Thimphu, Bhutan

Thimpu - Punakha - Paro - Tiger’s Nest

Imagine an untouched beauty. She wouldn't know how to respond to a touch - at best her response will be ambivalent. Bhutan is like that - a country that vehemently protects its proud & rich tradition although it heavily depends on tourism and a bunch of countries for funds and technology. We entered the royal country of Bhutan through Jaigaon on a rainy day. Next morning was spent in the immigration office to receive permit before we were told the road to Thimphu is blocked due to landslides.

View of Thimphu from Buddha Point

A cab driver reluctantly agreed to try and we were on our way to the capital by noon. We reached the capital city at 4 with few hiccups and immediately set out for a round around Thimphu. Our hotel was bang on the busiest area so we decided to go for Memorial Chorten at the city centre. Its a beautiful stupa built at a crossroad. Locals as well as tourists were taking rounds as we reached the place.

Memorial Chorten

From here we could see the Buddha Point which is a giant buddha statue at a high point. It was already evening yet we decided to give it a try. A cab driver agreed for a return and wait ride and so we were on the hills in no time. View from Buddha Point itself is worth the trip although thronging monks in signature maroon robes in front of a gigantic buddha statue was equally remarkable.

Buddha Point

Tourism seems to be a key source of revenue to the country but minimal government effort goes into making life easy for a traveler. You need to queue up twice for more than an hour at immigration desks to get permission to first enter and then visit Punakha (a key tourist attraction). We spent the next morning in Thimphu taking those permissions before going for the Thimphu Dzong.

Thimphu Dzong in background

Dzongs are the traditional complexes built across Bhutan which serve the purpose of office as well as worship for the royalty. Common people was welcome here although Thimphu Dzhong opens for public everyday at 5.30PM only. Hence morning was only for taking few photographs outside. We walked back to the city and booked a cab for Punakha from the cab stand.