lazily and reached Dooars by evening. Enroute visited a beautiful Waterfalls between Thimphu – Phuentsholing road.



[=6T246.jpg]2007503[/ATTACH]







After taking some break at our one of the most loved stop Kizom Café at Pheuntsholing. As this time Dooars is considered as a stopover, we didn't explore any. Just took a good sleep at night for the hectic journey on the following day.

Day 10: Got up early and managed to start by 8 am. By good luck, we got the majestic view of Mt Kanchenjunga from Dooars Tea Garden. On the way took Breakfast at BPCL Ghar situated between Ghoshpukur and Islampur. Pushing through the dense traffic of NH 34 reached home after midnight.

Kanchendzonga from Dooars


BPCL Ghar


The tour ended but will miss the abundant natural beauty, breath-taking landscapes, beautiful monasteries, fluttering prayer flags and happy faces of innocent citizens of Bhutan. The single word to describe the nation is "CIVILITY".

[Sheel]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[SS-Traveller]

You're getting better and better at writing travelogues!

Indeed, Bhutanese civility (and cleanliness) is remarkable, in contrast to our experiences on our side across the border. Now that Bhutan is imposing steep fees on Indian citizens for entry into Bhutan (pre-COVID - no idea when they'll allow entry again post-COVID), such carefree beautiful holidays as described by you here, may not happen too easily for us any more.

[Travelmania]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

You're getting better and better at writing travelogues!

Indeed, Bhutanese civility (and cleanliness) is remarkable, in contrast to our experiences on our side across the border. Now that Bhutan is imposing steep fees on Indian citizens for entry into Bhutan (pre-COVID - no idea when they'll allow entry again post-COVID), such carefree beautiful holidays as described by you here, may not happen too easily for us any more.

SS da Thanks a lot for appreciating my writeup. Shall try to develop more on future posts.
You are completely true. God knows what the Bhutan Govt is going to impose on Indian Travellers. But it is for sure we will surely miss this picturesque aroma if we are bound with a tax restriction.

[Samba]

You are on a roll! You should have joined Team-Bhp earlier!

Another fantastic travelogue from you. Rated 5*.
Driving on snow at Chele-La must have been a life time experience.

A couple of pics from my Bhutan travelogue!

Aerial view of Thimpu city in early evening, clicked while coming down from the Buddha point.


At Chele-La

[Travelmania]

Originally Posted by Samba

You are on a roll! You should have joined Team-Bhp earlier!

Another fantastic travelogue from you. Rated 5*.
Driving on snow at Chele-La must have been a life time experience.

A couple of pics from my Bhutan travelogue!

Aerial view of Thimpu city in early evening, clicked while coming down from the Buddha point.
Attachment 2007727

At Chele-La
Attachment 2007728

Thanks for such inspirational rating.
Yes the icing on the cake was the drive to Chelela on snow.
Your night shot of Thimphu is outstanding.

[Sayata]

Beautiful pictures and very detailed travelogue with crisp writing . In my wishlist Bhutan is there, and this travelogue will be of great use to me. Wishing you many more happy miles "big brother" and some more beautiful travelogues in future .

[Travelmania]

Originally Posted by Sayata

Beautiful pictures and very detailed travelogue with crisp writing. In my wishlist Bhutan is there, and this travelogue will be of great use to me. Wishing you many more happy miles "big brother" and some more beautiful travelogues in future .

Thanks for your compliments. Yes, you should travel the nation not only to generate a travelogue but to learn many habits we forgot as a human being.

[blackwasp]

Superb thread there Travelmania!

I was totally engrossed in reading it. Didn't realise the time. The pictures are beautiful and the write-up is clear and concise.

Bhutan has been on my radar since a while now. However haven't been able to plan out a road trip from Mumbai. I had an opportunity to fly down last yea, but what's the fun in that!

[Travelmania]

Originally Posted by blackwasp

Superb thread there Travelmania!
=====
I had an opportunity to fly down last yea, but what's the fun in that!

Thanks a lot. Wish to visit the Bhutan again and again.

[Fordlover88]

It's raining travelogues from your side Abhijeet da. Wonderful crisp travelogue with excellent pictures. Rated well deserved 5*. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[BlackPearl]

Wonderful travelogue @Travelmania with beautiful pictures. Bhutan is very close to my heart and I have travelled several times, but never in winter. Your pictures are urging me to visit again.
If you are bowled over by west Bhutan, please take out time to visit east Bhutan and meet the people there. You will not want to leave that place. The views are stunning as well.

A few pictures of my humble Bolero from our trip in 2016 to entice you to visit east Bhutan







Phobjika



Link to my travelogue -

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...olero-4x4.html (Throwback to a bygone era - Bhutan in a Bolero 4x4)