Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) & the Land of the Thunder Dragon

[Fifa]

Accommodation in an apple orchard on the outskirts of Paro

On our last evening in Bhutan our hosts arranged a spectacular private cultural show around a bonfire where everyone joined in the singing and dancing followed by a superb farewell dinner.
We were also joined by the families of our hosts, driver and guides - what a special memory!

 

[Major]

The major crops are red rice and maize.
Red rice is served with all meals and when cooked is a pale pink colour.

There was a large choice of fruit and vegetables available and grown locally, which we were surprised about considering the elevation of Bhutan.

Thanks for that...quite amazing.

 

[drron]

Unfortunately think we have left it too late.mobility has dropped off dramatically-hopefully will improve with surgery.But do they have 4 legged transport to some of the temples etc.

Also mrsdrron doesn't do chilli and she has read that it is invariably served-are there adequate non chilli dishes?

 

[Maca44]

Great TR. A picture says a thousand words.

 

[Fifa]

Unfortunately think we have left it too late.mobility has dropped off dramatically-hopefully will improve with surgery.But do they have 4 legged transport to some of the temples etc.

Also mrsdrron doesn't do chilli and she has read that it is invariably served-are there adequate non chilli dishes?

drron - I encourage you to visit no matter how mobile you are...

Tour companies in Bhutan are regulated by the government and it isn't much more expensive for a private tour for two people (with a guide AND driver) than for a larger group like ours. The tour can be tailor made so you can do as little or as much walking as you like. Just let them know your requirements before you go. You don't have to lift your bags or suitcases either - they are delivered to your room on arrival and collected from outside your door while you have breakfast the next day

Yes there were ponies available to transport you half way to Tigers Nest but it was then a fairly strenuous walk. I'm not too sure where else they are available though.




There is no need to worry about the chili. It is true that the Bhutanese eat lots of chilies with every meal (including breakfast) but if there was one thing I was disappointed about, it was that the food was prepared for westerners' tastes - I would have liked more Bhutanese and Indian delicacies. But, there was always a bowl of creamy chillies next to the choice of dishes for those who desired a 'kick!

 

[Fifa]

Our final day arrived and we were sad to say goodbye to our wonderful Bhutanese hosts who were now our friends...

Loading our bags on the bus for the trip to Paro Airport

I think most of our group wished the weather would delay our Druk Air flight the following morning but the day was perfect and we took off down the valley, climbed steeply and wove around the surrounding mountains before finally flying over the border. I was hoping we would be boarding the other A319 but alas, I cannot claim to say I have flown on the entire Druk Air fleet!







Paro Terminal

 

[Fifa]

 

[Fifa]

Morning tea


The approach to Guwahati Aiport, India

 

[Fifa]

A brief stop was made at the Indian city of Guwahati then lunch was served before finally landing at Bangkok where we spent a night.





Lunch

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Enjoyed reading your TR. Loved the photos, thanks for sharing. I really wanted to go to Bhutan until I read two books ( both by american women who lived there) who talked about the food - chillis with EVERY meal !! But then again I dont do "altitude" either - I turned blue when we went up the mountain in Quito.

I was interested to know what sort of arts and crafts were you seeing for sale ?

Ann

 

[Fifa]

I was interested to know what sort of arts and crafts were you seeing for sale ?

Arts and crafts included beautiful brightly coloured rugs and cushion covers, many made with yak wool, amazing fabric, masks, basketware, carvings, woven purses and bags, gorgeous little silver containers with lids adorned with coloured stones and jewellery.

We were surprised by the diversity and took home lots of unexpected goodies!

 

[Fifa]

Bhutan certainly exceeded all our expectations and our trip will be one that we will remember and cherish forever. Our guides and drivers were experts on everything in their country from knowing the names of birds, animals and plants to the country’s history and politics. Their explanations about Buddhism were fascinating, they were happy to share their lives with us and they all had a great sense of humour.


Buddha at Thimpu


Yak wool tent

 

[Fifa]

Bhutan Gayul Tours have certainly done their research and understand their clients’ needs - I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for an unforgettable, one in a lifetime adventure to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Tashi delek





Grey Langur

 

[Sprucegoose]

Fantastic FIFA, thnxs for sharing!!

 

[Fifa]

Fantastic FIFA, thnxs for sharing!!

It was a pleasure!

 

[JohnK]

Great trip report Fifa! Some wonderful scenery.

Thanks for sharing....

 

[JohnSydney2000]

Hi fifa and +1
I must say, this is a wonderful trip report covering a part of the world very few of us get to. I am very jealous. Your photos are gorgeous and I love your travel writing style - it makes your travels very vivid for this reader. Thank you very much. John.