Tiger’s Nest

Thimpu - Punakha - Paro - Tiger’s Nest

It was our fifth day in Bhutan but the best was still to come. Evidently the spot was perched some 2000 metres high in the middle of nowhere some ten miles away from the scenic Paro Valley. Paro itself had taken us by surprise. We were expecting an airport city but it was so much more than that. Probably Tiger’s Nest had something to do with it.

Trek @ Tiger's Nest

Paro, Bhutan

Thimpu - Punakha - Paro - Tiger’s Nest

Our trip from Punakha to Paro was eventless. A coffee break at Dachula Pass and a halt for identification at a check point were the only stops before we entered the Paro valley. Our driver who turned out to be an expert guide as well, took a detour and brought us at a viewpoint from where the entire airport was visible. It was a beautiful view and scary as well. Hills rise quickly around Paro airport which makes it extremely difficult to take off or land a large plane. Our guide took this moment to sell his skills and we were quickly convinced.

Paro Airport from veiwpoint

Punakha, Bhutan

Thimpu - Punakha - Paro - Tiger’s Nest

The road from Thimphu to Punakha goes through a high point called Dochula Pass. It means that within a span of two hours you will face a gradual fall of temperature from 20 to 15 degrees and then again rise to 22 degrees when you reach the river base. Yes, rivers are omnipresent in Bhutan. The pass itself is a major tourist attraction thaks to a fantastic view of the valley and a construction of 108 towers at the roundabout representing fogotten martyrs.

Dochula Pass Memorial