Bhutan - Lindsay Brown [6]
Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is based on a TV program that followed Joanna Lumley as she traced the trek her grandfather, Lt Col JLR Weir, took through Bhutan in 1931. The book is illustrated, conversational and informative.
A Baby in a Backpack to Bhutan by Bunty Avieson is her detailed account of spending time in Bhutan with her film-producer partner and their new-born baby. It’s a light read, relaying enlightening personal encounters while revealing national characteristics.
Sikhim and Bhutan, Twenty-one Years on the North-east Frontier by J Claude White describes with remarkably detailed observation White’s 1905 expedition to Bhutan to present the insignia of Knight Commander of the Indian Empire to Sir Ugyen Wangchuck. The book is accessible, despite its vintage.
Political Missions to Bootan by Ashley Eden is a pompous Victorian account of the history of Bhutan. Eden disliked the people and their habits intensely, and after reading a few pages you’ll have a better idea of why Eden was treated so badly by the penlop (governor) of Trongsa when he arrived in Punakha.
Lands of the Thunderbolt by the Earl of Ronaldshay is one of the most readable accounts of a British expedition to Bhutan. The earl’s full name was Lawrence John Lumley Dundas, Marquis of Zetland. He was president of the Royal Geographic Society from 1922 to 1925.
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INTERNET RESOURCES
The World Wide Web is a rich resource for travellers. You can research your trip, hunt down bargain air fares, book hotels, check on weather conditions or chat with locals and other travellers about the best places to visit (or avoid).
Bhutan Portal (www.bhutan.gov.bt) The official government site, with numerous links.
Bhutan Studies (www.bhutanstudies.org.bt) The official cultural website.
Department of Tourism (www.tourism.gov.bt) For the latest on travel regulations, fees and a list of approved Bhutanese tour operators.
Druk Air (www.drukair.com.bt) Bhutan’s national airline.
Kuensel (www.kuenselonline.com) Bhutan’s national newspaper.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) What better place to start exploring.
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Itineraries
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CLASSIC ROUTES
FOUR DAYS
SEVEN DAYS
TEN DAYS
ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
THE EAST
TAILORED TRIPS
FESTIVALS
TREKKING
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CLASSIC ROUTES
FOUR DAYS
With just four days you should count on two full days in picturesque Paro, visiting Paro Dzong and the National Museum. On the second day, hike up to the dramatic Tiger’s Nest at Taktshang Goemba and visit lovely Kyichu Lhakhang. After lunch make the two- to three-hour drive to Thimphu, stopping at the charming Tamchhog Lhakhang en route. Alternatively, move the hike to your last day, when you should be better acclimatised.
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If you have limited time or money, you can get a good impression of Bhutan in just four days by concentrating on Thimphu and Paro. Try to arrange to be in Thimphu on a Saturday or Sunday to see the weekend market and avoid Paro on Monday, when the National Museum is closed.
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On day three you could just about squeeze in a long day trip over the Dochu La to Punakha but you’re better off budgeting an extra day for this. The Punakha Dzong is probably the most beautiful in the country. In October and November it’s worth getting up before dawn to see the Himalayan views from the pass. In March, budget an hour to walk through the gorgeous rhododendron forests above the pass. On the way back to Thimphu pop into the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, the chapel of the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley.
Day four is in Thimphu. Go to the weekend market and visit Cheri or Tango goembas in the upper Thimphu valley. If handicrafts are your thing, hit the Textile Museum and National Institute of Zorig Chusum. Late in the afternoon drive back to Paro; most flights depart early in the morning.
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