Land of Happiness

         Passport - check, sunglasses - check, sunscreen - check, hiking shoes - check, Indian Currency - check and then boarded the flight from Chennai to Delhi early morning. From Delhi it was Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines (the only airline which will take everyone to Bhutan) in the afternoon. I was on window seat to Paro Bhutan, and were hovering over the mighty Himalayas. The Pilot announced as the peaks of Everest and Kanchenjunga emerged from the clouds. As we descended into Paro, we flew over green valleys, deep mountains and the silver tinted course of Paro river. The plane tilted its way through two mountains before finally landing at Paro airport. Super excited since the time I saw Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and the landing through the mountains. For Indian Nationals visa is on arrival and it's quite easy, we just need to produce our passports. Booked in Le Meridien Paro Riverfront which is close to the airport (about 10min drive) and the hotel has arranged the taxi for airport transfers.

People are really hospitable, kind, helpful and happy in Bhutan. Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront is the perfect destination where one can experience the country's exotic culture and natural beauty with a mix of luxury and comfort. It's situated on the edge of Paro River, offering panoramic views of  Eastern Himalayas.

Day 2 - Drove down to Thimpu valley along with the guide Tandin Dorji who was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and professional. The first stop was the National Memorial Chorten. It was built in 1974 to pay tribute to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who is also known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The Memorial was built in a unique Tibetan style and has scores of religious paintings and occult statues that represent both the pacifist and wrathful aspects of Buddhist spirituality. The next stop was Buddha Point, drove down to View Point which is about 2685 meters above sea level. The entire Thimpu valley is visible from here. Then headed to Bhutan Postal Corporation Ltd. The last stop was Thimpu Tashichho Dzong. The original dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771 and everything was moved to the lower dzong. The dzong is located close to Thimpu town, next to the banks of the Wangchhu River. It is an impressively large structure, surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens. Don't forget to try street food both in Thimpu & in Paro.

Day 3 - From the flower sprinkled green fields to the quaint homes in upland villages on the banks of Paro river, the amazing sights of the valley compel you to stand back and gaze in awe at the vast expanse reflecting the soulful harmony of human and nature. The hardy women carry multi-purpose baskets every time they step out. They are used to carry mud, dung, crops, flock, children and just about everything ! Been to the National Museum of Bhutan which is a cultural museum in Paro established in 1968 where the future may learn from the past. 

Day 4 - Woke up before the sunrise as we were all set to hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. First light is everything and waking up for it is the most self - appreciating thing to do on any morning.  It's no surprise that a magical view awaits at Tiger's Nest Monastery since the only way to get there is to climb 700 steps. It's a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and the Temple complex is located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Returned back to hotel by 2pm. Showered, rested and went out to Mountain Cafe which is in Paro city for the last dinner.

Day 5 -  Most picturesque viewpoints is one of those timeless experiences that add to one's repertoire of exploration. The intense beauty, the peace and the thrill of traveling through the mountanous terrain is soothing to the eyes and inspiring to the soul. Visiting and connecting with the people of this part of the world is like witnessing life lived from another perspective, unmatched in simplicity and tranquility. Time to pack and board the Drukair to Delhi.