The Last Shangri-La- Bhutan......from a long time ago!!!

The Last Shangri-La- Bhutan

-          Moheindu Chemjong, 2002

If your inborn aspiration to seek something beyond the apparent emptiness of daily existence has been pushing you, you can experience heaven on earth – visit Bhutan, and so is the peace that slowly envelopes the enraptured traveler trying to absorb the majesty of the virgin, untouched surroundings. As you find out that here nature waits patiently to reveal her bounties to you, you’ll agree with me that the natural beauty of Bhutan remains unbeaten elsewhere in the globe!

Guarded by the mighty Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan was left blissfully untouched and the scared values of the Bhutanese people shrouded in isolation till the 1960s, and maybe it is because of this very reason, she still retains the kingdom where Tibetan-Buddhism is the state religion, the Bhutanese people try to protect their sacred heritage. Buddhist teachings play a significant role in their peaceful lives. Wedged between India and China, it is a land of contrasts, terrain ranging from the tropical foothills to dizzying altitudes. For a nature lover, Bhutan is a land that unfolds our imagination! Within an area of 47, 000 square kilometers, Bhutan has a miraculous variety of flora and fauna. Blue pine, spruce, oak, cyprus, juniper, blue poppy and fir color the valleys and hills. Similarly, the fauna include the Golden Langur, Must Deer, rare djfksdfj etc. Thus, wild animals jdhfjsd in the dense forests, vibrant flowers, luxuriant foliage, foamy white waterfalls and magnificient white peaks all form a pot of the scenic vistas at hand. Because of a traditional reverence the Bhutanese have for nature, the Kingdom is an excellent example of environmental preservation. In the mystery laden land of Bhutan,prayer flags flutter in the breeze  along the high ridges and wheels spin in the hands of the devotees mumbling invocations to God in the monasteries and ancient fortresses and the warm, riendly Bhutanese people make Bhutan a wonderful country. Trekkers enjoy the luxury of savoring nature walks through the high mountain passes which have only recently become accessible. The fortunate might also be able to witness archery contests, archery being the national sport of Bhutan. Bhutan also has a rich culture marked by sacred dances and religious, colorful festivals. Whether the purpose of the visit is cultural or trekking or nature-watching, travel in Bhutan is an enigma!

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan is a lovely, large valley overshadowed by high peaks. Built by the Late King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck to replace the ancient capital of Punakha. One of the places of interest is the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late King. It is a massive white structure, adorned with exquisite paintings and sculptures. Another area of interest here is the Mini-zoo which has takins, animals unique to Bhutan. A further uphill climb of about half a kilometer reaches you to the View Point from where a spectacular view of the Thimphu town can be seen. Likewise, the Indigenous Hospital built in 1978 is famous for the practice of traditional Bhutanese ayurvedic and herbal procedures. Not far from the Indigenous Hospital is the Painting School where children take courses in religious drawing and painting. The National Library has a wide variety of books including the Bhutanese and Tibetan books, manuscripts and xylographs. The Phelchey Toenkhyim, the Folk Heritage Museum inaugurated in 2001 is a must-see in Thimphu.It is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through the exhibition of artifacts used in rural households and demonstrations of rural customs, traditions, habits and skills. Four hundred years old Tashichho Dzong dominates the place and houses the Assembly Hall, the National Assembly and various other Ministries. For those who fancy taking a walk further from the main Thimphu area, there are the beautiful Simtokha Dzong, Tala Monastery and the Phajoding Monastery.

One and a half hours drive from Thimphu takes you to Paro, the most beautiful valley in Bhutan where nature’s wonders await you. On the way, willow glades, murmuring crystal clear steams, scattered hamlets ease you into a serene rhythm of Paro!Here, the Paro Chu flows south from its watershed in the Chomolhari range. Above it on a rocky outcrop of the steep hillside stands the Paro Dzong at an altitude of just over 7000 feet.This Dzong is historically Bhutan’s strongest and most strategic fortresses. Before the re-building of the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, it was also the seat of the National Assembly.As you pass the Dzong, walk down the moderate slope to the interesting looking cantilever bridge. On the hill above the Dzong stands an ancient watchtower which has been since 1967, the National Museum of Bhutan. The Museum has in its possession over 3000 works of exquisite art, covering more than one thousand five hundred years of Bhutanese cultural heritage and brings history to life.Similarly, another area of tourist interest is the Ugyen Tshering Penjor Palace, a royal residence constructed by Penlop Tshering Penjor and fashioned after the heavenly abode of the revered Shabdung Rimpoche.  he Paro Airport looks extraordinarily beautiful when viewed from the main highway.The blue river that flows just beside the Airport seems to add a touch of splendor to the whole area. Further up the valley, the Drukgyel Dzong now in ruins recalls the days when Bhutan was frequently and unsuccessfully attacked by the armies from the north. The Dzong was laid waste by fire in 1954. Across from it, like an outgrowth of the terrain itself, the gem-like Takstang Monastery clings to a sheer 3000 foot rock face. The name of this gravity-defying grand structure means literally, “The Tiger’s Nest,” an allusion to the popular legend that Padma Sambhavo flew here from Tibet on the back of a tiger. If you have extra hours, a visit to the Takstang is recommended though the last stretch of the path has a precipitous cliff.

Phuntsholing is the gateway to the forbidden world, as they say and is separated from India by a huge, grand gate made in typical Bhutanese style. The minute you enter the gate, you will immediately feel that aura of tranquility and that unhurried, easy pace. The trading centre of Bhutan, Phuntsholing is a small area with different shops which almost stand in a reactangular form of surrounding the Zangdfsd Monastery, built within a park.

For the ones who fancy hiking and trekking, Punakha and Wasdfsd are top on the list. The semi-tropical Punakha is know for its excellent climate where fruit trees flourish. A drive to DDD La Pass will give you stunning views of the high mountains of Bhutan.While in Wfsdfsd, also visit the impressive Dzong that houses the provincial monodfsj community. The Bumthang Trek is also an excellent 4-5 day trek with idyllic scenery, sdfa wick fasdf and a pass at 3,400 metres. For the hikers who can’t resist rhododendrons in bloom, the Gantey Gompa Trek is the ideal one. Jomolhai Trek takes you to the Base Camp in the lidgfa region, the place of sdfa herbs and alpine vegetations, not to forget the breathtaking close-views of the great Himalayan Pfsdfsd.

Besides enjoying nature at her best, you can also shop for some interesting souvenirs to take back here. Bamboo, RRrere and cane-work, handmade fabrics, wooden stamps and coins are recommended. Do not forget to try out Erma Ddfsd , the national dish which comprises of chilli peppers in cheese sauce, the famous Bhutanese red rice, and shodfsdf (meat patties) and yak meat if you can! If luck favours, you can witness the famous dances of Bhutan, the Black Hat Dance, Hunter and the Deer, Drummers from Dametsi, etc all fsd port of Bhutanese culture.

So, whether it is being engrossed in natural beauty of being a part of Bhutanese culture for a short while, or marveling at the splendorous architecture of Bhutan, a holiday in Bhutan will be a time you’ll never forget for you’ll have experienced bliss, you’ll have visited the last paradise on earth, itself.