Bhutan- A land of thunder dragons.

5th May 2018

Kolkata to Bhutan.

I reached Paro international airport in the morning.There are two ways to reach here i.e from Kolkata or Delhi.

From Paro I travelled to Thimphu which is a 3 hour journey.Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan.

In Thimphu I checked into my hotel,White Tara .

After getting refreshed . I went to Thimphu's local market. There you can shop for the local Bhutanese items like masks,stamps,postcards,thangka paintings kira and Gho that is the national dress of Bhutan.You can also go to restaurants and taste the exquisite cuisines of Bhutan like Emma datshi i.e the national dish of Bhutan with chillies and chese.I ended this day with an exotic dinner at my hotel.i

6th May 2018

Early in the morning I headed to Simtoka Dzong. It is the birth place of modern Bhutan.It is a 3 storey mini fortress perched on a ridge over looking strategic Thimpu valley built in 1629 by a lama who unifeild Bhutan,the building combines monastic and administrative use. With massive entry doors inward sloping bric and stone walls with a red ochre strip near the top. This is a typical Dzong but also the oldest one which survived in its original form. Admire a large central figure of Sakyamuni flanked by 8 Boddhisatvas and the chinese style flared roof. You can watch the monks here or and observe a panorama with the city in the distance and a statue of Golden Buddha.

Great Buddha doedenma is a gigantic shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of 4th king Jigme singye wangchuk.

3.Takin mini zoo or motithang takin preserve.

Explore a wild life reserve dedicated to protect Bhutan's national animal at motithang takin reserve. Initially a miniature zoo, the site now enjoys protection for environmental and spiritual reasons , letting docile takins roam free and expand in numbers in the surrounding forests. Go on a guided tour to the government maintained area of 3.4 hectares which also contains a traditionally styled entrance ,am information centre and lot of native greenery. Wear a comfortable walking shoes in order to manage the many steep trails- in relation with the chimi lakhag's Devine mad man.

3.Trashichhoe dzong

Located in the city's northern edge near the wangchu river .Tashichoo Dzong has served as the summer capital since the inception of its monarchy. 1st constructed in 1216 the Dzong has experienced constant changes ,renovations and enlargements through out its history, combining religious and governmental facilities into one, Towers punctuate the fortress like structures while the manicured gardens and lawns compliment impressive building.

Thimphu to Punakha.

In punakha the temperature is comparitavely warm. On the way to Punakha we can see Dochula Pass

Take in the panoramic view of the snow covered Himalayan mountain at dochula pass located at an elevation of 3100m the pass includes many interesting attractions including 108 memorial chortens or stupas. A botanical park popular for its rhododendron garden and a monestary. The entire site rests surrounded by cypress tree forests ,while colourful scribed Buddhist flags representing natural forces. Decorate the hill slopes bringing prosperity and peace to the nation.sometimes the weather can get foggy and chilly so wear warm clothing a d check the forecast if you want the clear Vista.

2. Chimmi lakhang

See the many phallic statues of chimilakhang temple, a shrine of a fertility saint.standing on a round hillock amid rice paddies and mustard fields the modest Temple contains a 25 CM tall wood and Ivory Lingam the centre place for those seeking a blessing for fertility from my residence Monk. Built-in 1499 by drukpa kunley the so-called "Saint of 5000 women" who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan the temple gained Notoriety for its fertility wish grants to childless couples. local villages continuous this tradition evidence in the colourful lingams painted on their houses and as well as many funny phallus sign boards and memorabilia are sold in the village.

3. Punakha Dzong

admire the elaborate traditional architecture at punakha dzong Bhutan second largest and second oldest song today the district administrative Centre the Fortress Complex date from 16 38 and houses many sacred artefacts belonging to the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism drukpa lineage. the six storey structure stands at an elevation of 1200 near the junction of two rivers surrounded by Serene mountains and forest inspect the inferior which includes thousands of religious images artistic Treasure and wooden masonry and metal crafts. cover your knees and shoulders during your visit.

Later I checked into my hotel the dragons nest

Punakha to Paro

National folk heritage museum

Step back in time on a tour on national folk Heritage Museum a traditional 19 century bhutanese farmhouse that offers a glimpse into the typical rural Lifestyle established in 2001 the Museum stands among the wheat and millet field featuring a water mill with antique stones as well as a restaurant that serves local quizzing take a guided tour to the 3 storey building to acquaint yourself with the typical bhutanese household see a variety of items and equipment and learn about the origin and uses.

2.Kyichu lakhang

Turn a prayer wheel at one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan original building the seventh century it was one of the 108 temples made to pin down agent legendary agress who was preventing the spread of Buddhism. numerous prayer wheels with colourful ornaments and butter lamps decorate the inner Courtyard where you can observe the elderly pilgrims spinning them a quiet and peaceful place the temple has simple architecture housing selection of 11 Buddha statues and 2 orange trees in the Courtyard are believe to bears fruit throughout the year.

Stay in namsey cholling resort

This was the last day in Bhutan

1. tigers nest

Taksang phalpug monastery

Resting on a less drift side of the Himalayan mountain range tiger's nest represent a prominent secret site where bhutan's tutelary duty padmasambhava once meditated the elegant temple complex was built around meditation caves or tiger lion in 1692 and quickly became the Nation's cultural icon Explorer the compound for principal temples and residential houses interconnected through granite staircase inside the monastery inspect bodhisattva images elaborate wall paintings balconies embellished with religious symbols and remarkable works of art you will need study climbing shoes and the moderate fitness level to ensure the several griddling hours it takes to reach . This was my last day in Bhutan it totally transformed me and I got a different point of view of view about myself and I became more closer to nature It was a wonderful journey and spiritual journey which everyone has to take up.

So this is anvitha bellamane signing off till my next adventure story keep travelling and live your life.

Some information about Bhutan

The flag of Bhutan was adopted in 1965 yellow: authority of the King

white: purity and loyalty

Orange : red hat sect

Currencies: Indian rupee can be used or ngultrum.

Prime Minister: tshering tobgay.

Language: Dzonka

National butterfly: ludlows bhutans shallow tail.

Queen :jetsun Pema

National game :archery

national tree: Cypress

national flower :blue poppy

National anthem: druk tsendhen

Origin of the name :etymology -The precise etymology of Bhutan is unknown although it is likely to derive from the Tibetan endonym word used for Tibet the EICs surveyor general James rennell first anglicize the French name of "Bootan" and then popularised the distinction between it and greater Tibet.

Fact: bhutanese leaders is called as drug gyalpa the thunder Dragon Kings

National Emblem :it is a circle inside which have to cross vajras placed over a Lotus circled by the Dragon on each side the wish fulfilling jewel is located above them there are four jewels inside the circle where the two vajras intersect. they symbolise The Spiritual and secular traditions of the country based on the spiritual undertakings of vajrayana Buddhism Lotus represents purity the wish fulfilling jewel is the sovereign power of the people and the Dragons, the name of the kingdom.

TIP: visit Bhutan when there are festivals going on then you  can see the most colourful side of bhutan
*Also visit phobjika valley