Phuntsho Pelri Hotel Thimphu

... traditional arts and crafts of<br>Bhutan. The Institute has recently started to take in international<br>students as well.<br><br>Visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest<br>fortress in the kingdom). Enjoy dinner at a restaurant, or in Hotel,<br>based on your preferences. Overnight in Thimphu.<br>Day 02: Thimphu&#8211; Punakha. <br>After<br>breakfast you will drive to Punakha which is approximate 65 Km/2hrs.30<br>mins drive, with a stop for tea at Dochula (3,100 m), where on a ...

... actually gets to the host country is very small. In Bhutan, tour operators are given the chance to receive revenue directly from the price of the holiday, and the Bhutanese people receive an income from the tourists by way of the government royalty. This royalty collected makes up one sixth of the country's income, and one third of all foreign exchange earned. This is an important source of revenue for the Bhutanese people since all ...

... I am just gazing out of the window like a tourist and look into the King&#8217;s eyes, and he sees me and we exchange a royal glance. I nearly wave with excitement, but am told that it is not a done thing. Well I thought a royal wave would have been quite nice. <br><br>We finally arrive at Amankora, thimpu and ian says in a happy voice&#8217; Lets have lunch!&#8217; At this point all I wanted was to lie down hot and cold shivers and a streaming nose. Ian left for his meeting and I ...

... only because of the 5.30am wake up but also that we felt our time here was too brief. The 6 hour drive to the border town of Phuntesholing proved our belief about the rationality of Bhutanese truck drivers to be somewhat falacious, as this winding, perilously steep and land-slip prone glorified goat track of a road was the main trade route from India and trucks came hairing around the corners with little warning. There is nothing more sobering at 8am than to come around a corner to be ...

[I just uploaded a bunch of pics to my last post so please check those out as well!] So yesterday, Sangay and the driver (who's name I still don't know) drove me to the capital city, Thimphu, which is 1 ½ hrs away from Paro where there is the national airport. Thimphu has about 60,000 people and its surprisingly European in feel - the standard of living here is striking, particularly compared to India as well as my assumptions giving its historical isolation ...

... after my $3 a night places in India. The food, guide, driver and hotel are all included though I have to pay for drinks (not tea) as well as any souvenirs I get. The bed (at least last night!) was comfortable and warm with a heater. This was great as it gets pretty cold at night. The daytime is a pleasant crispness, and actually a little warm in the sunshine. I'm moving towards the central part of the country the day after tomorrow, but I don't think I ...

... from all corners of the kingdom to see the coronation of the king, and to offer him the traditional gift of a white silk scarf. Almost everyone looked extremely colourful in their outfits - quite a spectacle. Mixed amongst the locals were the odd cow, who seemed to cow and several dogs - all of which seem to roam the countryside freely. We lingered for a bit, getting some amazing photos and taking in the view of the palace courtyard, where ...

... a landing (having taken honours after the closure of Kai-Tak airport). I recall that the issue was with the cross winds that barreled through the narrow valley. In any case, we had a fine landing and I was very happy to be on land with no additional flight miles for at least 2 weeks! Paro is beautiful. The valley is lush and green, and the high altitude sun (with it's ultra high UV) was warm. This little airport gets very few arrivals, but ...

... the guide told me about trekking, and all I could think was, I need to save again as it sounds awesome !!! Back in Paro, we took a walk around after dinner. For a city with an international airport, it is so small. I love it !!! And Finally. I can't believe I'm here, it reminds me so much of Nepal, but smaller and no pollution and no drugs and no evil **** that it offers. Trust me, save your money and come, I've only been here less than a day and I'm sold !!!