Hotel Druk Phuntsholing

... that tourism is an important means of achieving socio-economic development. It also recognizes that tourism, by encouraging travel to other countries, can promote understanding among people and build closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles. There are, however, problems associated with tourism which, if not controlled, can have devastating and irreversible impacts on the environment ...

Phuntsholing is the entry point to Bhutan. We arrived quite late at night and well beyond the time when the Bhutanese immigration could accept us. I had not many problems because I have an Indian passport and in actuality I do not even require a passport. Stayed the night at a hotel after our guide and the driver from Sakten Tours and Travels had come to pick us up.

Our incredible adventure continues, with so many treasures along the way. So many Dzongs to mention. All so distinctive and unique unto themselves. We feel like we are the only tourists as we barely see any. Off in just a few to start our trek up into the Himalayas; with Guide, chef, pack horses and a Dining tent and Outhouse to boot! I have to see this! Hope to post again from Paro - our last stop in 5 days @ the Gentry Palace.

... Kameng flowed along with us . It had just snowed. All of a sudden, it was white all around. Snow,ice and clouds - all around. A frozen lake , snow clad mountains wrapped in a valley of clouds was all we could see till we came to a gate guarded by dragons with bright coloured flags fluttering all around. We were at Sella Pass , where history and ...

The strike had impacted our travel plans so we had to make the journey from Darjeeling to Phuentsholing in one day. We reached Siliguri, where we had to catch the bus to Bhutan in good time but unfortunately the 12.00pm bus was full and we had to endure a 2 hour wait for the next one in the stifling heat. On the way the bus had an accident with a passing truck which took off our wing mirror. A huge argument ensued between the bus and truck driver with the whole bus and half ...

... Plains. We stopped for lunch in Siliguri on the way and at the same time got some money out of a cashpoint machine. Phub was a bit excited about this as he had never seen an ATM working before and was astounded that it gave us some money (so was I actually). Next day, after some immigration formalities we went to the football ground to see the 'March Past' in honour ...

... a bit rough as she picked up a cold after the trek, and slept most of the way to Wangdue Phodrang. At Wangdue we took a turning off to Punakha Dzong which has recently been renovated using the traditional arts and crafts. The temple in the Dzong is completely amazing with giant statues of Lord Buddha, Guru Rimpoche and Shabdrang Rimpoche. The huge temple has been hand painted and was totally awesome. Then back on our way to Thimphu ...

... flags adorning the mountain sky line, friendly people in bright traditional costumes mixed with the crimson-robed monks - a culture that is reminiscent of Tibet yet so uniquely its own. At the same time, English is widely spoken and one can have 'bizarre' sightings of computers in the administrative quarters of the dzongs, the massive white fortress-like monasteries-cum-administration ...