Off to Bhutan

Oct 12 from the itinerary- You will be chauffeured to Delhi airport to board your flight to Paro. This morning, board your flight to Paro (By Druk-Air KB 201 DEP 12H30 ARR 15H20), Bhutan’s only international airport. The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalaya, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) glistening below, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on a hill above the town. As you exit from the arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your guide and chauffeured to your hotel in Punakha (3 hours’ drive). En- route stop to visit the Tamchog Lhakhang; built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet. It is believed that more than 58 bridges were built across the country however only 2 have survived. One of these bridges still stands strong at the base of the Tamchog Lhakhang. Marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links. Once the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government, Punakha is the heart of some of the most important moments in Bhutanese history. The very first National Assembly was held here in 1953, and in 2011 the royal wedding between King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema took place in Punakha Dzong. Popular amongst travellers, this district of the Dragon Kingdom is located at an elevation of 1200 m (3937 ft) above sea level. It is a rich agricultural area producing local rice, vegetables and fruit from its many orchards. Two of Bhutan's precious rivers converge here, the Mo Chu and Pho Chu, and at their confluence stands the majestic Punakha Dzong. The river banks of Pho Chu, are home to the last surviving populations of the critically endangered white-bellied herons. Drive onwards to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Here's my room in the Andaz

Had another lovely breakfast buffet. I finally realised why these are so big at the hotels - they cater to three types of customers and need to have a selection for each of Western, Indian and Asian.

Here is the elevator area in the hotel. It was a bit hard on the eyes. I was picked up and taken to the airport. I got a few pictures of the gate and the plane. There was also an interesting advertisement for Bhutan

A few notes about the flight. It’s always interesting to see the type of people going to trekking destinations. They always look a bit like hippies, or men with pink tennis shoes. That said, I saw a couple older than I am by about 10 years or more in the departure area air side and I found myself hoping I will be just as mobile and interested in traveling when I reach their age.

I was seated on the left side to see the Mountain Views as we headed North East. I think I was a bit too close to the wing, but was successful in getting good shots of Kanchenjunga (again). Possibly I was also able to get Everest. I was served an uninspiring vege lunch

The landing is considered to be an extremely technical one, coming down between mountain ranges which can cause difficult landing turbulence. Only a handful of pilots are certified to make this landing and ours did well.

Here are some photos of the airport and surroundings

I spent rather longer than I anticipated in the landing hall getting luggage, money, and bathroom, but finally popped out around 4pm and we had a 3 hour drive ahead of us. I was met by Dorje - pronounced Dodgie (guide on left) and Tshering - pronounced Tsering (driver). Dorje is married with a 5 year old son and lives in Thimphu. His English was excellent which was a relief. English is the main spoken language in Bhutan, as well as their local dialect. Tshering had 2 wives (up to 4 permitted), but one left. He has 7 children and 2 left with the younger wife who left. Older wife is 54, younger is 30? Children range in age from 29-25 with one who is 13. He used to work as a telephone operator at Bhutan telecoms working on switches from 1940 which were used up to 1980s here. As a note, women may also have several husbands (polyandry), but only one legal husband.

Thankfully the road was much better than India and it was an interesting ride going through Thimphu. By the time we got to Punakha it was after dark, but we were able to get a beautiful view of the temple lit. Arriving an Punakha there is a branching of one river (the Father River - Mo Cho) fed by the Glaciers, into two. The second river is the Mother River (Pho Cho) which flows into a lake.

We stopped at the chain bridge - summary in the itinerary

Along the way we went across the Chele La Pass that went up over 10,000 feet. On either side are old sky burial sites up in the hills. Along the pass is a memorial to the dead

We arrived at about 7pm and I was greeted by the staff doing a dance, cold towel, welcome scarf, and lovely cinnamon tea.

The room is amazing although I couldn’t see the view until the next day. Here are the photos.

My main server and female “butler” is Gyelmo.

Highlights were local Apple schnapps and pepper chocolate

I had dinner with Rishi, the hotel manager and tried 2 different beers, cheese balls, steak skewers, Local trout cerviche, pumpkin soup, swarmed crusted chicken with sticky fig pudding for dessert.