Prolouge:
A night before we arrived in Phuntsholing after completing the immigration procedures, filled with anticipation for the journey ahead. Our spirits soared as we woke up to a brand new day, eager to explore the wonders of this enchanting country.
Before We Start: You may also see this episode as a visual travel story here on The Urban Nomad Youtube Channel!
While our fellow travellers were still preparing for the day, I set off to the market with our knowledgeable guide, Norbu, to get our hands on some local SIM cards. The process was a breeze, requiring only copies of our entry permits. We opted for a tourist SIM from Tashi Cell, costing us just NT 300. This fantastic deal provided us with 2 GB of data, 50 NT of talk time, and robust Tashi Cell signals that seemed to be available everywhere, even at the awe-inspiring Tigers Nest monastery!
With everything in place, our journey began! As we set foot in Bhutan, one thing became immediately apparent: the immaculate cleanliness that this country boasts. Bhutan is one of the cleanest places in the world and the only carbon-negative country, absorbing more carbon dioxide than it produces. This commitment to preserving the environment filled us with joy and admiration.
Our itinerary included visiting Karbandi Monastery, a beautiful spot near Phuntsholing. Unfortunately, we couldn’t explore its treasures from within, as they were charging an entry fee of 1000 rupees per person (now reduced to Rs500). However, Norbu assured us that grander monasteries awaited us along the way. Keep in mind that most public attractions, monuments, and museums in Bhutan require an entry fee ranging from five hundred to a thousand rupees per person. If you’re on a budget, plan your visits accordingly and prioritize your must-see sites!
As we continued our journey towards Thimphu, we made a delightful stop to purchase some fresh bananas and oranges. The locals greeted us with warmth and friendliness, making the experience all the more memorable.
As we ascended higher, the temperature dropped considerably, transforming the once sunny roads into misty and foggy pathways. We wrapped ourselves in jackets to ward off the chill, fully immersing ourselves in the breathtaking scenery of lush green valleys and majestic mountains.
The roads were very scenic as they passed through lush green valleys and beautiful mountains. We stopped by to see the iconic Cukha Hydle powerplant from a distance! I remember reading about this joint venture in school! Do remember, the roads are beautiful but winding and those having motion sickness may have problems. So do carry motion sickness medicines!
Our lunch break took us to Divine Midway Restaurant in Chhukha. This delightful eatery offered panoramic views of the valley, especially if you chose to sit on the balcony. Although I had a slight headache and lost my appetite, I found comfort near the cosy heater, engaging in casual conversations with the locals. Others said the food and service were very good! So if you are travelling towards Thimphu from Phuntsholing I can recommend this restaurant Divine Midway.
With satisfied bellies, we resumed our adventure, and fate led us to a group of bikers near a captivating waterfall. They had travelled all the way from Hyderabad! We wished them luck and bid them farewell as we continued our way to Thimphu.
But did not miss doing vlogging and photoshoots on the famous Tanalung Bridge! Norbu told us Will Smith did bungee jumping from here while he was shooting for some documentary! It was so deep that just looking at the river from the bridge is enough to give you cold feet!
As we approached Thimphu, the daylight was dimming! And the road started to run along the Wang Chu River! The sight of the hills, valley and river was absolutely magical under the twilight! We stopped to get some pictures and absorb some positive energy!
The chill in the air urged us to find warmth, leading us to one of the cosy tea stalls lining the streets.
These places have cosy interiors and traditional wood-fired heaters ( they call it Bukhara and I believe in Kasmir they have the same!). I wholeheartedly recommend making a stop at these stalls while exploring Bhutan—their warmth, both in atmosphere and people, is unmatched.
Our travel agent Tashi ( of Amedewa Tours and Treks) booked Hotel Gakyil in Thimphu! We had a very nice and comfortable state there for the next two days! The room was spacious and comfortable with nice beds and room heaters! The staffs are very friendly and hospitable, they welcomed us with a nice hot cup of tea!
The hotel is right next to the clock tower which is the city centre of Thimphu! There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops within walking distance. If you are visiting Thimphu, Hotel Gakyil could be a very good option to stay!
The hotel had a restaurant, but we decided to go out and try some local restaurants!
But before that, we went to the open-air theatre near the clock tower to watch the grand finale of the Voice of Bhutan! The mesmerizing performances of Bhutanese music and dance left us in awe of the talent and cultural richness this country possesses.
For dinner, we found ourselves at The Rice Bowl Restaurant & Bar, tantalising our taste buds with delectable dishes at reasonable prices. Eager to try the national dish of Bhutan, Ema Datsi (chilli cheese), I savoured every bite of its delightful flavours. It was truly a memorable culinary experience!
As the temperature dipped to -1 degree Celsius, our companions decided to retreat to the hotel. However, I couldn’t resist the allure of Thimphu’s near-empty streets at night. Armed with my camera, I strolled through the enchanting city, capturing its essence through vlogs and revelling in the serene ambience. The stillness of the city, with closed shops and a limited number of cars and people, created an extraordinary feeling. It was a unique contrast to my usual busy city nights spent on work calls until 10 PM.
After my nocturnal adventure, I returned to the comfort of the hotel, ready to call it a day. Excitement filled my heart as I looked forward to the next day, filled with exploration and the discovery of Thimphu’s renowned tourist attractions. Stay tuned, dear readers, as we continue our exhilarating journey through the vibrant landscapes of Bhutan!
Until then, keep your spirits high and embrace the beauty of travel!
Note: Stay tuned for the next part of our Bhutan travel series!
The Urban Nomad 