Thimphu: the capital of all capitals

Being Bhutan’s major city, there is a lot more movement going on, and naturally there are more sights to see. When we were there we were lucky enough to join one of the greatest festivals in Bhutan at the Tashichho Dzong. As I mentioned before, these festivities are an amazing experience. Days filled with coloured clothing, music, dancing and laughter. Young and old, high abbots and woodworkers all come together to enjoy the stories of their history translated in expressive movements and songs.

Like every respectable capital city, Thimphu has a few universities. But the one that captured my attention the most was the Tango University. A little while outside the centre, on top of another hill, monks study Buddhism. Once again there is some karma building involved when visiting this little campus, as it is quite a climb.

Recently the monks have renewed the path and added signs with parts of the Dharmasala in English, which make the walk very enjoyable. An inspiring talk with one of the students or teachers will give you a little insight into this vast religion and will give you enough material to think about for the hike downhill.

One last thing you cannot miss on your trip to the capital is the Buddha Dordenma; the Giant Golden Buddha. On top of another hill, this time accessible by car, sits a serenely smiling Buddha gleaming in the sunlight. When we were in Thimphu (about a year ago), they were still working hard to put the finishing touches tot he surroundings. But apart from the obvious signs of construction, there is a great view of the valley of Thimphu.

As you leave the capital you will most probably make a stop-over at the Dochhu La Pass. On this pass there are three must-sees.

First of all, the queen placed 108 stupa's here in a spiral as a memorial for the bloody battle that took place there. Then there is also a temple a little further with incredible artwork depicting Gautama Buddha's life with beautiful colours and details.

And if you're dubble lucky you'll see the third sight: the view. If it isn't too cloudy you'll be able to spot the tips of the Himalayas in the distance. I say double lucky because we past the pass twice and never saw Mount Everest. The first time it was cloudy where we where standing, and the second time the clouds hung over the mountains. So, good luck and you should in any case give it a try.

Stay tuned for more Bhutanese adventures...

Tweenie xo

Paro: entering the dragon’s layer

You will most probably initiate your trip in Paro, where the true adventure begins in the airplane. Entering the country via Kathmandu you will have an amazing view over the snowy tops of the Himalaya (if it isn’t too cloudy of course). Smoothly soaring in between the Bhutanese hills you’ll spot a small runway up ahead, not much wider or longer than the road running next to it. A regular pilot could never land on this runway with ease. But you’re dealing with the best pilots in the world here, so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Paro is a great gateway to the country. Being the second largest city, it’s the perfect combination of both city and rural life. And of course it has lots more to offer than just an exciting entrance.

In the city centre sights like the national history museum and the first of many Dzongs will catch your eye. A Dzong, which is Dzongka for ‘fort’ is now split into part temple and part government’s office. In it’s own way it symbolises the perfect harmony between religion and politics realised here.

The main attraction however lays a little outside of the city, about an hours drive away. The Tiger’s Nest is built into the rocks at the peaks of a soaring hill. So, to reach it, you should prepare yourself for an hours climb. Half way through you can drink some tea, eat some cookies and enjoy the spectacular view of the nearing temple. There is a possibility to ride a donkey all the way up, but if you’re looking for some good karma, then I suggest you rely on your own strength.

When you finally get up close, you will understand why the Tiger’s Nest is considered Bhutan’s crown jewel. The legend goes that one of Guru Rinpoche’s manifestations flew to this rock formation on the back of a tiger to find solitude for meditation. At that time his face was visible on the rocks of the cave he meditated in for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days. Buddhist believe that Guru Rinpoche’s face has gradually faded away over the years because visitors have degraded the spiritual value by disgracing the surrounding environment.

Once in the temple you soak in all the holiness and take a rest from your climb while enjoying the great view.

On your way down there is an opportunity to have lunch halfway and appreciate the last glances of the temple.

Stay tuned for a trip to the capital...

