DAY 8 - 30 JUNE 2024, SUNDAY

A Flight Fiasco and a Hasty Return

Unlike the others, I don't recall when they finished watching the T20 World Cup finals. My sleep was interrupted by a WhatsApp call at 3:20 AM. It was Priya, urgently requesting a meeting of all family members in their room.

The news wasn't good. Our SpiceJet flight from Bagdogra to Mumbai had been canceled! Our travel agent needed our decision on alternate flights. Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 160-165 kilometers away with a driving time of at least 4 hours, presented two options:

Akasa Air: This direct flight to Mumbai at 11 AM meant an immediate departure from Phuentsholing, but vehicle availability was uncertain. By the time we confirmed, the flight was full.

Indigo: This 3 PM flight had a 2.5-hour layover in Chennai, with the connecting flight reaching Mumbai around 10 PM. Reaching Bagdogra on time was crucial, but the travel agent assured us a vehicle would be arranged.

Given the uncertainty, we decided to rest until 7 AM, shower, have breakfast, and be ready for departure to reach Bagdogra for the 3 PM flight.

A Hectic Departure and Customs Clearance

After breakfast, we boarded the vehicle and headed to immigration to revert our casual visitor status in Bhutan. Now, we had to clear Indian customs, which meant baggage screening and reloading on the other side (officially within India).

 
 

 




The drive to Bagdogra was a straight shot with only a tea break. We opted to skip lunch and reach the airport in time for a possible airport meal.






Unexpected Reunion and Delayed Flights

Upon reaching Bagdogra Airport, we checked in our luggage, cleared security, and boarded the first leg to Chennai. Skipping lunch earlier, we headed straight for a combined lunch-snack-dinner at the Chennai airport cafeteria, followed by strong coffee. While waiting at the boarding gate, we met a close family we'd recently connected with. Time flew by as we caught up, despite announcements about our flight being delayed. Finally, the boarding call arrived.






Homeward Bound and Packing for the Next Journey

After a safe flight, we reached home a little past midnight. However, the travel whirlwind wasn't over for Rohan, who had a 6 AM flight to Bengaluru the next day, requiring a 4 AM airport departure.

Bhutan: An Unforgettable Experience

Thus concluded our Bhutan trip, an adventure filled with memories we'll cherish forever.

About the Author

But the story isn't quite over. In the next chapter, I'll try to share some observations for future Bhutan travelers, hoping to make their journeys smoother.

Comments

  1. RameshJuly 7, 2024 at 4:21 AM

    Thanks for this beautiful account. As usual very well detailed. Definitely This is my reference for my travel soon

    ReplyDelete

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