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KURJEY FESTIVAL JAKAR BUMTHANG |
A quote I
read while on my recent visit to Bhutan stated that ‘ Bhutan has always held a
sense of mystery and mystique for those who know where they are’. For those
interested in the Asian destinations they will be aware that the small land
locked country is situated at the edge of the Eastern Himalaya Mountains on the
border between India to the north and Tibet (China) to the South. Also known as
the Land of the Thunder Dragon – Bhutan is regarded as one of the most
exclusive travel destinations in the world. The Royal Government adheres
strongly to its policy of high value and low volume tourism.
It is due to
this philosophy that the traveller will find Bhutan one of the most laid back
places you could ever wish to visit. The first thing that you glimpse upon the
decent into the airport at PARO, is the steepness of the heavily treed mountain
ranges. Considered to be the fourth on a list of the most difficult runways in
the world, it is easy to see why accuracy is essential. We were extremely
fortunate though to meet Bhutans first woman pilot.
The country
is the only fully organic society in the world so it seems that they have many
‘firsts’ including striving for ecological sustainability. The recommended
forest coverage stands at 60% but Bhutan has reached a coverage of 72%.
Ultimately the air is amongst the purest in the world.
Our journey
begins in the capital Thimphu. We arrive
at week 2 of an auspicious festival at Buddha Point. Here hundreds of Buddhist
followers gather to hear the recital of the life of the great Buddha. Ominously
we arrive just as the rain passes leaving a strong rainbow that seems to engulf
the monks and followers making the moment one of serenity and purpose. It
certainly gave us all a moment to pause and reflect on the introduction to this
magical land.
From Thimphu
we journeyed north to Punakha. As we wind our way through the pines and
wandering rivers we feel blessed to be on such an awe inspiring journey. As we
glance across the valley with the sun slowly setting –we glimpse the temple of
the Divine Madman. There is much mythology surrounding Chimmi Lhakhang - the fertility temple. They even have a book
filled with photos of those who visited for a blessing to become pregnant and
as a result have sent pictures of their success. One of our travelling party received
the blessing so I will keep you posted on the outcome.
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DOCHULA PASS |
The Punakha Dzong also known as Pungtang
Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, is the administrative centre of Punakha District in
Bhutan. Here we try our hand a rafting through the ‘female ‘ river which is
considered to be the gentler of the two converging rivers – the other being the
male river – of course. A visit to the ‘Fort’ in Punakha should not be missed.
For this tour I chose a farm stay to
enhance my fellow travellers experience. Here in Phobjikha Valley which can
only be described as heaven transcending, one night is without a doubt and
experience like no other- just be prepared for a day without a shower. Living
with a local allowed us to get a true feeling in the day to day life of a
Bhutanese farmer. The endangered black neck crane said to be heavenly
emissaries or avatars of long lost ancestors comes here to nest. In a scooped
out mountain top one can see the nests perched as if defying anyone to invade
their territory.
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PUNAKHA DZONG |
Paro is the resting place for those attempting to climb to the
famous TIGERS NEST or Taktshang Goemba. Precariously perched in the side of a
cliff, it is a challenge to complete the 14 kilometre hike to the monastery. It
is however one of the most rewarding journeys we have ever made – with one exception
– that of Base Camp at Mt Everest.
I could tell you so much more about the
incredible journey but the best way to experience Bhutan is with me on one of
my tours with ENTICING BHUTAN. The next tour will be June 2018.![]() |
www.enticingbhutan.com TIGERS NEST |
Best time to visit: March to May for the cooler months and June to August for the hot summer months. enticingbhutan.com has many great journeys to Bhutan.
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