Bhutan (The
Land of Thunder Dragon) is no ordinary place. Bhutan is one of the world’s most
unusual countries. It is the only country which has been independent throughout its history, never
conquered, occupied, or governed by an outside power. The kingdom of Bhutan
lies to the north east of India and is situated between west Bengal on the
south, Tibet on north, Sikkim on the west and Arunachal Pradesh on the east. It has very high mountains, fertile
valleys and thick forest forests. This is a country where buying cigarettes is
illegal.
Indians do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. A permit is
required to enter Bhutan and can be obtained from the border of Bhutan. They
require you to present either an Election voter ID card, Driving license or passport.
Indians carry at least eight passport photos and eight photocopies of ID card.
And after receiving your permit you can go through public transport bus for the
very rough and bumpy something around 148 km road to pheuntsholing. On the way
you will pass the Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary and various tea and bamboo
plantations. And after crossing a huge wooden arch which separates the border
and after entering in to Bhutan you will fill Bhutan like as a magical fantasy
land.
In Bhutan the walls of the hotels cheerfully paints with
various signs and symbols related Buddhism and Bhutan including the auspicious
and friendly Bhutanese dragons. Bhutanese affiliation for color is event in the
multi-colored walls and roofs of building and monasteries. In Bhutan the women
wear ‘Kira’ a long overlapping, tight cloak up to the ankle, with a wide sash
fastened at the shoulder by a silver broach. The languages spoken are Dzonkha,
Hindi and some speaks very good English. Education and medication are free and
hospitals are well maintained and it is advisable to carry your personal
medication. The ancient capital of Bhutan is the Punakha and located at a
height of 5,000 ft. There are many attractive places to visit like as a Bumthang,
Jakar, Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu etc. Paro is colder than Thimphu and it is a
very beautiful place with the hotel consisting of small cottages located at Satsum
Chortled, overlooking famous Tiger Top Monastery. The beautiful flowers and
birds the winding Paro River, the green rice fields and the entire area surrounded
by fog-covered mountains makes it a paradise on the earth. The Drukgyel Dzong
which is situated in Paro and it is a monastery to commemorate the victory of
the Bhutanese over the Tibetans. From the Dzong you can see mount Chomolhari’s
peak, the highest in Bhutan (24,000 ft.) and a gateway to Tibet. Chillela pass
is located 33km away at the height of 11,964 ft. The Chillela pass divides Paro
village and Haa village, from where can go to Tibet on foot. There is a bus
till Haa but a separate permit is required. The Paro Museum is open on all days.
It contains several photos of the Bhutanese kings and their
dynasties, a huge collection of Bhutanese stamps, majestic `thankas', hats,
swords, dresses, silver and copper vessels. And many more happens and
attractions to see in Bhutan. Here you can observe how the country is
seeking to merge new practices within its rich traditions. Although knowledge of prehistoric
Bhutan has yet to emerge through archaeological study, stone tools and weapons,
remnants of large stone structures, and megaliths that may have been used for
boundary markers
