Four Hours in Phuentsholing
Saturday, April 2nd, 2005Yes, the title is correct. I spent just over three hours in Bhutan. Even with the inclusion of the day’s journey through India that took me to the border, it still won’t be a long entry, but A. My ‘blog entries are generally way to long anyway; B. I really wanted to have “Bhutan” as one of the categories in my blog; and C. I think it’s just so cool that I actually got to go there that I had to give it its own entry.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a tiny Buddhist monarchy sandwiched between two giants, China and India. Save for a few small sections around the edges, virtually all of the nation is mountainous, with several 7000m Himalayan peaks within its borders. Bhutan has something of a reputation for mystery, both because of its location and its official attitudes towards outsiders. Historically and, indeed, today, Bhutan has been a difficult place to visit. Even now that its borders are opened, strict controls are put on the number of tourists each year, and every one of them MUST be part of a government approved tour, all of which cost US$200/day or more. This insularity, as well as its beautiful mountain setting mean that its one of the most untouched, unspoilt corners of the himalayas, and indeed, the world.
All of this, of course, makes it an almost irresistable travel destination.
[read on]
Llew