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Thimpu
Thimphu is a small, charming capital
city, probably the smallest capital in
the world, resting in the heart of the
Himalayas. It sits in its own valley
fanning out from the river. The skyline
hardly changes as new buildings are all
constructed in traditional Bhutanese
style. Though a small town, Thimphu is a
charming place. Every shop is stacked
with multiple products - from grocery to
textiles to shoes and handicraft
products. Increasing number of shops
sell imported goods brought in from
Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore
because of Druk Air's connection to
Bangkok. The town is also filled with
bars selling all kinds of alcoholic
drinks. The capital is located at 7,500
ft overlooking the Wang Chu river
valley. It is surrounded by forested
hills on all sides. Worth visiting are
the Memorial Chorten, Tashichoedzong,
Central Tower, the mini Zoo, painting
school, National Library, hand made
paper factory and the handicrafts
emporium.
Paro
Paro is one of the most beautiful
valleys of Bhutan. The fresh air, pine
covered mountains around the valley and
cluster of villages scattered over the
valley is a treat to nature lovers. A
walk in the village or a short trek in
the jungles will be a pleasant change
from the hectic life for visitors from
the metropolitan cities. A trip to
Chilela, the mountain that divides two
valleys of western Bhutan, Ha and Paro,
will treat you to the cool fresh air and
the beautiful ranges of the Himalayas.
A visit to the imposing Paro Dzong, the
National Museum (Ta Dzong), the ruins of
Drugyel Dzong and the small town are
well worth it. One may also spend
sometime on the river bank. The Taktsang
Monastery, one of the holiest in Bhutan
is perched high up on a cliff in the
valley and can be seen en route to
Drugyel Dzong. En route to Punakha is Do
Chula Pass at 10,000 ft. Here the view
of the Himalayan panoply is one of the
most spectacular in all of Bhutan.
Punakha
Punakha and the central valleys tend to
always be a few degrees warmer than
their surrounding areas. Punakha at
5,000ft is North of Thimphu and enjoys a
milder climate. It is a lovely valley
with great scenic views. It houses the
magnificent Punakha Dzong on the
confluence of the Mo Chu and Po Chu
rivers.
Wangduephodrang
This wind swept town is an hour's drive
from Punakha along the Punak Chu river
and en route to Trongsa. Wangdiphodrang
Dzong is located on the confluence of
Punak Chu and Dang Chu rivers. The small
village of Gangtey is at the edge of the
Black Mountain range and is awash in
golden hues - from its yellow roofed
temple to the wheat fields where the
black necked crane come from Tibet.
The drive from Wangdi to Trongsa (129
kms) in Central Bhutan is through
wilderness country and very scenic. En
route is the Chendebji Chorten next to a
river. The Trongsa Dzong is perhaps the
most majestic fort in Bhutan overlooking
a deep gorge.
Bumthang Valley
Only 2 hrs drive (68 kms) from Trongsa,
two passes and a series of hair-raising
bends lead one to Bumthang - the
cultural and geographical heartland of
Bhutan. The valley around Jakar (8,400
ft) is one of the most spectacular in
Bhutan. A walk in the valley is highly
recommended. Some of the places to see
are Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang,
Karsumpey Plateau & the Swiss farm as
well as Jakar Dzong. The broad valley
with the Bumthang Chu flowing through it
and the monasteries scattered along the
valley with forested slopes all around
give it a heavenly look.
Mongar in East Bhutan is built on both
sides of the hill. The drive from Ura in
Bumthang takes you up Bhutan's highest
pass (12,400ft) at Thrumsingla and is
one of the most beautiful Himalayan
journeys. Trashigang is the Easternmost
point on the highway and a melting point
of the hill tribe people who come into
the town to trade. The Dzong built in
1659 sits on a jagged piece of land and
commands a spectacular view over the
valley.
Samdrup Jongkhar
This town marks the exit point from
Bhutan on its Eastern border. It is 110
kms from Guwahati. |
