Paro Valley (Elev 2280m) is one hour west of Thimphu and is my last stop in Bhutan. Several treks begin in or near Paro. The charming small town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro Chhu (river). My two-hour hike today started from where I am staying at Uma, Paro – up along the forested hillside of a narrow path to Zuri Dzong and slight downhill to the National Museum.
Back thru Dochu La
Retracing our steps through the Inner Himalayan mountains and Dochu La (3,140m) pass and Thimphu to reach Paro. It snowed up in the mountains the day prior and the roads were just opened. The roads were still a bit treacherous and in many areas, we had to wait on one side of the road as it had room for only one vehicle at a time.
Punakha
One of the reasons I visited Bhutan this time of the year is to catch the Punakha Domchoe Festival. Part of the difference with other Domchoe festivals is that of the dramatic recreation of a 17th century battle scene of a Tibetan army invading Bhutan and eventually withdrawing. Quite unfortunate as it was raining today – but the “show” went on, albeit with less crowd in attendance. It was held at Punakha Dzong, a postcard perfect dzong that is serenely monastic. Built in 1637, this is the winter home of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and is the venue for…
Kuzuzangbo la
That’s “hello” in Dzongkha, the official language of Bhutan. It took me some time to learn it. I say goodbye to the surreal and ethereal Punakha Valley today (and the stunning Uma by COMO,Punakha lodge that I stayed at for three nights) as I travel to Paro through Thimphu. The UMA by COMO lodge is by no exaggeration a slice of heaven. Genuinely warm, thoughtful and friendly service, subtle but gorgeous architecture and the excellent food served. The hotel even packs my lunch for my daily outings. And did I mention the breathtaking views?
Thimphu
The 50-year old capital of Bhutan with a population of 100,000. The high mountain pass of Dochu La at 3,140 m high on the way to Punakha. It’s a 3-hour drive through a zig-zagging road through the mountains.
Bhutan
Often referred to as “The Last Shangri-la”, Bhutan (meaning the Land of the Thunder Dragon) is a Himalayan kingdom with a population of 700,000 people and landlocked between Tibet, China and India. Only the national airline, Druk Air, flies into the international airport at Paro, where all landings and take off are by visual flight rules, which means that the pilot must be able to see the runway before landing. First stop on the way to Thimphu is the Tamchhu Lhakhang, a temple accessible only through an iron suspension bridge.
Bangkok
Sawadee! After a 15.5 hour flight to Hong Kong and connecting to another 2.25 hour flight – I arrive in the “Land of Thousand Smiles” — Thailand. As I exit Customs, I see a man holding a sign with my last name and flight number. I approached him as I have arranged for a car to take me to my hotel in the city centre. After he welcomes me, he tells me that he is ready to take me to Pattaya, which is a beach city on the eastern seaboard that is around two hours away! After much discussion (and…
Go!
The 10,000+ mile journey begins…
Set
Beautiful as it may be, I am all set to leave Toronto.
Toronto
From sunny California, I return to the cold of Toronto – where snow has turned to slush.
where's gary 