Thimphu The Paradise Capital City of BHUTAN

Bhutan in my own personal experience is a land of Serenity, Peace, Tranquility, Knowledge, Spirituality and a Healthy Social Culture. United we stand, Aspiring we are, these words do fit the humbled, harmonious country and the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan. A Nation that is united, cultured, humbled, loving, welcoming, beautiful and simply liveable. Thimphu, Paro, Phunaka, and Bhumtang are the most popular destinations in Bhutan. Phunaka was the old time capital of Bhutan 30 years ago before the Royal King decided to establish Thimphu as the New Capital.

Just Imagine a Nation smaller than our State of Punjab, is so much in sync and harmony. Bhutan is called as the land of the Thunder Dragon. It is a land of Spiritual Bliss, Solitude and has some amazing cultural Balance.

Unique Words on Bhutan:

The whole environment in Bhutan is very much charged and is engaging. Bhutanese Royal Kingdom focuses on the GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS (GNH) not GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT (GNP). This means that all the major decisions taken by the Kingdom are in larger consent with the Public. The Kingdom and the Bhutanese administration prioritize public interest and happiness. They want that something that will make the larger population unhappy will not be a right step to take. The public is first. It’s a Pro Public Nation that believes to live Together, Progress together and as equals live in Extreme Harmony.

The young and visionary Royal King of Bhutan His Highness Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has continued the legacy of the past Kings, in maintaining Harmony and engineering the Nation towards economic Development. The King is like a Godfather to all the citizens of Bhutan. As a father, takes care of the needs of his children and his family, similarly the same is done by the King for its people and the living community. Time to time. He has provided amazing Infrastructure, organized development, and has done some meticulous structuring of the country's landscapes. Especially in Thimphu, there are very well allocated spaces for Markets, Sports Activities, Education, Health, Agriculture, Institutions, Leisure, and Government Infrastructure etc.

My Personal Visit Story on Reaching Thimphu:

I would like to share my real-time travel experience and stay at Thimphu, Bhutan.
It was Ending June I decided to travel by train to the North East India, there were quite faded thoughts on a possibility to travel to the neighbouring country, Bhutan. But while I was at Kalimpong, West Bengal, I realized that I had the time and funds to spare 6-7 days for Bhutan or Nepal. Since flying by air was expensive, I took a State Transport Bus from Kalimpong to Jaigaon. It took me 5 hours and the ticket cost was Rs. 140.Jaigaon is a busy border city of India to Bhutan. Once you reach Jaigaon, you can easily walk inside the first city of Bhutan from Jaigaon, Phuentsholing.

Phuentsholing is the place you need to take a permit/visa to live in Bhutan. It took me 1 hour to acquire a permit from the Immigration Office. I got a permit as a Tourist for 1 week. In case I was to extend my trip, I can do it locally at Thimphu Immigration Office for another 7 days. So from Phuentsholing, it took me 5 hours to reach Thimphu by a Local Bus. Since it was already 5 pm, I decided to take a budget Hotel in Phuentsholing. After Lodging in, I went to the local Bus Stand and Booked my advance Ticket for The Capital, Thimphu. it cost me Rs 207 for a nice front seat in a mini Toyota Bus.

The Journey is through Hills, roads are excellent and views are mesmerizing. Though there are a lot of Hair Pin Bends, if your Driver is a patient one, he can really make your journey delightful. From Phuentsholing to Thimphu it’s 173 Km. There was one main stop midway at local ABC Hotel, where I had my first Bhutanese Meal. It was a delight to eat something Non-Spicy that Included Rice and Veg Momos along with a Bhutanese style Dal. Later by evening I was at Thimphu and checked into my hotel that had in store for me a warm smiling welcome.

THIMPHU:

Thimphu is the main city, is a limelight destination for Bhutanese as well as tourists from all parts of the World do not miss Thimphu. It’s the Climate of Thimphu that makes you feel to live in Thimphu forever.

Indian Rupee is widely accepted in Bhutan. One Indian Rupee is equal to 1 Bhutanese Ngultrum. Shopping is quite comfortable in Bhutan. You will get quality in almost every consumer item you buy. Medical facilities are available all over Thimphu. For Locals Medical attention is free of Cost.

Thimphu has a very organized infrastructure; you have shops and hotels in the main city. You have Sports Centers, National Stadium slightly out of the main Downtown. You have the Coronation Park Next to the Stadium; Coronation Park is a major Highlight for locals and Tourists. It has a massive Statue of Lord Buddha. The park is alongside a beautiful River that flows through the entire City.

The Main Dzong is just 3-4 km's of a walk from the downtown area. The Dzong is main Administrative Headquarters of the Royal Bhutanese Government.

The vegetable and fruits market is located on the outskirts of the downtown. The market is highly neat and clean and is extremely organized with various sections. You will have a section for home grown veggies separate and for Farm Fresh veggies separate. Asparagus and Carrots are two highlight veggies that you will see all over Bhutan. Both are great for health anyway.

Night Life:

You can walk freely in Bhutan up to 11 pm at night, Bhutanese people are early risers and sleep early at Night. You can visit the MOJO CAFÉ for some Live Music and band and sip Coffee and refreshments. Space 34 is another Joint where mostly youngsters hang out. In Bhutan Smoking is illegal.

A cup of good Coffee in Thimphu would cost 40 Rs. And a Tea Cup will cost anywhere between 30-40 Rs. One can have a good meal in Thimphu in Just Rs.1200 per person. A Hotel Stay can be done from Rs. 700 to 10000. Hotels are very hospitable and hygienic.

For Net Surfers, you have ample Internet Cafes which charge at Rs. 50 per hour approx.

There are local Cinema Halls that play Bhutanese Movies only.

BY Air:

Druk Air: Delhi to Paro Airport, Bhutan: Approx. 250 minutes non-stop Flight.

DRUK Air is the National Airlines of Bhutan and is the monopoly airline in Bhutan.

By Road from Chandigarh:

Is 1853 km. Takes an overnight journey approx. 30 hrs through New Delhi, UP, Bihar West Bengal.

By Train :

New Delhi to New Jalpaiguri and New Jalpaiguri to Hasimara.

From Hasimara its 30 minutes drive to Phuentsholing, which is Bhutan's Border Town.

Best Season to visit Bhutan:

April & October.

In both these months, there are local festivals that attract high foreign tourists. It’s a real insight one gets into the Culture and Social Life of Bhutanese People.

Popular Bhutanese Dishes: Thupka, Momos, Bathup, Suja (Butter Tea, a Local Bhutanese Delicacy).

Local Dresses: Kira is the National Dress for women in Bhutan and Kho is the national dress for Men in Bhutan.

Natives: Bhutanese, Nepalis, and Hindus.

National Language: Dzongkha is the National Language. People are very fluent in English and Hindi.

National Animal: Takin.

National Tree: Cypress

Luxury Hotels: Taj Tashi, Hotel Pedling.

Cafes: Ambient café

This capital city is the most intriguing destination and the travel experience will leave you feeling enriched and rejuvenated.