Bhutan Hangover

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Misty Mountains... sipping tea.. Dzongs.... architecture.. praying flags... Archery.. hiking... their simple culture.. Buddism.. wine

focus focus focus.... ain't happening.

I just came from the happiest country in the world - 6 days without internet and calls

How can one possibly get out of this kinda vacation hangover!!

Hike to Paro Taktsang - Tiger's nest


Bangalore/Hyderabad/Chennai - Kolkata - Bagdogra - Phuentsholing - Thimphu - Paro - Phuentsholing - Bagdogra - Kolkata - Bangalore/Hyderabad/Chennai




Excitement of my first international trip was at peak.

6 of us were travelling from different cities - early morning flight from Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad - landing at Bagdogra airport(Entry Gate to East) around 12 noon.
And yes it was already late for us to reach Phuentsholing before permit office closes.

Day 1 April 6th - Bagdogra to Phuentsholing (Border city of Bhutan) - Bolero - 3300/-
You can get AC innova for 3000/-
or catch a bus from Siliguri Bus stand to Jaigaon (Border city of India)

Accomodation in Phuentsholing   - Hotel Central - One night tariff for Suite room - 3 beds and huge enough for 6 of us - 1650/-


We were equipped and used my plastic bedsheet and sleeping bag to save extra bed cost of 500/-.
(Mentioned in things to carry in my blog called Backpacker's Corner)

Hotels are easily available in Phuentsholing and April is peak season in Bhutan. You can go for hotels little inside which might look shady from outside but real good and clean rooms.

You can buy a local sim costing you around 250/- with a package of calls and SMS.

Tip to find hotel in Phuentsholing - Don't judge the book by its cover. 
Approx room cost ranges from 1200-2500/-

Day 2 April 7th- 9 AM - Permit Office - located on main road after first petrol bunk post crossing border gate
Note: Be at the permit office by 8:45 am to get the permit done asap.
It might take upto an hour since one person can submit n number of forms and after submission they are processed one by one on biometric system. Your presence is important for fingerprints and photo.



Started for Thimphu around 12 noon after getting permit. Hired a Bhutan Bolero for 4 days at 3500/- per day.
You can also get an AC Innova (although you do not require AC anywhere up there near capital city - weather is either cold or pleasant) or even Bolero for 3000/- per day if hired from Jaigaon any travel company or agent.

On the way to Thimphu

Small Stop on the way to Thimpu for Tea and momos


Our Driver suggested Hotel Nemo for night stay in Thimphu - 1200/- three bedded room - good enough.

We heard about Thimphu's night life and headed out to a club - there were many nearby our hotel since it was center market area.

Thimphu City center Clock tower
Karaoke is famous there and we joined one. It was fun if you love singing of course and socialize otherwise not your thing and better avoid.

Karaoke Club in Thimphu
Everything close down there by 9PM - local shops, salons, restaurants EXCEPT clubs.

Day 3 April 8th - we were late and started for local places around 10AM.
Tip:  Carry fruits or bottled juice if you can't start your day without breakfast. Breakfast places open by 8 or 9 and might delay you in starting your day.

I believe there are no specific places you can fix in your itinerary but just enjoy how beautiful and non commercialized this country is.

Buddha Statue
This one stole our hearts




We were fortunate to be in bhutan during Paro District Festival.

Skit explaining importance of Buddhism

The festival took place at this amazing Rinpung Dzong across Paro Chhu - river of Western Bhutan The festivals for every district take place in intervals around the year.





Crashed in a resort nearby - best stay in Bhutan costed us 2000/- per room.



Day 4 April 9th: The day we all were waiting for - Trek to Tiger's Nest locally known as Paro Taktsang.




Took us 7 hours up and down. A normal person with good fitness level shall take 5 hours up and down.





You have to do the trek to experience it and its worth for the view you get during the trek. I can never forget that live wallpaper.






Tiger's Nest


Day 5 April 10th: We chose Dochula pass as our last destination since we did not have enough days and could not get permit for places further down due to permit office weekend off.

Dochula Pass




Make sure you have enough weekdays to apply separate permits as you explore the country.

There are cozy cafes available back in Thimphu city to relax. Do try Bhutanese wine and local cuisine.

Total Budget per head: 8000/- for five days (food, commute,accomodation) excluding flight cost.

It was the sweetest hangover we had with best travel buddies and never fading memories.
There is a lot to explore in this country and I am definitely coming back to get sloshed ;) 

















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