Who: Barbara and Ernie Werren of Silverthorne
Where: Taktsang Monastery, also known as “Tiger’s Nest,” near Paro. Many people have never even heard of this tiny Himalayan kingdom, bordered on the north by Tibet and on the west and south by India. A visit to this unspoiled little country is like going back in time. Unique architecture, a Buddhist culture, sparkling mountain views and friendly people unspoiled by tourism make this country a delight to visit. Our best day was the day we hiked to this monastery, a 2,000-foot climb. Why was the monastery placed on this precipitous cliff? Because the Prophet who decided to build it there in the 1600s rode down to this spot on the back of a tiger. Well, anything is possible!
Best meal: The Hotel Olathang in Paro was built in 1974 for guests coming to the coronation of Bhutan’s present king. A delicious, traditional buffet served there gives a good taste of Bhutanese cuisine. Although hot chilis are part of the scene, some dishes are toned down for Western tastes.
Best deal: Beautiful woven fabrics and traditional paintings are the best souvenirs to purchase in Bhutan. Kira, the traditional dress of women in Bhutan, has yards of hand-woven fabric.
Best time to go: We went the last week of October, after the rainy season and generally considered to be the best time to visit Himalayan countries. We had perfect weather – temperatures in the 60s and 70s and no rain.
Best travel tip: You can’t visit Bhutan without being part of a group, or as independent travelers without hiring a car, driver and guide. We went on a weeklong pretrip extension of an Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) trip to India. The trip went first to New Dehli for a couple of days, then flew to Paro. The flights to and from Bhutan provided the most amazing views of Mount Everest and many others. We have found OAT a fine company that provides small group travel (16 max) to exotic destinations. Airfare is always included in the price, as well as excellent opportunities to meet and mingle with the people. We feel they give good value, comfortable accommodations and great cultural experiences. Contact OAT at 800-955-1925 or visit the website oattravel.com.
