Magical Bhutan! Trek to Tiger's Nest & more..

Journey Begins..

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

It was a Friday evening. We started our journey by train from Sealdah Railway station, Kolkata. My parents and my brother were my travel companion.

Next morning, we reached Hasimara Junction. We took a local transport and in 30 minutes crossed the India-Bhutan border.

After collecting Bhutan entry permit from the Pheuntsholling gate, we hired a car and started for Paro. It was roughly 4PM. The roads through the Himalayas were extremely steep and the turnings were very sharp. Within around 5 hours, we reached the Paro Valley. The weather was freezing cold.

The next day we were to hike the famous Tiger's Nest. We were anxious. We were excited.

We started the hike to the Tiger's Nest in the morning. The monastery looked like a tiny white speck.

From the valley, the trail slowly and gently climb into a pine forest passing by several structures containing water-powered prayer wheels surrounded by prayer flags. We would like to believe that they were placed on that spot to bestow blessings of stamina to hikers passing by – because from there the trail went into a steep, arduous, steady climb up to the ridge.

The hike was strenuous. Every time we stopped to catch our breaths, we looked up at the monastery. Sometimes it appeared closer and then it would appear farther away again.

On the way, we found monks turning to narrow paths that veered off from the main path. Those were short cut routes. Short cut was a good idea but turned out to be way much steeper. It probably took us longer to climb the shortcut route than it would have taken us if we have climbed the regular route.

After an hour of seemingly eternal climb, we reached the ridge marked by a chorten, prayer flags, series of prayer wheels and a breathtaking view of the monastery.

From here the view of the monastery and the cliff was even more dramatic. Many people ended their hike at this point. We took some rest here and continued on to the second half of our hike. The trail was still steep, but the view of the Paro Valley along the way was breathtaking.

Finally, we reached the mountain top. Adding to my wonder, the monastery was in the opposite mountain cliff. We found steps going down and down and then again going up till the monastery. The vista of the monastery and Paro Valley from this point was beyond spectacular. It was absolutely worth the climb.

The monastery looked further up again as we followed the descending step trail. The stair trail plunged into a bridge across a lovely waterfall that was cascading into a sacred pool. From here, the stair started to climb up to the monastery. After 100 steep steps we were finally at the monastery entrance.

It was exhilarating to finally reach Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Alas, photography was not allowed inside.

The atmosphere throughout the monastery was mystical. The breeze was chilling. We visited all the temples in the monastery. Climbed up/down short wooden ladders to see every permissible bit of the monastery. When I stepped on to the terrace of the monastery, I had goosebumps, oh I was standing in the mystical Tiger's Nest.

Having experienced the way of a pilgrim, we descended with a feeling of lightness. And yes, the hike downward was much easier.

Paro Sightseeing

The next day, we visited the splendid Paro Fort (Rinpung Dzong), on the bank of the Wangchu river. The landscape is as beautiful as painting.

The same day, we started for Thimphu. It is an hour distance from Paro. Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan seemed clean and classy.

Motithang Takin Preserve

I loved visiting the 'Motithang Takin Preserve', the zoo where you can find Takins. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and not to be confused with any other animal. If you have not visited Motithang, you have not seen a Takin

The Tashichho Dzong, on the western bank of the Wang Chu river is splendid. The Thimphu city has ancient monasteries and chortens (stupas). The city retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.

Next morning, we woke up early. With packed bags, lots of clicked photographs and countless beautiful memories we left Thimphu. Our Bhutan trip had almost come to an end. In a few hours, we boarded the train back to home (Kolkata) from Hashimara Junction,W.B.

Now, whenever I come across any picture of " Tiger's Nest hanging on the cliff ", I try to figure out the balcony I was standing in, the ladder, I had climbed down. I say to myself, this is the monastery I had been lucky enough to visit to.

Bhutan has been one of the most pleasant surprises in my life. Culture, tradition and natural beauty binds the Kingdom and distinguishes it as an wonderful place to visit.

Note for Backpackers to Bhutan

How to reach: Bhutan is connected to India by road. Phuentsholling is the entry point. Hasimara Railway Station in India is 30 minutes from here. Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines is the only air option. The airport is at Paro.

VISA/Permit: Phuentsholling doesn't require VISA/permit for Indians. For other parts of Bhutan, you need to create the entry permit at the Phuetsholling gate against any valid Indian ID proof.

Where to Stay: Hotels can be booked online or can be booked when you reach. We stayed in the following hotels.

Hotel Ghasel, Thimphu

Sonam Trophel Hotel, Paro

The hotels are in the heart of the respective cities. Comfortable with all basic amenities. Budget friendly.

Food: There are many restaurants with variety of cuisines. No worry for meals.

Weather: Pleasant during day time. Nights are shivering.

If you travel for travels sake and not for luxury, Bhutan trip will be well within budget. The trip will fill in you an everlasting happiness. So, in your next 'a week' holiday, pack your bags and make it to Bhutan.

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