Meet Jaskaran Bir Singh, an MBA student and travel fanatic, who took a trip to Bhutan this October. Holding a strong passion for exploring new places, he decided to go on a 6-day long adventure with four of his friends. He booked his holiday via TravelTriangle and it cost (including hotels, sightseeing, and cabs) him a total of INR 45,000.
Travel has always been very close to my heart. Having journeyed extensively across the country, my biggest adventure was when I traveled from Chandigarh to Coimbatore. A similar vibe from the Bhutan’s famous Tiger’s Nest Trek attracted me to the destination.
When I introduced the idea of a trip to my friends, everyone jumped at the opportunity. The weather was perfect for traveling as well. From what I’d previously known, the culture and beauty of Bhutan seemed incredibly refreshing and exciting. We’d been to Darjeeling and Gangtok together, thus, Bhutan fit perfectly into the progression of things.
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Day 1: Thimphu – Getting the feel of the country
Our train arrived at the New Alipurduar Railway Station in the morning. We then headed to Jaigaon, which is the last point on the Indian Territory. Formalities such as permit and visa took us about five hours.
After sorting all the details, we finally began our journey to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. We checked into our hotel, Hotel Welcome at 11.30 pm in the night.
Suggested Read: 9 Compelling Reasons To Plan A Trip To Bhutan While Autumn Lasts
Day 2: Thimphu – Exploring the mesmerizing capital
After breakfast at the hotel, we made our way for the Thimphu sightseeing tour. We visited various historical sights such as the Dzong Museum, the Takin Zoo, monasteries and the Buddha Point. This gave us a true insight into the Bhutanese culture, making our day all the more enjoyable.
In the evening, we explored the city by ourselves. We spent time shopping in the street markets around and visited the amphitheater at the Clock Tower. We also tried the local cuisine, which was turned out to be absolutely delicious. The best dishes were Ema Datshi (chilies in cheese) and Kewa Datshi (potatoes in cheese) with rice.
Suggested Read: 15 Vibrant And Colorful Festivals In Bhutan One Must Witness In 2022!
Day 3: Paro – Sightseeing and leisure
Post breakfast, we checked out of our hotel and drove to Paro, another major city in Bhutan. The city was visually stunning and consisted of beautiful sceneries and great hotels.
On our arrival into Paro, we started with a visit to the Drukgyal Dzong – a fortress and Buddhist monastery, which is 10 km from the city. During the city sightseeing tour, we also saw various important monuments in Paro like the Dzong – the temporal and administrative headquarters of the city.
The evening was free of any pre-planned activity and was spent in leisure. We shopped around the local markets and also tried out a Gho and Kira, the ethnic wear of Bhutan. Dinner was enjoyed with the local wines and Bhutanese grain whiskey, K-5.
Suggested Read: Reasons Why You Lose A Lot If You Miss Out On Bhutan Travel Experience!
Day 4: Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Trek) – The mesmerizing trek to the monastery
This was the day all of us had eagerly been waiting for through the trip. It was time for the most awaited trek to Tiger’s Nest. The actual name for the place is Paro Taktsang, which is a Buddhist monastery located on the upper cliffs of Paro.
The three-hour trek was all that we had hoped for and more. Filled with adventure, the entire journey was thrilling. The view from the top was absolutely mesmerizing as well. We were pleased to see how there were horses available at the beginning of the trek to carry the elderly till the halfway point.
We returned back to our hotel at 3 pm and the time was spent resting and taking off the exhaustion from the trek. The evening was relaxed and we explored and enjoyed the local culture of the city.
Suggested Read: 6 Picturesque Destinations For Honeymoon In Bhutan
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Day 5: Bidding farewell to the happy country and its people
It was our last day in the land of beauty, Bhutan. With a heavy heart and some amazing memories, we checked out of our hotel and headed back to Jaigaon. The six-hour drive on the beautiful roads of the country was serene and enjoyable Our trip came to an end as we boarded our train back to Kolkata from New Alipurduar Railway Station.
Although there was slight mismanagement with the arrangement of the trip in the beginning, we did not let it waiver our spirit to travel. My first trip to Bhutan exceeded my expectations. The people of the country are just as beautiful as the place itself. They treat tourists as family and have minimal interest in business gains. The lip-smacking food just added to the entire experience. I loved Bhutan and its happy vibe.
Suggested Read: Visit These 53 Tourist Places In Bhutan In 2022 To Change Your Worldview
Having recently bought a Royal Enfield, this trip to Bhutan laid the foundation for my upcoming travel diaries. It instilled a positive vibe in me and has made me realize that there is no such thing as a dream destination, but a dream journey. I strive to achieve my dream journey now and look forward to the challenges and the stories that will make it worthwhile. My desire to go on a cross-country backpacking trip from Leh to Kanyakumari doesn’t seem far now.
Wow Moments: The people were warm and incredibly welcoming. Dishes like Ema Datshi and Kewa Datshi were just fabulous. I also loved the Wai Wai noodles. The Takin Wine is a must try for every wine lover! Lastly, I was very impressed by the clean country and its roads.
Low Moments: The trip was planned last minute, so there was a lot of hassle in getting the bookings done.
Tips: Explore the local culture and cuisine. Interact with the people of the country. Even if you’re backpacking, keep your accommodation plans handy. Must try the treks available around Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
Further Read: Bali Vacation: A Trip That Strengthened Our Bond As Friends
Discover the best of nature in Bhutan just like Jaskaran Bir Singh and his friends, and unravel all the hidden gems of Bhutan. Spend the happiest days of your life exploring the scenic beauty of Bhutan and interacting with the locals on your trip to Bhutan. Make sure you make lifetime memories by visiting these places and tell us about your experiences once you’re back.
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