Bhutan has been in my list of dream destinations for the longest of time but it was never a top priority. While I have been fascinated by its rich culture and heritage, I knew that the right time for me to visit Bhutan will come someday soon. And that day came last April 22, when I and my girlfriends and travel buddies, Grace, Juliet and Rose, joined the 12-day Bhutan-Nepal tour organized by the ever-reliable Krist Destinations Travels and Tours.
From the beautiful interior and exterior of their airport to their daily wearing of their national costume Gho (for men) and Kira (for women), and to their dramatic fortresses and monasteries, we had a taste of how they value cultural preservation and how proud they are of their national identity.
Called the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is 70% forested, absorbing more carbon dioxide than it emits. This earned them the recognition as the world’s first carbon-negative country. With its landlocked and mountainous terrain, it’s like the Switzerland of Asia.
Bhutan’s Paro, is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings throughout the area. Here, we saw the Tschogang Lakhang bridge, their oldest constructed in the 15th century, the Kuensel Phodrang which is the largest Buddha in the country and the Dochula Pass, a scenic mountain pass in the snow-covered Himalayas, situated at an elevation of 3,100 meters and houses 108 memorial stupas.
What I considered the highlight of our visit in Paro was our 1-day hike to Bhutan’s most iconic sacred Buddhist site, the Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang). Built in 1692, it is considered the birthplace of Bhutan’s Buddhism where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated after arriving on the back of a flying tigress…thus it’s name. For a non-hiker like me, climbing an altitude of 3,120 meters above sea level, with fogs and drizzles every now and then, is definitely something to be proud of. It took me about 45-minute horseback ride and 6-hours foot hike (roundtrip) but reaching the monastery amidst the challenging terrain, bad weather and altitude, was very much worth it! I have to say that a Bhutan trip is not complete without doing the hike. It’s definitely a MUST!
We had a full-packed day in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. First stop was the Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), a 17th century fortress-monastery, considered to be the second oldest and largest dzong in Bhutan. The woodworks in its 3 courtyards were truly impressive. The must-see covered suspension bridge next to the monastery gives a good view of the 2 rivers surrounding the dzong. From there, we were treated to a unique lunch set-up along the Punakha river with mountain views. Enjoyed the food and the ambience! Last stop was a visit to the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), a popular temple especially among couples wanting to have a child. Similar to our Obando fertility dance, their ritual involves the wife having to carry a wooden phallus relic on her back while circling the temple 3 times. We even witnessed an Indian woman doing the actual rite.
Highlighting our Punakha trip was the 1-hour white water river rafting along the Punakha river. Another first time for me! It was scary, exciting and thrilling at the same time! One second it’s calm, then rough the next. The water was so cold so getting all wet added to the thrill! But some of my companions even swam in the freezing-cold river. Brave souls!
While I enjoyed the views and sceneries of Bhutan, what I will remember the most of my Bhutan escapade were the first time experiences that I initially thought were impossible for me to do… hiked 3120 meters and did river rafting! I was able to stretch my limits, go beyond my boundaries and prove that I still can! Thankful to all my travel mates for the inspiration and encouragement! Thanks also to our tour leads Cristy and Alison of Krist Destinations and their Bhutan partners, for the well curated itinerary, quality accommodation and comfortable transportation.
Want these for yourself too? Then book now your Bhutan trip and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
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