Category Archives: 2024:India & Bhutan

Back to Kolkata ..

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We made it back to Kolkata half an hour before the planned arrival time; immigration and customs were quick (well – for most) and we were soon picked up for the transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day was in our hands.

Together with two fellow travelers I was now on a quest for a traditional High Tea. Unfortunately the go-to-place for that – the Oberoi Grand – was closed for renovation, so our destination was another high-end luxury hotel with an attached tea lounge. It took as more than an hour to walk the 3.5km, first following Park Street (passing by the seat of the archbishop) and then through the market along Chowringee Road – what a culture shock after our quiet time in Bhutan. When we arrived at the hotel, we were quick to realize that the tea lounge had survived only in name – and not as a place for a traditional cuppa with cucumber sandwiches and scones. A bit disappointed we gave the hotel’s restaurant a go – had a cup of tea along with some sandwiches – followed by cake in the hotel’s bakery … essentially a DIY High Tea. This was all washed down with a nice local orangy Gin & Tonic, before we hit a taxi, to get back to our hotel.

We left Kolkata in the early morning of the next day for our flight back home.
This has been another great trip, a great itinerary, an superb group and outstanding tour leaders – combined with the best weather, natural beauty all along and fabulous views. A clear recommendation!

Bye-bye Bhutan – Flying the Dragon

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Today we were leaving Bhutan, flying out on Druk Air’s ATR42-600 back to Kolkata and back to the hustle and bustle of India. As we took off (half an hour before schedule) and gained altitude there were great views of Paro Valley and – later on in the flight – of some of the giants of the Himalaya.

Bonus temple: Kyichu Lhakhang

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We made it back to town in the early afternoon – and in time for a late lunch. From the restaurant it was on to a bonus temple: Kyichu Lhakhang.

This temple is truly ancient, the first one in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century. This was probably one of the more atmospheric temples on the trip – and it certainly helped that this one was fairly busy with locals going by their religious rituals. While we had the usual guided tour, the real enjoyable piece here was to just soak in and enjoy the atmosphere.

From Zhong to Town

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After our visit to Rinpung Zhong we had a short walk, following the stairs downhill towards the river. A short side trip got us to Hungrel Gyem Lhakhang, another (smaller) temple next to the river. From here we continued to and across the Nyamai Zam Footbridge – with great views of Paro Zhong from the other side.

After a quick visit to Kaja Throm Market and checking out the festivities at Druk Choeding Lhakhang (the Buddhist temple close to Paro’s city center), we finally made our way to the hotel North of the city center.

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

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We had a very early morning today, as there was the long drive to Punakha – a distance of about 200km – ahead of us. We were now heading back the same way that we had come in two days before – so, there were only limited stops along the way. We reached Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang Dzong around midday – and had a quick tour of this dzong – that sits nicely on top of a cliff overlooking the valley and offering great views. The dzong was originally built in 1638 – but did burn down in 2012, the re-building only finished in 2022 (now with proper firefighting equipment in place).