Trip report - March 2008

Sorry this has taken a couple weeks to put up, but I wanted to make sure I got our pictures up on our website first. Additionally, I have posted reviews and photos of the three hotels we stayed at during our trip.

Day 1.

Caught the 5am non-stop from bkk-pbh. Was originally scheduled to stop in Kolkata, but that was changed due to the Paro festival and the elections, I believe.

Immigration was easy but slow, and I changed $400 US at the bank by luggage claim - didn%26#39;t know if we were going to purchase any major souvenirs. Turned out that was WAY too much money for the 7 days we were there.

Met by our guide, Pema, and took us immediately to the Gangtey Palace hotel in Paro. We were able to check in almost right away - they served us tea on the lawn overlooking Paro town in the meantime. We got a room in the central tower - really funky, old world and antique. Liked it.

Walked around Paro town, checked out a few shops - got an idea of prices for stuff. Had lunch at the Soechae Restaurant, on the same street as the taxi rank. It%26#39;s new, not in any guidebooks yet - the food was ok. We soon learned to ask for authentic Bhutanese food rather than the dumbed-down stuff they served tourists. Go spicy!

After lunch we were exhausted from our 2am wake up, so we had a nap at the hotel. Then we went to the National Museum, where we spent about 3 hours. I wanted to take the whole thing in, in detail. I liked it - it was good.

Dinner at the hotel (mistake) then off to bed.

Day 2.

Started early and hit the Paro market where I took a bunch of photos of people doing there market stuff. Then we drove to Thimphu, stopping quite a few times for photos. The road is still under construction so it%26#39;s a long drive.

Almost everything in Thimphu was closed because of the elections (the following day), but we managed to have lunch at the Takshang Hotel restaurant, and were treated to good Bhutanese fare.

We drove around the town, taking photos and getting doing some sightseeing. (Takin preserve, etc.)

Dinner was at the hotel (Druk) - was pretty good Indian food - I%26#39;d stay away from the buffet and order off the menu, however.

Day 3.

Election day. Thimphu is a ghost town! We went to Simtokha Dzong, Changangkha Lhakang, Dechenphu Lhakang, Pangri Zampa - took lots of photos. That took most of the day. We had lunch at the Druk, and dinner at Hotel Dragon Roots restaurant. The latter was really good.

Day 4.

Drove to Punakha, with the de riguer stop at Dochu La to check out the 108 chortens. It is a long, weaving drive - but we put on some good tunes and enjoyed the scenery.

We visited Punakha Dzong, which I think was my favourite. Lunch was at a small reataurant near Chimi Lhakang, after which we did the walk to Chimi Lhakhang. Saw quite a few tourists here.

Drove on to Wangdue Phodrang, where we stopped and checked out the town, then went onto our hotel - the Kichu Resort. Beautiful peaceful setting, no dogs anywhere and vegetarian food. Doesn%26#39;t get much better for me!

Day 5.

Explored Wangi Dzong before driving back to Thimphu to do some sights that were closed on election day. National Library, the national art school, etc. Lunch at Dragon Roots - again, great food. Lots of Ema Datse!!

After lunch we drove back to Paro, had dinner at our hotel. Then.. went off to a karaoke bar in Paro with our guide and driver. Had a great time! We were the only tourists there.

Day 6.

Hike to Takshang. Unfortunately my 40-yr old premature arthritic knees could not be coaxed to go any further past the cafeteria. Oh well, it was a beautiful day, great scenery, and good company.

After the hike we explored Rinpung Dzong as the sun was setting later in the day. very nice.

A major dinner at Soechae Restaurant, then we went out and played snooker until very late...

Day 7.

Early flight back to BKK. Very sad to leave the country.

It was a unique trip - glad we did it. We used Blue Poppy ( http://bluepoppybhutan.com ) Everything was handled well and according to our wishes. If you%26#39;re interested in our photos:

http://ozcanuck.smugmug.com/Travel/493714

There is also a folder under Airplanes with some shots of Druk Air - I%26#39;m a plane fan. There%26#39;s a distant shot of Mt. Everest there too.

Feel free to PM me or ask here with any questions.

Trip report - March 2008

Hi,

Thanks for a very interesting report. It is rare to see a report in this forum and this can be a better recommandation than words alone. Your pictures are beautiful, you really captured the essence of Bhutan. Glad you had a great time and hope you%26#39;ll be able to return and see more of the country. We%26#39;ll be there again in two weeks.M.

Trip report - March 2008

I echo the bhutan traveller%26#39;s sentiments-great report, wonderful pictures! They reminded me of some of my travels through other parts of the Himalayas-Kalingpong, Darjeeling,Simla,Nainital etc.

Thanks for your comments.

The Bhutanese are an incredibly photogenic people; and the country is stunning as well.

I hope we%26#39;ll be able to go back some time.

Thank you for detailed report and wonderfull pictures, I am planning to go to Bhutan on May 1st for 10 days.

I have one question for you, how much did you tip your guide and driver?

Tipping guides and drivers is against the law - however they all expect it.

We were very happy with both - they were a couple of great guys and really made the trip for us. You%26#39;ll have to judge yourself when you%26#39;re there. If they%26#39;re knowledgeable and enthusiastic, take you to different restaurants, etc. etc. - then go on the high side. $8-$10/day for the guide, maybe 75% of that for the driver.

ozcanuck

Thanks for taking the time to put this report together and the shots are great

We are starting our research for the next trip in 09

your name indicates you are ex aus

ausnomad

Yeah - emigrated to Australia in 2001, became a citizen.. then returned to Canada in 2005 for many reasons. Try to make it back down every year for a visit, and eventually intend to retire there.

Always wanted to go to Bhutan while we were in Oz, as it%26#39;s a much easier commute than from Canada - but the AUD$ was just too low while we were there. Much more attractive now, that%26#39;s for sure.

Have a great trip to Bhutan..

Hi David,

I just returned from Bhutan. Just a quick note to say that I loved your photos, especially the ones of the people.

So thanks for posting them.

It truely is an amazing country and I can%26#39;t wait to get back there.

Cheers from sunny New Zealand,

Anne