Lots of love

Tweenie xo

Happiness is a place

In a country where people are always smiling, the nature is always blooming and the culture is forever treasured, it is hard not to believe in national happiness. For our Western communities, general happiness seems a utopia, while the Dragon Kingdom has long understood that it is simply a way of life. For one I believe the Buddhist philosophy has a great deal to do with this seemingly simple bliss. Like Bhutan, Tibet knew this perfect content before the storm came. Bhutan has not known such an intrusive invasion; it has been clinging on to their seclusion for dear life, which has secured their sacredness.

Naturally this treasure is heavily guarded with tourist regulations. As Bhutan is not a top-10 holiday destination (yet), it does not know the same amount of facilities to house a large number of tourists. There is not yet a big range of suitable hotels, guides, … By suitable, I do mean by Western standards, as most hotels are very much up to scratch. The government is also working hard to improve all the needed infrastructures to allow a bigger tourist industry.

Visitors are obligated to pay a tourist taxation of $250 per day, per person (slightly differing during high or low season). Now, before you decide this is a ridiculous cost and you most definitely will not be going, I ask you to sit tightly and hear me out. This is definitely a cost you will be willing to pay for a little bit of paradise. You simply need to know all the small hacks if you will, and that is what I am here for.

These $250 includes everything you will need during your stay; transport, all meals, hotels, a guide, entrance fees, travel arrangements and an eternal smile. This guide is another requirement by the government, which is very handy. With such a vast and unique history, you will need someone to guide you through it.

This all means you’ll be travelling with a travel agency. I advise you to pick a Bhutanese one, as to get the true feeling, to encourage their local economy and to be sure that you won’t be over charged. My family and I chose Simply Bhutan (www.simplybhutan.com), run by a lovely lady named Karma. The great thing about Karma is that she made an itinerary according to our needs. If you want your visit to be primarily religious, you’ll be seeing A LOT of temples. If you want to enjoy the kingdom’s nature, you’ll probably be doing a lot of hiking. You name it, and she’ll do her best (within the possible) to make it happen. We had three weeks of temples, culture, a little bit of hiking and many hours of bumpy bus rides.

Seeing as Bhutan only has one highway, which’ condition is comparable to an off-road farm path; we travelled from west to east and back again. But even for this little setback there is a solution, which will cut your travel time in half.  You would enter the country the conventional way (by airplane in the West), but you would leave the country by car in the south-east (via Phuentsholing) where you will fly out in West-Bengal. For further information you can always contact Simply Bhutan, who can organise this kind of trip.

As for any trip, local food is a very important part. The Bhutanese like it hot, VERY hot. Their main dish consists of chilli with cheese. But don’t be fooled by the cheese, because it doesn’t soften the spiciness. The local cooks will do their utmost best though to cook Western food with local ingredients, which is much more digestible for our fragile stomachs.  The flavours much resemble Indian influences. One of my personal favourite Bhutanese food rituals is tea with cookies served everyday in the hotels. However, you should really try their chilli, as it is their pride and joy.

Finally I would encourage all of you still considering a trip to this awe-some country, to go during Festival season. These festivals are quite a unique experience, which is even registered as a World Heritage by UNESCO.  Bhutanese love their festivals, so there are plenty of chances to experience these festivities. The most festivals do occur at the end of the year (western calendar). So you should definitely ask your travel agency to plan in a festival. For the full Bhutanese experience you can even go in traditional attire, which is a big part of the Festival happening.

That was my introduction to the Beautiful Bhutan. Stay tuned for more on the Dragon Kingdom…

Lots of love,

Tweenie xo

There is a whole world out there...

There’s a whole world out there, and I’m going to explore it, country by country. I had some of the best life and other experiences abroad. So this is my way of sharing my adventures with the world, hoping that others can find the wonders of the world. I hope to infect those who have not yet been stung by the travel bug, to show them how enjoyable travelling can be with a few guidelines. I hope to encourage those who have already seen many wonders, to keep on looking and to continue to be marvelled by our beautiful planet. But most of all I wish each and every one of you, all the peace, love and happiness in the world.

Moreover, I am always available for questions about any destination. You can contact me on my e-mail address: katrien_dirix@usa.net. Or you can send me a message via Facebook Katrien Dirix. I am glad to help you with any travel troubles.

Lots of  Love,

Tweenie xo