It was one I will remember for a long time

Hi Sonam,

A recent trip to Bhutan also known as the ’Land of the Thunder Dragon’ was a memorable experience for me although the trip was merely just a week; it was one I will remember for a long time. My first few days were spent in the capital city of Thimphu, a bustling small town filled with handicraft shops, government buildings and delicious eateries to fill your empty stomachs. Trekking my first activity for the trip. It was a walk up the mountain to see one of the oldest monasteries in the capital. I was fascinated in the way the locals and monks meditated by walking around the vicinity. More eye catching was the way they had to turn these pray wheels which was carved with scripture passages in a clockwise manner to complete their meditations.

My accommodation in the capital city was the Peaceful Resort tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city into a peaceful forested area up in the hills. I guess thats how they got the name of their hotel!. The locals that worked there were extremely friendly and courteous even going the extra mile by providing me with some locally produced fruits while waiting for my friends to pick me up.

I thoroughly enjoyed dinner on my first night. I had it a bar cum restaurant in the city called Zest Bar & Lounge. The local beer, Druk 1100 was on the menu complementing the savory chicken drumsticks which I had.

The next couple of days took me on a mesmerizing road trip through the mountain ranges, which lasted for 2 days, which finally took us to the centre of the country into the countryside town of Bumthang. The drive was definitely one that will stay with me forever, driving along winding unpaved roads, slowly maneuvering our way past livestock which shares the same road as us and not being able to watch where we were heading because of the thick fogs in front of us. The place we stayed for 2 nights was owned by a former governor of the town. The visit to this town took us to perhaps the oldest monasteries in the country, a ’burning lake’ which was said to have held treasures beneath it and to a cheese factory which locals love a lot!.

I had the opportunity to stay in some of the extravagant hotels around in the country and one, which stood out, was the Taj Tashi in the capital city. The level of service extended by the staff was outstanding indeed. The room consists of a king size bed,a bathroom which was split with a bathtub on one side and the shower facilities on the opposite. A balcony was included to give you a serene view of the city when you wake up. Breakfast that morning had a variety of international and local cuisine which will suit anyone’s taste buds.

Before leaving the country, I had an opportunity to ride a horse to see the famous Tiger’s Nest which derived its name from a saint who flew up there on the back of a tiger!

Overall, though my trip was a short one, I would definitely return to this landlocked country which is blessed which so much beauty & natural wonder, food that will get you sweating for more and the smiles of peoples faces which will leave an imprint in your minds.