4.75 stars!
We headed towards Bhutan for a 6N/7D tour from Bengaluru, booked via Anila from Arshia Tours and Travels, Jaigaon, West Bengal
In summary, I am extremely pleased and content with the cult (Read More)ural exchanges we had with locals, our cultural guide Dechen Namgay and our chauffeur Chador. This visit will remain in good memories forever.
Vehicle and stay were comfortable and convenient.
Here are the details:
Pax -04
Vehicle - India to Bhutan border, to and fro : Innova, our chauffeurs from Bagdogra to Bhutan pedestrian border to and fro were well equipped and we had a pleasant road trip; Hiache for local Bhutan travel
Days : 7 days
Guide: Dechen Namgay, who graciously accommodated all our requests, enthralled us with local legends and stories of Milarepa, four harmonious friends, various Rinpoches and histories and cultural significance of Dzongs and other places of religious importance. He patiently guided us and we could complete the ascent and descent of Paro Taktsang (Tiger's nest) quite comfortably. His explanations of the eight caves that are open to the public and the legends behind them were eye opening indeed.
Chauffeur: Chador, made sure we could cover the attractions per schedule and also arranged an on site lunch on the banks of Mo Chuu along with our guide by the time we were done with rafting. It was an extremely unique and enjoyable table spread.
The souvenir shop in Paro suggested by Chador la was indeed a treat and we completed all our shopping there along with the must do Gho and Kira (traditional Bhutanese wear) photoshoot.
Special mention and thank you to another guide Sonam Tshering who stepped in and took us out for some local shopping on the first and last days at Phuentsholing.
Attractions
Day 1 : Thimphu - Phuentsholing-Thimphu Hway viewpoints, waterfalls, hills and valleys, Chuzzom bridge, confluence of Paro Chhu and Thimphu Chhu
Day 2 : Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma, Simply Bhutan (Do not miss the inspiring foot artist Pema Tshering's stall), Royal Takin Preserve (Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at the picturesque ‘wildcloud’ bakery), Durga Mandir (Hindu Temple, enjoyed navarathri prasadam), View Points and Thimphu market
Day 3 : Punakha - Dochula Pass, River rafting in Mo Chhu(female river) followed by a late lunch on the river banks
Day 4 : Paro Taktsang Hike (Ascent and descent with breaks takes about 6 hours) and Paro Town
Day 5 : Paro Dzong, Paro Airport View, Nyamai Zam Footbridge and Pem Choden Handicrafts
Culture and people : Extremely warm and welcoming people. We had pleasant exchanges through our stay
Food : Try delicious local cuisine like Ema datshi (Chilli Cheese), Suja (Butter tea), Kewa Datshi (Potato Cheese), Ezay (Chilli chutney) and some Doma Pani (traditional pan) occasionally after a meal for a wholesome experience
Stay
Phuentsholing : Park Hotel, decent stay and yummy food. Special mention, people at the restaurant were gracious hosts.
Thimphu : Kuenphen Rabten Resort, amazing views of the Buddha Dordenma, unique dishes at dinner and healthy and tasty breakfast spread. All staff headed by Lakshmi rendered impeccable service.
Punakha : Damchen Riverside Resort, short one night stay but very picturesque. Had a well thought out packed breakfast to go from the restaurant.
Paro : Hotel Khamsum, a subpar Hotel booked on our request and the only complaint from the trip. A feedback to Arshia and Anila to vet our recommendations as well and talk to us in case they know of better alternatives instead of simply agreeing to our requests. The room was stuffy, noisy, nonA/C and definitely not peaceful. Only saving grace were the hot blankets, courteous reception staff and a delicious breakfast spread.
