Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan

Tripoto
29th Dec 2019
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Day 1

What ru fond of collecting ? I ❤️ collecting travel memories.Bhutan, was on mind for a while glad it happened at outset of 2020.

After delayed flight sleepless night arrived at Bagdogra airport at noon on 29th Dec where I joined a backpacking group for exploring Bhutan .Excitement began to unfold after starting our drive for border town PhuntShilong. Around 8pm we crossed border gate, excitement began to unfold . Forgot about long journey & tired body went for a stroll in that cool nite.Slept off as next day was Thimpu!! .

Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Day 2

After permits formality was completed in Phuentsholing we left for Thimpu . We boarded our traveller & started our journey through scenic views .( I was travelling with a group of backpackers including bike riders.)

At lunch stop I randomly asked for a bike ride to one d captain & to my surprise he agreed !!. It was exhilarating to be on bike on Bhutan roads .Adventurous ride began ! esp when temp began to drop (0-1 degrees). I was frozen couldn’t feel my face. Reached hotel shivering cold & numb,thankfully Bhutan’s(Takin) came for rescue .

Photo of Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Day 3

Next mrng we woke up in Thimpu , it was 31st dec .We visited Dochula Pass ,Punakha Dzongkha & Suspension Bridge. And Started falling in love with architecture, people of Bhutan .

Standing on suspension bridge watching sunset was tranquil & comforting . Walked back to our traveller with a smile as every passing day was getting enriching more & more .

Stopped midway at dhaba to get warmth from heater(anghitis) on a cold evening alongwith with a hot drink and a friendly banter with co travellers made it just right .

Day cannot end so soon when it’s 31st dec eve.We chose to party at a club didn’t know it can be that crazy!Drinks ,live band ,dance & mad crowd.Still can’t get over that night.

Photo of Punakha Dzong, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Punakha Dzong, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Punakha Dzong, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Punakha Dzong, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Punakha Dzong, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Punakha Dzong, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Day 660

1st Jan we started our day a bit late & explored Thimpu - Buddha Dordenma ,Simply Bhutan (you can get to experience vibe of Bhutanese culture )and relished authentic Bhutanese food;later left for Paro.

After reaching Paro there was sm time left to walk before city sleeps ,went to a ‘Book cafe’ where we sipped ☕️ listening tunes of guitar played by local girls.Next day it was trek to Tiger Nest so chose to less crazy .

Photo of Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu, Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Day 5

“Tiger Nest” is a must visit place in Bhutan ! This Buddhist Shrine has an interesting history . A trek of approx 2-2.5hours is all worth .This was our last night in Bhutan, I didn’t want to leave this place so soon !!

One should try hot stone water bath(which I didn’t get chance due to lack of time ). It is speciality in Paro and this bath uses mineral rich stone which takes away body pain.

Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Photo of Welcomed 2020 In The Last Shangri-La ! Bhutan by Shafali Agarwal
Day 654

Wish I could have stayed there a little longer in Bhutan. I miss our local guides - Reinchein & Yashi who made this journey extra special with their humour & innocence.

We started off our journey back to Siliguri.

A place grows on you once you spend a few days there and wants you to come back .

Day 7

And time ended & go back to our real lives after a beautiful break in Mountains .

Tips for travellers➡️

INR is accepted in Bhutan except 2000Rs. notes.

Local sim is avbl at Rs.150 after getting Bhutan permit.

Food isn’t expensive.

Entry fees for tourist spots varies from 300-1000 INR.