By Judy McEuen, Travel Writer
THIMPU, Bhutan, – Bhutan (Druk Yul in Bhutanese, which means the Land of the Thunder Dragon) is nothing less than a land of magic.
A landlocked country bordered by India and Tibet, the Kingdom of Bhutan is located at the eastern end of the towering Himalayas. The large number of ancient temples and monasteries dotting the Kingdom reflect the strong spirituality that is physically palpable in the Kingdom. It is no wonder that it has been rated the happiest country in Asia and the eighth-happiest in the world.
The little towns of Bhutan, which are made to be explored on foot, offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere which you will be hard-pressed to find disturbed by the alien sounds of a roaring traffic. Exploring them on foot will allow you to peek into the nooks and crannies of this enchanting country and will lead you to secluded temple spots so beautiful they will take your breath away.
First stop – Thimpu
Your first stop should be Thimpu, the bustling – for Bhutan at least – capital of the Kingdom. It is located on the banks of the Wang Chu River. Walking around Thimpu is child’s play.
The city’s places of interest are all within easy walking distance of each other – in fact you will not have to walk more than five miles to see such sites as the Thimphu Dzong, the seat of government and the headquarters of the clergy, the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the National Library, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum and the Handicrafts Emporium.
A short drive from Thimpu, along the Thimpu Valley, will take you to the entrance of Jigme Dorij National Park at which a three mile walk with an elevation gain of 750 feet will bring you to a hanging wooden bridge that crosses the Thimphu Chu River. Ahead is the modest monastery complex of
Cheri Goemba , built on the year 1620.
Scattered around the Cheri Goemba, which is set on a hill overlooking the Thimphu Valley, are meditation huts, mini temples and shrines where monks and their apprentices spend most of their time.
On your second day take a long 80 mile drive to the glacial valley of Gangtey Gompa. On your way, stop by the
Dochula Pass for a fantastic view of the mountains, especially on a cloudless day. When you rach the Gangtey Gompa, at over 10,000 feet, you’ll find the enchanting valley of Phobjikha where the 17th century monastery of Gangtey is located.
During the summer the valley is also home to the endangered species Black-necked cranes. Locally known as the “birds of heaven”, they are considered holy by the locals. Above the Gangtey Valley is the Pelila Pass at over 11,400 feet. You’ll pass by a logging trail followed by a cattle trail through open meadows until you reach the ridge’s end where a spectacular 360-degree view of the Himalayas awaits you.
Divine Madman
Next to Gangtey is the fertile valley of Punakha where Chimi Lakhang or the
Temple of the Divine Madman , Lama Drukpa Kinley, can be found. Lama Drukpa Kinley is one of the most beloved saints of Bhutan. He displayed outrageous behavior and utilized humor to convey his teachings to the people, thus the nickname “madman.”
Finally, end your tour at the town of Paro but make sure to pass by the famous Royal Botanical Garden first, where you may be graced by a glimpse of the rare Red Panda. Follow the trail to the west to arrive at Dochula Pass then drive to the picturesque town of Paro, home to hundreds of myths and legends and Buhtan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Explore this charming little town and soak in its beautiful lovely sceneries before you finally take your return flight.
