Introduction and Day 1 - 23 June 2024, Sunday

INTRODUCTION

Bhutan, the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," never graced my travel wishlist. Yet, here I was, embarking on this dream vacation thanks to Priya and Rohan's meticulous planning. They orchestrated everything – coordinating with a trusted travel agent (Jigar), finding dates that suited everyone's schedule, and even consulting us occasionally. All we had to do was pack our bags and show up – a stress-free start to what promised to be an unforgettable trip.

DAY 1 - 23 JUNE 2024, SUNDAY
 

Our Bhutan adventure began with a pre-dawn scramble. To catch the 8:05 AM flight to Bagdogra, we opted for a 3:45 AM alarm and packed our bags the night before. However, the pre-booked Uber didn't arrive, so we resorted to two smaller vehicles and reached the Mumbai airport by 6:20 AM. After a quick coffee and a slightly delayed takeoff due to bad weather, we landed in Bagdogra around 11:30 AM.


Our driver met us at the airport and prepared us for a scenic, albeit lengthy, drive to Phuentsholing, the border town. The airport exit was bustling with tourist vehicles, reflecting the region's popularity. En route, we stopped for lunch at the charming K B Restaurant, adorned with beautiful handicrafts. With full bellies, we continued the journey, taking a tea break at the Yoho Tea Zone, boasting over 60 varieties of beverages.

 
 
 

The drive offered a glimpse into the region's infrastructure, with power stations built by NHPC and Power Grid lining the road. Lush tea gardens stretched endlessly on both sides, painting a picture of verdant beauty.

 
 
 

As we neared the border, the time zone shift became apparent – our phones jumped ahead by 30 minutes. Crossing into Bhutan, we entered as "casual visitors" without passport stamps. Relief washed over us as we reached Hotel Tashi Namgay Grand, where we settled into our rooms and enjoyed a relaxing dinner. The bathtubs in our bathrooms provided a welcome opportunity to unwind after the long journey.

 
 


Following a well-deserved rest, I delved into my customary vacation companion - my e book reader and started reading Agatha Christie's "The Man in the Brown Suit." After two chapters, I succumbed to the comfortable bed, setting an alarm for 5:45 AM the next day, eager to explore the wonders of Bhutan.

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