My 2nd Visit - 21 April 2013
Great to be back to my spiritual land - Bhutan - With Insight Vacations
I was there during the Country's Council election on 24th April. It was conducted with integrity and carrying on the unique tradition of the wonderful Bhutanese spirit - Respect. However, I noted that there are rapid development just outside the Capital City of Thimphu and many of the new buildings do not have the unique Bhutanese Architecture which is a pity. Obviously like all countries, the challenge of the Bhutan Government is to keep pace with the expectation of the new generation of young Bhutanese. I pray that while they change to further improve life of the citizens, they continue to preserve and protect the unique culture and religion of the Kingdom. Best Wishes to His Majesty, His Holiness, His Excellency, His Eminence and all my Bhutanese friends
Touching down Paro airport is a real thrill as you witness the pilot maneuvers the aircraft between the mountains to land. Once in a lifetime experience and don't close your eyes
One of the most relaxing airports of arrival because each time only one arrival flight at Paro airport and immigration is easy as long as you have a valid visa.
Smokers have to declare and get a permit to smoke in the country.
Perfect destination for those who wish to quit smoking!
Placing a white Khata on arriving guests is a traditional Bhutanese welcome
A warm welcome by our Operator - Creative Travel of India.
Insight Vacations comfortable mini coach can accommodate 20 guests
View of Paro Airport
View of Paro Town
Great to be back at Ziwaling Hotel in Paro - the only Hotel in Bhutan built in complete
Bhutanese Architecture
A Khata welcome
April weather is perfect : 18 deg in the day and between 7 to 10 deg in the evening
The King and Queen of Bhutan- Always loved by the people of the country
Colourful Architecture even the staircase
Big and Comfortable room @ Ziwaling, Paro
Beautiful Architecture
Nice welcome dinner at Ziwaling Hotel - Beautiful setting
And yes - there is beer at Ziwaling Hotel - 8%
First stop, National Museum in Paro - Paparazzi in action
A colourful scarf is always useful in case the temperature drops and it also help brightens up the photo
Paro Dzong
Smoking is strictly not allowed with or without permit at the Dzongs in Bhutan
With little Monks at Paro Dzong.
Our guide SanChoi seems to be thinking - You are the guide or me!
Local Archery in action - Bhutan's National Sports
Enroute from Paro to Thimphu
A nunnery up the mountain enroute from Paro to Thimphu - Heavenly
Simply Magical
At Chelela - The highest point on Dantak Road enroute to Thimphu
Lunch at a local Farm house - you can't get this if you are on your own!
The Chef
Peach Flower Tree in full bloom
Arriving in the town of HAA
Bank of Bhutan in the town of HAA
And yes, there is ATM in the town of HAA
Local home
There is a 9-hole golf course for the military personnel
White Temple in HAA
Apple Trees
Heavenly scenery enroute from Paro to Thimphu
Dzong - town of HAA
Our hotel in Thimphu - The Taj Tashi Hotel - simply awesome
Beautiful room at Taj Tashi Hotel in Thimphu
Beautiful bathroom
Nice dining room of the Taj Tashi in Thimphu
Courtyard of the Taj Tashi in Thimphu
National Memorial Choeten
Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple in Thimphu
Local woman in Prostration
Visiting Bhutan's National Animal park - Takin
Goat head and Cow body - only found in Bhutan
View of the River View Hotel where we stayed in 2009
TrashichhoDzong Thimphu
Group Photo in Trashichho Dzong
The Parliament Building in Thimphu
View of Trashichho Dzong
For more details on Buddha Dordenma project - visit the official website
www.buddhadordenman.org
Zorig Chusun (Traditional Arts and Crafts Training School) Thimphu
Bought this from the Students - Great to support local arts
When we returned to our hotel for lunch, we learned that the King and Queen will
be lunching at the Taj Tashi in Thimphu. We had the great fortune of meeting
His & Her Royal Highnss - The King and Queen of Bhutan. No photos allowed.
Thimphu Town
The Only Round-about in the city
Locals shopping in town
Gala Dinner in Thimphu
Parodzongkhag - where two great rivers meet (Paro and Thimphu)
Gate to Thimphu
Crossing the Iron hanging Bridge
Return to the Kyichu Lhakhang (Miracle Temple) of Paro
Ruin Dzong of Paro
Fertility painting on the wall of Bhutanese Home
View of the mountain range from Paro Town
Paro Town
Interesting find in Paro Town- the Lasi Lemak and Lap Cheong Rice good as Singapore
Beautiful piece
Tiger's Nest
My 2nd Ascent to Tiger's Nest. First time was in 2009
Thank you for taking me up Tiger's Nest - Couldn't have made it without you
With Insight Vacations
Last Visit 17-23 April 2009
Checking in for flight KB 0121 to Paro - 18 April 2009
Guys having a chat onboard Druk Air
Arriving at Paro Airport
Druk Air
Paro Town
Miracle Temple in Paro
Buddha's fingers
Bhutan Institute of Media
With Prime Minister of Bhutan
Mr Lim Hun Joo, Country Manager of RHB Bank 
Children walking to school 
Bhutanese breakfast - Red Rice and Butter Tea
River View Hotel
With Thomas Ong
Bhutan Parliament Assemby Hall - Speak of Parliament podium
Perry Neo - Chairman of Dynasty Travel
With Bhutan Dy Protocol Officer
Visiting Buddha Statue Site in Thimphu
Zhingwaling hotel - Paro
Dinner with Prime Minister of Bhutan
Hun Joo, Prime Minister, His Eminence and Perry Neo
Tiger's Nest
Perry Neo & Younten, General Manager of our agent in Bhutan
His Eminence with the group
Visiting His Eminence
Bhutan Institute of Media
With Prime Minister of BhutanMr Lim Hun Joo, Country Manager of RHB Bank Children walking to school 
Bhutanese breakfast - Red Rice and Butter Tea 
River View Hotel With Thomas Ong
Bhutan Parliament Assemby Hall - Speak of Parliament podium 
Perry Neo - Chairman of Dynasty Travel With Bhutan Dy Protocol Officer Visiting Buddha Statue Site in Thimphu Zhingwaling hotel - Paro Dinner with Prime Minister of Bhutan Hun Joo, Prime Minister, His Eminence and Perry Neo Tiger's Nest Perry Neo & Younten, General Manager of our agent in Bhutan
His Eminence with the group
Visiting His Eminence
...Receiving blessings from His Eminence 
Bhutan Cordysep
Little Bhutanese girl
Cultural performance
Our Hotel in Thimphu
Thimphu Town
The only roundabout in Bhutan
Bye Bye Bhutan
Bhutan Cordysep Little Bhutanese girl Cultural performance Our Hotel in Thimphu Thimphu Town The only roundabout in Bhutan
Bye Bye Bhutan