This morning, I finished reading Buttertea at Sunrise: A Year in the Bhutan Himalaya by Britta Das. It’s the sweet story of a Canadian woman who goes to Bhutan to work as a physiotherapist. Of course she falls in love (with an Indian doctor) and, well, I won’t spoil the story for you. So, today, Read More…
himalayas
Bhutan in the News
Last week was a big news week for Bhutan. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival featured the country in its annual fair held in Washington, D.C. A delegation of more than 120 Bhutanese attended the event – it was reported to be the first time so many Bhutanese had left the country at the same time to Read More…
Bhutan Increases Daily Tariff
The Tourism Council of Bhutan announced last week that it’s raising the daily tariff required for all visitors from $200/day to $250/day during peak season. This increase will take effect in 2009. (Please note that my April tour is not affected by this increase – yeah!) While there is officially no limit to the number Read More…
Tiger’s Nest Hike – Paro, Bhutan
Please see additional photos in my gallery. Our 12 days in Bhutan ended on a high note — a hike to Tiger’s Nest, the Taktsang monastery which precariously sits on the edge of a cliff near Paro. Destroyed by a fire, it was rebuilt in 2004 but still retains its old-world charm. Before arriving in Read More…
Phoblika Valley – Bhutan
Please see additional photos in my gallery. Mural at Gangtey Goemba We left behind the yummy cheese factory, the valley of Bumthang and the Teschu, and headed farther west and, sadly, back towards Thimphu and Paro. After driving over Yotong La Pass and Pela La Pass, we descended down into Phoblika Valley, considered the most Read More…
Traveling to Trongsa – Bhutan
Please see additional photos in my gallery. View of Trongsa Dzong from hotel Thus far, our visit to Trongsa was the most visually stunning day of our 12-day Bhutan adventure. We stayed at the Yangkhil Resort Hotel, perched on the side of a mountain surrounded by views of the valley, cloud-enshrined hillsides and the Wangdue Read More…
Drive to Wangdue – Bhutan
Please see additional photos in my gallery. Wangdue Dzong near Trongsa After departing Punakha, our crew of 15 (including driver and guide) continued heading east, over Pela La Pass and on to Wangdue and ultimately Trongsa, a spectacular and dramatic area surrounded by greenery. The drive was long, more than five hours, and cuts through Read More…
On to Punakha – Bhutan
Please see additional photos in my gallery. Punakha Dzong Heading east of Thimphu and through beautiful valleys and agricultural fields, we landed in the town of Punakha. The town is located at the confluence of two rivers, making it beautiful as well as prone to flooding. The Punakha Dzong sits at the juncture of these Read More…
Eastward Bound in Bhutan
Please see additional photos in my gallery. Building just above chortens After departing Thimphu, we headed east and farther into the beautiful mountains. Our first stop for tea/coffee (a wonderful treat we soon looked forward to because of the sweet and savory biscuits served with our tea and Nescafe) was Dochu La Pass (just over Read More…
Time in Thimphu – Bhutan
Please see additional photos in my gallery. Druk Hotel as seen from across the town’s square As I reflect upon my photos and the memories they invoke, I realize there was so much to my short time in Bhutan that it’s difficult to adequately write about it all in this blog. I’m hoping that pictures Read More…