DAY 2 - 24 JUNE 2024, MONDAY

A Morning Walk and Entering Bhutan

An early morning routine became the norm for the trip. After a quick wake-up at 5:50 AM and a refreshing cup of tea in our room, Geetha and I embarked on a brisk morning walk. The sun cast a warm glow as we captured selfies with the stunning backdrop. A rejuvenating bath and breakfast later, we were ready to officially enter Bhutan.




Our travel agent had arranged a comfortable Toyota HiAce for our journey. Birkha, our guide, introduced us to the driver who would be our companions for the next week. Immigration formalities took about half an hour, and with our passports stamped, we started our drive towards Thimpu, offering a quick prayer for a smooth journey.



Kharbandi Gumpha and Local Cuisine

Our first stop was Kharbandi Gumpha, perched atop a hill. Birkha's informative talk shed light on the site's history and the significance of the various stupas. The vantage point offered glimpses of bordering Indian territory. After a refreshing tea at a local restaurant, we continued our journey, stopping for a lunch that introduced us to Bhutanese cuisine (perhaps not yet a culinary highlight).





Foggy Ascents and Wankha Waterfall

The weather turned foggy and pleasantly cool as we climbed higher. This provided a welcome contrast to Mumbai's climate and offered a glimpse of Bhutan's diverse weather patterns, especially at higher altitudes. Our next stop was Wankha Waterfall, located right along the main road. Capturing photos required quick reflexes due to the constant traffic flow.

 
 


As we neared Thimpu, the increasing altitude brought a distinct change in climate. We even witnessed the confluence of two rivers along the way. A final tea break revitalized us for the final leg of the journey.



Reaching Thimpu and Winding Down

We arrived at Hotel Osel around 7 PM. After a quick change, we ventured into the marketplace seeking a taste of local life. However, with fatigue setting in from the long drive, we opted for a relaxing dinner at the hotel before retiring for the night. As for me, Agatha Christie continued to be my bedtime companion, and I delved into her novel for another 40 minutes before succumbing to sleep.




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