Hotel Taktsang Thimphu

... are controlled by a pricing policy. This pricing policy means that tourists must Travel to Bhutan on a package tour, organized by Bhutanese tour operators (foreign travel agents are not allowed to operate in Bhutan). The whole itinerary, whether it be a cultural tour, trekking or a mixture of both, is organized by the tour operator. The fully inclusive price set by the government is presently US$200 per day, per person. Of this tariff ...

Bhutan Travel with Tashi Gongphel Tours arrange a wide range of tours and visits to
suit different needs and interests, we provide tours on Culture, Treks,
Textiles, Festivals, Flora & Fauna, Bird watching, Religious Tours,
Biking and other adventures.
We will also design a farmhouse visit or home stay so that our
guests can experience an authentic Bhutanese lifestyle firsthand. This
is based on ...

... of fertility, by a 12 year old monk who whispered some prayers and lightly beat us over the head with several wooden and stone falluses of various shapes and sizes. We are now to expect a son, and his name is apparently Kinsley Wangchuck. If we want to change it or have a daughter, we have to come back to Bhutan to do so. Sounds like a good way to get repeat tourism flourishing. Our time in the warmer climes of Bhutan was brief, and it was back to Paro the following day to climb ...

... machine, and oven. These are all things absent in typical Indian life. I had Sangay take me to the Weekend Market today (which amusingly starts on Thursdays) and I was shocked at the plentifulness of their fruits and vegetables. Southern Bhutan even grows oranges and Pineapples! And the fruit was SOOOOO fresh - not only to taste, but also to look at. The good presented by farmers were really, completely bruise-free and delicately stacked in traditional ...

... and doors, and most have terrific hand painted colors all over. Even the dogs here are different from India - there are stray dogs, but they're cute and fluffy and enjoyably pet-able (is that a word?). There aren't many around, but I've seen a few fluffy puppies that are super cute. Furthermore, people do feed the dogs here so they are also well nourished. Average income is $700 a year, though in larger cities it's more like $2000 a year. No one stares at me ...

... comfortable and having a great view of the field and the royal stands. We spent about 4 hours in the stadium, watching the military processions and marching band, the children's dance routine and a couple of colourful, spectacular dances by groups of monks, including the amazing dance of the black hats - quite something, and a must-see for the amazing moves and beautiful outfits. With a deep sunburn setting in (at least on one ...

... and timing. Locating the tiny Royal Druk Airlines counter at Terminal 1 was no easy feat. We were directed in the opposite direction at least once, and stood in line at a counter that never opened before being led - finally - to the Druk counter. The biggest concern here was the weight of our packs - make that MY pack - as I likely tipped the scales at about 21Kilos or 46 Lbs, which is over the strictly enforced limit. Thankfully, no ...

... of the temple whilst waiting for it to be opened, and once done, it was your usual fare. It is a pity that no photos are allowed as there were some impressive ones. Oh well, you will all just have to come here for yourselves !!! Once we had finished, we drove back to Paro. whilst driving, I asked our guide why independent tourists were not allowed in, and he told me that Bhutan's motto was, low in volume, high in value. I ...

... of western products and the massive amount of packaging that accompanies these goods was transforming the landscape for the worse. Two reasons that were given for the accumulation were an increased flux of tourists onto a limited number of trails and the fact that locals are not ingrained with the notion that litter is destroying their cash cow of tourism. There is plenty that can be done to ensure that trekking in this part of the world remains ...

... smaller houses, more of a country side feeling even though there were nothing really growing at this time. I walked around and only saw a few animals, many friendly people talked to me and some young boys helped me find my way back. Everywhere in Bhutan you can see vertical prayer flags. I didn't know until then that the white ones are put up to protect the deceased spirits. There are also a lot of prayer wheels activated by a small water current. For once ...