Rinchen Ling Lodge Paro

... all
Bhutanese people, and runs in parallel to modern medicine in all
district head quarter. Here you will have exclusive privilege of
talking to a renowned traditional healer. Visit Trashicho Dzong Also
know as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, it was initially built in
1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk
in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the
throne room of His Majesty ...

... there was a deep chasm in between. The trail
led down towards a waterfall and then up to the monastery itself.

Inside the moerstery we had to leave all our bags and
cameras but we were allowed into 5 of the sacred temples and altars rooms
inside the monastery inside one of them was a door covering the sacred cave
where guru Rinpoche meditated and is only opened once a year, another contained
a trapdoor which led to another cave where he also meditated ...

... introduced to some man who shook my hand and said thank you???Bizarre! and then into another room where a lady scribbled something on a piece of paper and then gave it an official stamp and my visit was over. I had been Okayed.

We went back to the van, and driven back into the main high street of Paro, as you can see not much to write home about, though the decorative architecture was beautiful and returned to Amankora Paro in time for lunch.

After ...

... 2 lane highway was both a source of pride for the Bhutanese and a relief from the bumpiness of the narrower, bumpier roads for Jeremy. By that afternoon, with the sun setting behind the mountains, we realised that our decision back in Kochi to send home some of our warmer gear was, perhaps, slightly over-enthusiastic. It got cold. About 2 degrees cold. The following day, we hiked up to the Tango monastery out of town where it began to hail, which was quite beautiful as it was soft ...

Immersion in local culture and life has been so easy with Tsetan's gentle and thoughtful guidance. Not only did we saunter by rows of marketeers selling local produce but we sniffed touched and even tasted unique items. The names of most have quickly faded but the vibrant colours and jolly traders remain. Goods were weighed in hand held balances often with stones for the weights. There was no meat produce on sale and ...

... loved to have taken a photo of her. He kindly went into the café and asked her if it would be OK for me to take a pic. She accepted (and didn't even consider a donation as gratitude) and I have this terrific shot of her in her traditional Layabs clothing. It's the garb commonly found in rural Northeastern Bhutan. Sangay said she was in Thimphu to go to the hospital since she wasn't feeling well. What else... It seems the Bhutanese also take advantage of their ...

... 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 ...

... These cabins lined the river that ran into Paro, and the courtyard had a nice lake and garden. Once settled in our cabin, we made for the National Museum (which was closed today), and a tour of the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Fortress), a massive stone and wood building built in 1645 to defend Paro valley. It is now a monastery. We were able to tour the inner courtyard and parts of the monastery, which is quite impressive. The smoothed wooden ...

... 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 !!!

Finally, I got to Bhutan! I was still expecting Irene to turn out and surprise me at my hotel in Paro, but instead I was surprised to see a very handsome young man dress in a black goh (local costume for man) waiting for me at my cheap hotel in Jaigon! Wow! I was even more surprised when he took my hands and said he was my guide because I was supposed to meet him at the border. What a good start! The goh is what I liked the most in Bhutan. I love this national ...