On 22nd morning we took a tour of Thimpu and our guide Mr. Sonam was quite knowledgeable and showed us the whole city and I must say it was very clean and traditional to look at. Later that afternoon we checked out and left for Phunaka which is a western district. On 23rd we went to the Phunaka Dzong and took a small hike. Later on 23rd evening we left for Paro and were put-up at Gangtey Palace, a former palace converted into a resort. We are still staying in the same place. On 24th we trekked to Tiger Nest. Siri took a shortcut and rode a horse to the mid way while I, our Guide & Driver walked all the way up. Tiger nest is a Monastery which has been constructed right on the cliff at about 10000 feet and hangs menacingly and once of the most enchanting sights. This Monastery was constructed after Guru Padmasambhava a Buddhist monk meditated there for 3 months. It took us about 6 hours in all and way very tiring and came back to our hotel rooms. Today we went from Paro to Haa valley which was very enchanting and a great experience. We went to through the Chelela pass which is about 3,900 Meters about sea level. This is were the blue poppy – the national flower of Bhutan grows. It is said that catching a sight of this flower is very rare, but we could get a few plants which had these . Later we drove down to the Haa valley and had our lunch there followed by a visit to a 7th century monastery.
Right now we are at Paro (the only air port in Bhutan and a small city) and will leave for Phuentsholing tomorrow afternoon which will officially bring our Bhutan trip to and end. We shall call you from Jaigaon tomorrow. We have taken several pictures and hours of video which we shall share upon arrival.
More later
Bye
Aditya & Siri
